Well, it’s official. I have now stayed (in a room ALONE might I add) at a haunted hotel. Wondering what crazy thought entered my head to make me do so? Don’t worry I’m not crazy. OK…so maybe I am crazy but I would never purposely choice to stay in a haunted hotel by myself. Or with anyone for that matter. Not this chick. I did not choose the hotel or even know it was haunted until after we checked in thanks to my wonderful co-worker, who did know the hotel was haunted (more like a place to house the next Casper reunion) and decided to book it for our team planning trip anyway.
This place is legit haunted. I’m talking ghost hunters visit this hotel all the time for fun to record paranormal activity. That’s the kind of haunted we are talking about just so we are all on the same page. Don’t believe me? Just google Sheraton Reed Chattanooga and you we get over two dozen articles of the crazy paranormal stuff that has gone on in this hotel.
Although there are many stories out there floating the web the story that we were told was that the hotel was opened in 1847 and was known as the Crutchfield House. The room that is the most haunted is 311 (although the entire hotel is haunted and guests often see images in mirrors and hear strange voices throughout the ballrooms and other hotel rooms). The hotel burned down in 1867 but apparently the ghost returned to the same room (room 311) after the hotel was rebuilt. The legend says that a Union Civil War soldier was staying in the room. The absence of female companionship was beginning to be too much for the young man so he decided to hire a prostitute. All apparently did not go well and the the solider ended up killing her. No one knows why….whatever the case she was brutally murdered by the young man. Since Union forces controlled the hotel he was never punished for the crime.
In the 135 years since many visitors have seen bizarre apparitions and heard sounds coming from Room 311. It is actually hotel policy to not use this room unless no others are available or unless the room is requested (which surprising enough happens often for real ghost hunters). Many of those who have requested it have not made it through the night and have checked out several hours after checking in, too frightened to stay in the room any longer.
If you are still skeptical check out this video of images one family saw while staying at the hotel. Talk about creepy.
Thankfully we made it out without to much craziness. I was in room 409 so I was thankful for that, but one of my coworkers who stayed in room 313 had a strange call in the middle of the not with nothing but breathing on the other end…everyone the next day swore that they had not been pranking her…was it a haunted call or a PR stunt the hotel does to increase talk about the hotel? I guess we will never know.
I would love to get my readers thoughts on ghosts and paranormal activity. Ever stayed somewhere haunted? What are your thoughts of ghosts?
As a Christian I absolutely believe in spirits beings- both good and bad. The Bible teaches very clearly that there are indeed spirit beings who can connect with and appear in our physical world. The Bible identifies these beings as good and bad angels. Angels are spirit beings who are faithful in serving God. Angels are righteous, good, and holy. Bad angels, or demons as they are often referred to as, are fallen angels, angels who rebelled against God. Demons are evil, deceptive, and destructive. According to 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, demons masquerade as “angels of light” and as “servants of righteousness.” Appearing as a “ghost” and impersonating a deceased human being definitely seem to be within the power and abilities that demons possess.
The closest biblical example of a “haunting” is found in Mark 5:1-20. A legion of demons possessed a man and used the man to haunt a graveyard. There were no ghosts involved. It was a case of a normal person being controlled by demons to terrorize the people of that area. Demons seek to “kill, steal, and destroy” (John 10:10). They will do anything within their power to deceive people, to lead people away from God. This is very likely the explanation of “ghostly” activity today.
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing at Wow. I do ask that you add a link or button in your post just in case someone would like to find the party and join in. Thanks.