Dash Beardsley Top Ten Most Haunted List

Story By Benoit Christian Leblanc

The Lone Star State is haunted and Galveston,Texas is the shinning star. In recent months Professional and weekend Ghost Hunters from all of the 50 states have converged on the small haunted island of Galveston, Texas seeking out none other then the Ghostman himself Dash Beardsley. Some even call it "The Best Little Ghost Tour in Texas!"

Dash (THE REAL GHOST MAN OF GALVESTON, TEXAS) is the Founder and Ghost tour guide supreme of Ghost Tours of Galveston and the local authority on many hauntings and paranormal hot spots in this sleepy little Paranormal Texas town. Galveston's ghost Tours was Founded in 1999, this Ghost Tour of Galveston, IS Galveston Island's first, foremost, Best and original haunted historical walking tour. This unique two hour tour combines history, mystery, ghost stories and legends taking you on a journey into haunted cities richly unknown past. The Great Storm of 1900 hurricane and the American Civil War Battle Of Galveston have left their rich haunted mark stained upon the white beaches of the Gulf of Mexico's shores. And only Dash knows personally the many legends and tales and ghost stories that any Ghost Hunter would need to know to start an investigation.

THE REAL GHOST MAN OF GALVESTON, TEXAS

Also see: 20 QUESTIONS WITH Dash Beardsley

Galveston, Texas is as many call it the Haunted hub, or Paranormal central to all of Haunted Texas. Founded in 1836, Galveston has a history as old and phantom-filled as the entire state of Texas. Tales of pirates and civil war soldiers, of drowned victims of the Great Storm of 1900 that still wander the Galveston streets looking for home. These are but a few of the phantoms and lost spirits of the Lone Star State and of Haunted Galveston.

Dash Beardsley's Top Ten Most Haunted Places In Galveston, Texas To See A Real Ghost!

Galveston Island has had more haunted history than any other small town in America ranking high besides New Orleans and Gettysburg. With a dark haunted past that stretches back to pre-Colonial times and a Civil War legacy and the Great Storm of 1900, it is no wonder that Galveston, Texas has been called one of the most haunted city, per capita, in the entire United States.

1. Bishop's Palace

Formerly known as the The Gresham House it was built from 1887-1892 and designed by N.J. Clayton and Company as a residential home for Walter Gresham at a cost of US$125,000.00.

This is Galveston’s grandest and best-known Paranormal and photographed building, the Bishop’s Palace is located at 1402 Broadway. It is an ornate building of colored stone, intricately carved ornaments, rare woods, stained-glass windows, bronze dragons and many other sculptures, luxury materials and furnishings, and impressive fireplaces from around the world fill the interior.

This very haunted Texas Building is said to be the most haunted and often the first stop for any Ghost Hunter searching the paranormal trappings in Galveston, Texas.

Walter Gresham, a politician-turned-lobbiest during the mansion-building boom of the late-1800's. Gresham's ghost has been seen and reported by some, often inspecting the exterior of the building when a deadly hurricanes closes in on the tiny island.

This very real haunted Texas building is made of limestone accented with gray granite, pink granite, and red sandstone. During the Great Storm of 1900 when so many thousands of other buildings were swept into the Gulf of Mexico this building was left still standing.

In 1923 it was purchased by the Catholic Diocese of Galveston to become the official residence of the bishop. But only one ever lived there. Reverend Christopher Byrne stayed there until his death in 1950. And they say he is one of the many ghosts that protects and haunts the building.

In 1963, the Catholic Church opened it to the public, making it the first of the Galveston mansions to be turned into a museum.

2. Ashton Villa

Built in 1859 it is now a Texas Haunted Museum originally a residential home it is located at 2328 Broadway. Originally constructed for J.M. Brown hardware wholesaler, banking and railroad tycoon, this beautiful Italianate home was one of a series of mansions built along Broadway during the height of Galveston's social and economic prominence.

The Ashton Villa doesn't have a particularly sad or tragic background but it is one of the houses that survived the hurricane of 1900. Reports of apparitions, male and female dressed in old style clothes. Feelings, of not being alone, and strange noises of movement when no one else is around.

It is constructed of brick and cast iron, which helped make it one of the very few homes besides Bishop's Palace to survive the Great Storm of 1900. What the storm didn't destroy time and neglect almost did. After the Browns moved on, it was home to the El Mina Shrine Temple. By the 1970's, the Shriners had moved out and the house was in line for demolition. Fortunately, a group of preservationists convinced the city of Galveston to spare the wrecking ball and instead buy the property from the federal government for use as a museum.

Since 1974 it has been one of Galveston Island's treasures and is open to the public. Ashton Villa is often called the pinnacle of "The most haunted building in Texas only falling second to the Bishop's House.

Some tell of the ghost of Bettie Brown often seen standing or walking briskly through the great Gold Room. Some say they hear music others experience the exotic smell of jasmine and roses reportedly her favorite perfume combination permeating the air. A often told tale tells of a chest of drawers purchased in the Middle East that stands in Bettie Brown's dayroom. It reportedly locks and unlocks itself even though the key has been missing for years. Tour guides often demonstrate the occurrence on the tour. Also Brown's bed refuses to stay made. No matter how many times a day the sheets are straightened, they end up rumpled or pulled off the bed entirely.

3. Galvez Hotel

Victorian elegance rising from the sand and surf, the Hotel Galvez - A Wyndham Historic Hotel in Galveston, Texas, was known as the "Queen of the Gulf" on the day she opened in 1911. For nearly a century, this charming Galveston hotel has been the choice of guests as demanding and diverse as Teddy Roosevelt, Howard Hughes and Frank Sinatra. A $9-million renovation has restored the Hotel Galvez to its rightful place as a timeless showplace on the Gulf of Mexico. often hotel workers have seen figures of the lady and hear her whimpers as she walks down the back stairs.

The Galvez is also home to a very haunted painting. The haunted real portrait of Bernardo de Galvez hangs at the very end of the long hall at the Hotel Galvez. Many who see it get a chill for they say they can feel his eyes following them as they walk past. Report to several in the paranormal community that much like Robert the Haunted Doll in Key West, Florida this ghost does not like having his portraits picture taken unless you ask his permission first.

Located on Seawall Blvd and is the oldest hotel on the island. One room, room 505, is supposed to be haunted and most people who stay in that room, do not stay overnight. Most just feel incredibly uncomfortable there. You can also smell Gardenias in and around the room at times.

Many people have had similar experiences and it's to be expected in an old real l haunted hotel. Unless you are seeking an experience beyond our world, at least stay away from the fifth floor if your afraid of ghosts!

4. Stewart Mansion

On the Heritage at Risk List for 2007 Stewart Mansion, on the list since 2004, was built in 1926 as a West End retreat for George Sealy, Jr. and his family. Eventually owned by the Stewart family, this Spanish Colonial Revival style house overlooks Lake Como. The mansion has been once enlarged and suffers now from deterioration, but many original features such as the tiled courtyard are still intact. The current owners have plans for restoration but at this time it remains vacant.

Laffite's Cove was named after its predecessor, the pirate Jean Laffite, who ousted Galveston's original residents, the friendly Karankawa Indians, in a famous battle on the ridge overlooking Oak Bayou (the Stewart Mansion property). It is believed by treasure hunters that Jean Laffite buried his vast treasure on grounds west of the Mansion, although no treasure has ever been found.

His larger than life mural can be seen along with two other pirates, on the wall of the living room in the Stewart Mansion. It has been said that at night these murals often change places on the walls.

5. Flagship Hotel

The Flagship Hotel offers a one of a kind view. The Flagship Hotel on Seawall Boulevard in Galveston is the only hotel in North America built entirely over the water, as it is located on the historic Pleasure Pier actually 1000 feet off Galveston Island over the Gulf of Mexico.

It is often well known for it has an inexplicable apparition that is said to haunt the 7th floor. One visitor said, "I have never experienced a "ghost" before this, have never wanted to, and never wish to again!" The Ghosts seems like a very real person until he walks into a wall and disappears! Ghost hunters have investigated this ghost many times and the same results are the same high EMF readings and serious cold spots.

More ghosts and encounters seem to be present through out the Hotel, but the Entire 7th floor is the haunted Hot Spot to investigate.

The U.S.S. Flagship offers an even stronger commitment to making your stay in Galveston a memorable one. So come on aboard. She's all decked out and waiting for you. And some say very Haunted too!

6. Tremont Hotel

Formerly this was the Leon & H. Blum Building it was first built in 1879 and then expanded 1882 then again restored and expanded 1985 originally designed by Eugene T. Heiner.

This building's location is an indication of just how vibrant and important the city of Galveston was before the Great Storm. The third and fourth floors are reported to be more then very haunted by a survivor of the Great Storm. Some say they hear moaning still others report loud banging noises and cold chills. One guest says they could hear someone crying for help and tapping on their rooms window on the 3rd floor.

The Tremont House today is an impressive 4 star hotel in The Strand district. The hotel is done in Victorian style with glass elevators and a four-story atrium. At the time it was originally completed, it was the longest mercantile building in Galveston.

The Blum brothers operated their business from here. For the building's first 100 years, it was only three stories tall. It was designed to be four, but the top floor was not originally built. In 1985 when the new owners built the mansard-roofed attic they had to get permission from the National Park Service to alter this historic property.

Though some locals and historians have often claimed that Buffalo Bill, Sam Houston, Ulysses S. Grant, and other well known historic figures have slept at the Tremont House though this may not be entirely accurate. They may have stayed at the original Tremont House which was located in another part of The Strand. That building burned down in 1865. This building was a dry goods store at the time, and wasn't converted into a hotel until the 1980's.

Some guests and ghost hunters say on many EVP's they can hear hurricane wind noises, The screams and cries of lost souls drowning in the deep water as if they are re- living the Great Storm of 1900.

7. Ewing Hall (The Face)

This is the infamous "Face" that has stubbornly appeared on the University of Texas Medical Building Ewing Hall (UTMB) in Galveston, Texas. Legend has it that the gentleman's image that you will see embedded in the wall is none other than the original owner of the land that this building sits on.

This Haunted building is off limits to the public, but the face is clearly visible from the harbor.

The ghost story goes that the original owner supposedly told his family not to sell the land after he died and to keep it in the family. Upon his death, his family quickly sold the land that UTMB now sits on. He is said to now haunt the building and campus. According to legend, the face first appeared on the top panel of the building. The top panel of the building was then sand blasted and painted over. The face then appeared on the panel directly beneath it. This panel was subsequently sand blasted causing the face to move to the panel that it resides on today. UTMB eventually gave up trying to remove the face and it has become a permanent edition to Ewing Hall.

Before the 1920's, that "land" was in the water - the face has nothing to do with the Storm. It was filled- in in the late 20's. The building always belonged to the State of Texas (through UTMB), and as such, it should never have had an advertisement on it - that would be highly questionable at best. People have died trying to see this - it's not worth your life - don't risk it! It is State property and access is restricted - you can be arrested.

8. Galveston Railroad Museum

Located near The Strand at 25th Street and Santa Fe Place on Galveston Island, Texas. The Museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and during the local Mardi Gras weekend. The Railroad Museum is easy to find. Its white Art Deco 10 story office tower is visible throughout the Island, near the Port of Galveston in the Strand Historical District. There is free parking for all Museum visitors.

Ghost Photos happen here all the time. Saved from demolition by the Moody Foundation, this impressive Art Deco building was once the Union Passenger Depot. Now the waiting room is filled with life-size plaster models of “ghosts of travelers past” telling tales of their Victorian rail adventure when Galveston and its railroads were at the heart of Texas commerce.

As you walk in the front door from the Strand, to your left you will observe what was the Harvey House restaurant, to your right was the ticket booth, and straight ahead was the news stand and the doors to the concourses. The waiting room is now called the People's Gallery and is populated by Ghosts of Travelers Past. The full-sized figures in the gallery were made with plaster molds of real persons, and depict individuals who might have passed through the waiting room in 1932. The figures were created in 1981 by Elliot and Ivan Schwarz. Some say they see them . others report several other ghostly figures moving amongst them.

9. Gingerbread House

The newly restored 1891 Van Alstyne House now housing The Gingerbread House Antiques and Gifts; located at 2901 Broadway. This beautiful old Victorian home has withstood many storms, the worst being of course recorded as the 1900 storm.

Its present owner, Murriah McMaster, has restored this show place to feature the finest antiques and gift items. You'll find its more than 14 rooms, decorated with color and flair, are reminiscent of both past and present. Ghostly encounters are not uncommon here but not inside the building but on the grounds. Many EVP's and actual Ghost Video is often captured outside the building more then often.

10. Train Station Market Building

The home of Bistro LeCroy 2021 Strand. located in The Strand Historic District, is a Louisiana style seafood grill serving lunch and dinner classics. And many who visit there have witnessed paranormal encounters that keep them coming back for more.

Here and quite often in photos what appears to be several a bodies is sometimes seen apparently floating in thin air near the rafters -- a remnant, no doubt, of the floods of the Great Storm of 1900 when it washed in and they were caught against the ceiling rafters. Reports are even made of phantoms standing pout side the building on the long balcony and gazing down on visitors perhaps awaiting the next killer storm?

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Galveston, Oh Galveston!
Galveston was the first Texas city to have electric lights, electric street cars, a post office, naval base, a newspaper, public library and hospital and many other products of civilization. Galveston is rich in history and was the area known as the "Strand" encompasses many of the most historic buildings in the old city including the 1894 Grand Opera House, many museums, shops and eateries.

The Galveston Strand was once called "The Wall Street of the Southwest" because it's location and climate attracted so many of the formidable "old money" families of the Northeast. This barrier island also boasts one of the country's largest bird migratory flyways, beautiful beaches and amazing, rich salt marshes.

In the early 1800's the island was used as a headquarters by the famous buccaneer pirate Jean Lafitte who used the remote and tractless surroundings to hide his treasure and further his clandestine trade with outlying territories. Legends abound of the buried treasure left behind by Lafitte and his men and treasure hunters still seek the lost booty to this day. In 1821, Lafitte was ordered to leave by the American forces aboard the warship "Enterprise." Lafitte sailed out of Galveston aboard his frigate "Barataria Bay" was never seen in Galveston again - at least not by any living eye.

During the years of the Texas revolution, the island was used as the naval headquarters for the rebelling fleet. Santa Ana was held prisoner on the island following his defeat in the battle of San Jacinto, and this was just the beginning of its tenure as a prisoner's hold.

During the Civil War many buildings on the islands were used to hold prisoners -- the island changed hands twice and so both Union and Confederate soldiers were at one time held prisoner here. Many of the island buildings were also used to hospitalize wounded from both sides of the War of the Rebellion. Some of these buildings still stand to this day and there are reports of sightings of both Union and Confederate soldiers who still linger where their souls passed on.

The Reconstruction of the Union was barely underway when, in 1867, Galveston was struck with the worst Yellow Fever epidemic in its history. The same epidemic had struck nearby Houston and the graves of the small island cemeteries filled to capacity so quickly that many of the deceased had to be transported to Houston and outlying towns for burial. Islanders are still known for their loyalty and pluck; perhaps these distant burials didn't please them and caused them to return to haunt their old "digs?" During the height of the 1867 epidemic the city was eventually quarantined and the small cemeteries became an overcrowded morass of decaying corpses and exposed, rotting coffins. The Jefferson Davis Hospital was ultimately built over the remains of the worst of these city cemeteries. There are claims that many of the restless dead from cemeteries and hospital alike still haunt the location.

No discussion of the history of Haunted Galveston would be complete without mention of the most traumatic event in the city's history -- the Great Storm of 1900. This storm, now known to have been a category 5 hurricane, is still recorded as the worst natural disaster in US history. The death toll of the 1900 Storm was estimated to be between 6,000 - 8,000 with 4,000 homes and other buildings leveled by the onslaught of torrential rains, wind and storm surge. Barometer readings recorded during the storm set a record low for any area of the United States up to that point and sustained winds were estimated at speeds of in excess of 100 mph.

When the storm was approaching authorities attempted to calm the island residents with assurances that the low tidal level of the Gulf of Mexico would keep the destructive force of sea and waves to a minimum. On the morning of September 8, 1900, there was an almost carnival atmosphere as Galveston residents assembled along the beaches to greet the oncoming storm. Before long, however, they were fleeing in terror as the realization of the full impact of what was approaching came over them.

With full might the category 5 hurricane pounded into the Galveston coastline. Winds whipped down trees and cable car lines, fence posts and shop signs took flight over the heads of the now-hysterical residents who were literally running for their lives. Torrents of rains blinded them as the dispersed throughout the streets and lanes of Galveston, many climbing over those who fell in their path. Trains en route to the island were called back too late and were washed away with their trestles; entire houses collapsed in the onslaught of the winds.

With the howling of the winds came the rising flood waters and panicked crowds took refuge where they could in the face of the oncoming deluge. Hundreds jammed into the Tremont Hotel in downtown Galveston (now the Tremont House Hotel) where their ultimate refuge was the roof of the building, exposed to the wind and rain. As the storm surge pummeled ashore entire buildings were washed away or overturned like teacups into the murky tide. People clustered on roof tops watched in horror as friends and neighbors were swept past them to their deaths. People grabbed onto anything that would float, including coffins washed out of their resting place in the local cemeteries.

Galveston reeled in the wake of the horrible storm. The clean up began as the waters receded and winds and rain died down. Bodies seemed to be everywhere. Those collected immediately after the storm were hauled out to sea on barges and dumped for burial at sea. But nature had a last cruel trick to play and as the tide turned, bodies began to wash up on the beaches by the thousands. Temporary morgues were set up in the mercantile district, now called the Strand, and ultimately were set on huge pyres for burning. In some cases, sympathetic citizens would bury as many of the dead as possible in their courtyards and back lots. To this day it is not unusual for renovators in the older areas of the city to unearth bones presumed to be those of flood victims from plastered walls or from shallow back yard graves.

After the storm Galveston engineers began the construction of the 17 foot bulkhead that still stands on the Gulf side of the islands, and in an amazing feat of engineering the entire city was raised to a level that could withstand a similar storm, and has been tested many times over since the Great Storm of 1900.

Do the ghosts of the lost dead still haunt the old streets and historic buildings of Haunted Galveston?

Reports of a ghostly frigate sailing in Galveston bay under a moonless sky still are made to this day. Could this be the famous Barataria Bay, captained by the ghostly Lafitte? Soldiers still grimace in pain and moan fitfully in the once makeshift hospitals that now house bright shops and chic cafes. It is not uncommon to be relaxing with a cup of coffee and a newspaper and to look up and find you are being studied from afar by the ghost of a long dead soldier.

Other reports are more troubling, that those of a family who recently visited the haunted Galveston beach and were alarmed when what appeared to be a weeping woman and a small child began to follow them over the sand. When the family finally stopped and turned to confront them, there was no sign of either the woman or her child. It seems that nearly every building on the Strand has a ghost or two.

And of course don't forget Mardi Gras on Galveston Island! Anytime of the year is a great time to visit and of course seek out Dash and ask him where is a good haunted place to start your own investigation.

Ghost Tour Group Private Tours Also Available

If you are a FAMOUS CELEBRITY and/or Star Personality such as actors, actresses, performers, entertainers, writers, sports personalities, etc., who have special needs and have to have COMPLETE PRIVACY while visiting Galveston then we understand. We do our best to see to it that you have just that, while you enjoy the mystery, history, legend and ghost stories of Galveston, Texas. Your own private tour led by Dash Beardsley founder/creator of Ghost Tours of Galveston and now creator of Galveston's very first Celebrity Ghost Tour by the "Ghostman of Galveston" himself. Tours are by Reservation Only and must be booked in Advance. Since details for this Tour are sensitive to each Personality, bookings and information for this tour are completed through our office and are 100% private. We wish for you to enjoy your stay here uninterrupted and leave inspired by the mystery unique to Galveston Island. Office: 832-892-7419 email : hauntedislandtours@yahoo.com

The Real Haunted Hotels America

Hotels, like airlines, overbook reservations because they know that not everyone is going to show up. But some of their inventory goes to third-party travel sites like TravelNola.com, which contract with hotels ahead of time to sell a preset block of rooms.

Book your haunted Hotel here!

Alabama
Montgomery - Tutwiler Hotel

Alaska
Skagway - Golden North Hotel

Arkansas
Eureka Springs - Crescent Hotel

Arizona
Flagstaff - Monte Vista Hotel
Douglas - Gadsden Hotel
Phoenix - Hotel San Carlos
Prescott - Hotel Vendome; Hassayampa Inn
Scottsdale - The Hermosa Inn

California
Carmel-by-the-Sea - La Playa Hotel and Cottages
Coloma - Sierra Nevada House
Coronado - Hotel del Coronado
Grass Valley - Holbrooke Hotel
Groveland - Groveland Hotel
Healdsburg - Madrona Manor
Hollywood - Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
La Jolla - Grande Colonial Hotel
Long Beach - Queen Mary Hotel
Mendocino - Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suite
Napa - Napa River Inn
San Jose - Hyatt Hotel St. Claire
Mendocino's Sea Rock Inn
San Luis Obispo - Paso Robles Inn
Santa Monica - Georgian Hotel
Ventura - Pierpont Inn

Colorado
Denver - Brown Palace Hotel
Estes Park - Stanley Hotel

Connecticut
Griswald - Homespun Farm
New London - Lighthouse Inn

Florida
St. Augustine - Casa de la Paz
Tampa/St. Petersburg - Don Cesar Beach Resort and Spa

Georgia
Augusta - The Partridge Inn
Jekyll Island - Jekyll Island Club Hotel

Illinois
St. Charles - Hotel Baker

Iowa
Bentonsport - Mason House Inn

Louisiana
New Orleans - 1891 Castle Inn; Hotel Maison de Ville; Le Pavilion; Delta Queen Steamboat
St. Francisville - Myrtles Plantation

Massachusetts
Boston - The Omni Parker House
Salem - The Hawthorne Hotel

Michigan
Marquette - The Landmark Inn

Mississippi
Natchez - Monmouth Plantation

New York
Bolton Landing - The Sagamore
Grand Island - Holiday Inn

North Carolina
Asheville - Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa
Chapel Hill - Carolina Inn

Ohio
Cincinnati - Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

Oregon
Portland - The Heathman Hotel

Pennsylvania

Bethlehem - Hotel Bethlehem
Gettysburg - Farnsworth House Inn

Texas
San Antonio - Menger Hotel
Galvez Hotel - Galveston

Vermont
Manchester Village - The Equinox

Washington
San Juan Islands - Rosario Resort

Washington, DC
Omni Shoreham Hotel; Hay-Adams Hotel; Renaissance Mayflower Hotel

Wisconsin
Fond du Lac - Ramada Plaza Hotel
Milwaukee - Pfister Hotel

Wyoming
Casper - Ivy House Inn
Cheyenne - The Plains Hotel
Jackon Hole - The Wort Hotel

GHOST TOURS OF GALVESTON

"The Best Little Ghost Tour in Texas!"

Learn more about the real ghosts of Galveston Island. For the next public tour time call our Ghost Line (requiring no reservations) for information and public tour times 409-949-2027. For Private Ghost Tours and other information call the office line at 832-892-7419.
Prices: $15 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under.
The Tour Group Meets In Front Of The Railroad Museum At Strand And 25th Streets

Voted as one of the Top Ten Ghost Tours In America. "See The Real Haunted Texas Spirits and ghosts of this authentic haunted City and meet wih the real Ghostman of Galveston, Dash Beardsley!"

Reservations are recommended. Bring a camera, you never know what you will get on film. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. In case of rain, please call the office to check tour schedule.

Group private tours available. Ghost Tours of Galveston,Texas