The Haunting of the Old Bernalillo County Courthouse

Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, New Mexico

Photo: Wikimedia

In the heart of downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, the historic Bernalillo County Courthouse stands as a reminder of the region’s turbulent frontier past. Built in 1926, the courthouse once served as the center of law and justice for Bernalillo County during a time when the American Southwest was still developing into the cities we recognize today.

The courthouse replaced earlier county buildings that had struggled to keep up with the growing population of Albuquerque during the early twentieth century. Designed in the Pueblo Revival architectural style, the structure reflected New Mexico’s unique blend of Spanish, Native American, and American cultural influences. With thick adobe-style walls and traditional design elements, the building quickly became one of the most recognizable government structures in the city.

For decades the courthouse handled criminal trials, civil disputes, and countless legal proceedings. Judges, lawyers, juries, prisoners, and citizens passed through its doors daily as the justice system operated within its walls. During those years the building also housed jail facilities where suspects and convicted criminals were held while awaiting trial or sentencing.

Like many courthouses that served frontier communities, the building witnessed its share of violence and tragedy. The early decades of Albuquerque were marked by crimes, heated court cases, and intense public trials. Some prisoners spent long periods confined within the courthouse jail, while others faced harsh sentences handed down by the courts.

Over time, stories began circulating among courthouse workers and security staff about strange occurrences within the historic structure. Some employees reported hearing unexplained footsteps echoing through empty hallways late at night after the building had closed. Others described the sensation of someone standing behind them when no one else was present.

One frequently shared story involves the sound of doors opening and closing in locked areas of the courthouse. Maintenance workers have occasionally reported that lights flicker in certain rooms or that office doors appear slightly ajar after being locked earlier in the evening.

Security personnel working overnight shifts have sometimes mentioned seeing shadowy figures moving briefly through corridors before disappearing around corners. In several cases, guards checking the building found no one present where the figure had been seen.

Some believe these unexplained events may be tied to the courthouse’s long history of emotional and intense trials. Buildings where major life decisions are made—where freedom, punishment, and justice are determined—often carry a heavy atmosphere that lingers long after the events themselves have passed.

Skeptics suggest that the building’s age and architecture may easily explain many of the reported experiences. Large historic structures often produce unusual echoes, drafts, and sounds as materials expand and contract. Quiet nighttime environments can make ordinary noises seem far more mysterious than they truly are.

Still, those who have spent time inside the old courthouse after dark sometimes describe a lingering sense that the building holds more than just legal history. Whether the stories represent imagination, folklore, or something more difficult to explain, the courthouse remains one of Albuquerque’s most intriguing historic landmarks.

Today the old Bernalillo County Courthouse is preserved as a historic building and is part of Albuquerque’s cultural and civic district. Visitors walking through downtown may pass by the structure without realizing the many stories that unfolded within its walls during nearly a century of service to the city.

Yet for those familiar with its history, the building stands as a quiet reminder that places where justice was once decided sometimes leave echoes behind.

Visitor Information:
Old Bernalillo County Courthouse
One Civic Plaza NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102

The courthouse building sits within Albuquerque’s civic district near government offices and public spaces. Visitors exploring the historic downtown area can view the exterior of the building while learning about its role in the early legal history of Bernalillo County.

The Haunting of the Saint James Hotel

Saint James Hotel & Saloon– Colfax County, Cimarron, New Mexico

Photograph ©SW Ghost Hunters Association

Nestled in the historical tapestry of American architecture, the Saint James Hotel stands as a testament to the Victorian-Western era, a relic of opulent charm and intriguing tales that echo through its halls. Constructed in 1880 by the skilled hands of Henn Lambert, a former culinary artisan for none other than General Grant and President Lincoln, the hotel's foundation is steeped in the rich history of the United States.

During the nascent years of the Saint James Hotel, it became a magnet for luminaries of American history, playing host to the likes of Annie Oakley, Buffalo Bill, General Sheridan, Zane Grey, and the legendary Bat Masterson. Yet, amidst the glamour of its celebrated guests, the hotel also witnessed the less savory side of the era, with notorious troublemakers bringing gunfights, brawls, and even killings to its doorsteps. These tumultuous events may well be the origin of the lingering hauntings that persist within the hotel's walls, casting a spectral veil over its storied past.

As the shadows of time dance through the corridors of the Saint James Hotel, numerous spirits have chosen to linger, their ethereal presence weaving a paranormal tapestry that continues to captivate visitors:

The lingering spirit of Mary Lambert, the wife of the hotel's creator, is said to manifest through the sudden appearance of a strong scent of perfume in hallways and second-floor guest rooms. Guests who have occupied Mary's former abode report hearing mysterious taps and bangs on the window, only to have the disturbances cease once the window is closed.

In the downstairs bar area, the apparition of Johnnie Lambert, the 2-1/2-year-old son of Henn and Mary Lambert, is said to frolic during the night, leaving behind the sound of tiny footsteps. Little Johnnie is believed to share his spectral playtime with two young phantom companions, girls who succumbed to diphtheria in the late eighteenth century.

A mischievous old man, described as "gnome-like," delights in playing pranks on the living. From appearing suddenly in the dining room to causing a knife to fly into the kitchen and landing precisely between the hotel owners, this specter is also implicated in the mysterious cracking of glass lampshades and the inexplicable relocation of objects.

Room 18 of the hotel is said to be haunted by the spirit of T. James Wright, a deceased card player whose malevolent presence allegedly knocks people down and sets the chandelier spinning when unwanted guests enter. Due to the hostile nature of this spirit, the room has been locked and off-limits to the public, furnished with a card table, cards, and a bottle of Jack Daniels in an attempt to appease the restless soul.

While several other seemingly harmless and friendly apparitions have been sighted throughout the Saint James Hotel, paranormal enthusiasts and psychics have flocked to the establishment, each unearthing intriguing findings. Today, the hotel remains a hotspot for reports of unexplained phenomena, ensuring that its spectral allure will endure for generations to come.

Address:
617 South Collison Avenue
Cimarron, New Mexico 87714
(505) 376-2664
(866) 472-5019

The Haunting of the La Posada Resort

La Posada Resort – Santa Fe County, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Photograph ©Jim

In 1882, Abraham Staab and his wife, Julie, built their home here; this original house is now part of the La Posada Resort. Julie gave birth to seven children during her lifetime, however, the last of these children died at birth. This tragedy devastated Julie and sent her into a downward spiral of depression and isolation. Julie took to her bed and stayed there until her death in 1896. Today, it is believed that the house is still occupied by Julie Staab’s apparition.

In room 256, Julie’s former bedroom, is where most of the activity occurs. Many guests who have stayed in this room have reported that sometime during the night, someone filled the bathtub with water. Julie’s apparition was also spotted by a chimney cleaner while he was outside; he claimed that he looked over at the window and saw a woman in period clothing looking at him through the curtains. This worker recognized the woman from a painting that hangs in the drawing room.

Julie’s apparition has also been seen gliding down the grand staircase, as well as, sitting quietly in the restaurant area. Many who have not seen this gentle spirit have claimed that they felt her presence or experienced fleeting, unexplainable cold spots.

Address:
330 East Palace Avenue
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
(505) 986-0000
(866) 331-ROCK

The Haunting of The Lodge Resort, Spa and Saloon

The Lodge – Otero County, Cloudcroft, New Mexico

Photograph ©Heather Shade

Address:
1 Corona Place
Cloudcroft, New Mexico 88317
(505) 682-2566
Website

Originally, the Lodge Resort was built in 1899 for use of the timber cutters who worked on the Railroad. In 1906, the Lodge was opened to the public and in 1911 it was fully restored after an extremely destructive fire took place. Since those early days, the Lodge has served many guests, including Judy Garland, Clark Gable and every one of New Mexico’s Governors.

Today the Lodge is claimed to be haunted by the spirit of a woman named Rebecca. This young woman worked for the Lodge in the early nineteenth century and did a little work as a prostitute on the side. Rebecca, like the other employees of that time, lived in one of the rooms in the basement of the Lodge. It was in this room where Rebecca was murdered by her lover who caught her in bed with another man (or possibly a client). It was right after Rebecca’s death that the hauntings at the Lodge began and the paranormal activity has occurred there ever since.

Rebecca’s apparition has been reportedly seen by many guests, as well as employees and she is usually described as having long red hair, blue eyes and period clothing. One guest said he heard an odd scratching sound coming from the hallway outside of his room. When the man cracked open his door to investigate, he saw Rebecca rearranging some flowers that were placed in the hallway. Another unsuspecting guest walked into his guest bathroom to shower and found the semi-transparent Rebecca reclining lazily in his bathtub before she quickly disappeared!

In the Saloon, located in the basement of the Lodge, Rebecca has been seen in the mirror at the bar. When the bartender turns around to serve the pretty young woman, she is gone. Also in the bar area, Rebecca is claimed to take beverages that were served to living guests, leave antique poker chips lying on the floor and play loud music that causes complaints from guests who were sleeping upstairs.

The mischievous spirit of Rebecca is also thought to have fun with guests and employees by flushing toilets, shattering glasses, flickering lights, calling the front desk from empty rooms, turning on guests lights in the middle of the night, lying down in the beds beside of guests, moving guests items from their rooms, opening and closing doors, locking doors and playing with electronic gadgets.

The paranormal reports at the Lodge pour in almost every day. Some guests even return to the hotel just to experience the activity there and Rebecca seldom disappoints them. This spirited lady, no pun intended, seems to have made the Lodge her home and doesn’t give any indication of checking out anytime soon.