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