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Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Haunted Route 66 in Arizona

By Kristy McCaffrey

Established in 1926, Route 66 was one of the main highways in the U.S. Highway System. Sometimes called the Will Rogers Highway, it became one of the most famous roads in America, running from Chicago to Santa Monica, California. Stops in between included St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Winslow (Arizona), and Barstow (California). Decommissioned in 1985, sections of the highway have been designated a National Scenic Byway of the “Historic Route 66.”

After World War II, Route 66 became the ultimate road trip for intrepid travelers, leaving a lasting impression in life, and perhaps even in death.

The Hotel Monte Vista in Flagstaff has many ghostly sightings. John Wayne—a guest while filming in Monument Valley—believed he encountered the Phantom Bellboy, who knocks on doors and announces, “room service.” Other spirits include a bank robber who haunts the lounge where he bled to death, an elevator attendant who assists guests, and a woman who stares out the window of Room 305. It’s also been reported that a ghostly Alan Ladd once approached Room 309, which is named after him.

The Red Garter Inn, a former saloon and bordello in Williams, has reports of doors slamming and footsteps when no one is around. Many believe the culprit is a young Hispanic woman named Eve, although no one knows why. Other ghosts include a man who was knifed on the staircase leading to the brothel and an old man who committed suicide.

In 1927, Walter Peck discovered the Grand Canyon Caverns in Peach Springs. He offered tours to Route 66 travelers, pointing out the remains of “cavemen” who later proved to be the skeletal remnants of Hualapai tribesman. Visitors to the caves, especially those who stay overnight, report hearing moaning sounds, seeing shadowy figures, and having rocks aggressively thrown at them from the area where the skeletons were removed. The bunkhouse is also allegedly haunted.

The El Trovatore Motel in Kingman reports that many guests have heard children talking in the parking lot. This has been an ongoing phenomenon for many years. The children are never seen and seem to come from a gorge where Native Americans used to live behind the motel.

La Posada Hotel, located in Winslow, Arizona, was one of the last hotels built for the Fred Harvey Company and designed by the famous Southwest architect Mary Jane Colter. It is said there are ghosts on the property, confirmed by several ghost hunters, but none appear to be malicious. Instead, it’s believed they are the spirits of people who want to return to the most exciting trip they’d ever taken.

Route 66 runs along Interstate 40 in Arizona, and this 158-mile stretch is the longest remaining intact section in the nation.


Have a happy and spooky October.

Kristy McCaffrey has been writing since she was very young, but it wasn’t until she was a stay-at-home mom that she considered becoming published. She’s the author of several historical western romances, all set in the American southwest. She lives in the Arizona desert with her husband, two chocolate labs, and whichever of their four teenage children happen to be in residence.


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11 comments:

  1. I know a tiny bit about Route 66 only because of the old TV show "Route 66" in which Buzz and Todd rode around in their Corvette experiencing adventures along the way. I was not aware of the haunted parts, but I am glad to know there are some cool haunted places along that highway. I loved reading about these places in your blog, Kristy.
    I think your haunted books, The Crow and the Coyote and The Crow and the Bear look so enticing. I want to wish you all the best.

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    1. Thanks Sarah! I didn't realize their was so much paranormal activity on Route 66 either until I did some research. Very interesting. :-)

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  2. Kristy,
    In my early teenage years, I discovered the author/paranormal researcher Hans Holzer and his book The Lively Ghosts of Ireland. Then I read about Bridey Murphy and her past life stories. I've been fascinated with ghosts ever since. I love ghost stories like the ones you shared, because they're not to scary to cross over [pun intended :-) ] into the horror category, but they're spooky enough to elicit a shiver and a curious need to know more about each "sighting". I'd read about haunted Rte. 66 years ago, The few times I've traveled it, I've been on the lookout, so to speak, but apparently I haven't been in those locations at the opportune paranormal moment. *grin*

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    1. I'm always on the lookout for ghosts too. Once, my daughter and I stayed in a hotel in Cimarron, New Mexico and Bat Masterson was supposed to haunt our room. I couldn't sleep all night!! But, alas, he never showed himself.

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    2. I've been to Cimarron several times just to visit that hotel (St. James). It is full of Old West history. Alas, I haven't encountered ghosts there, either. :-)

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  3. I like ghost stories but haven't ever seen one myself. I know those who have and I believe them. Mostly the ghosts aren't as scary as the human story that might've led to them becoming a ghost instead of going on.

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    1. Betty,
      I agree. Most ghost stories aren't that scary. Actually, it's usually more sad because the spirit likely doesn't know they're dead and they keep hanging around.

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  4. Kristy, thanks for combining two things I'm a sucker for: ghosts and Route 66. Traveling Route 66 is on my bucket list. Road trips just aren't the same now as they once were with highways that went through small towns and interesting roadside attractions. Good luck with your books!

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    1. Thanks, Patti! Parts of Route 66 go through still fairly rural areas in Arizona. It's a nice touch of the past.

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  5. I've been on parts of 66, but not in a long time. I love the paranormal aspect. I once stayed in a hotel in Rock Springs, WY. that is haunted. I didn't see anything, but the people I was with did. And of course the Briarhurst Manor, home of the Bell's in Manitou has had 'Ghosthunters' check them out.

    This is such a great time to read and share stories of places like this. Thank you for finding the ones on 66. Doris

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