The Ghosts of The St. James Hotel

By Crusader1307

 Very few original "American Wild West" buildings and venues remain in The US. Modernization, population trends and movements have removed much of what might be "seen" in a typical Hollywood Film. To be sure, several "Ghost Towns" have been preserved for "historical significance". However, a structure still stands in Cimmaron, New Mexico that not only shows how life was in the 1870s and 1880s, but is "home" to various "Haunts". It is the St. James Hotel. Constructed at the end of The Cimmaron Trail in 1872 by Lucien Maxwell, his Saloon and Gambling House was a magnet for drifting Cowboys, Saddle Tramps and of course - Gunfighters. Maxwell would eventually met one Henri Lambert, an Executive Chef to three US Presidents (who wished to open his own Kitchen). Soon, Maxwell renovated The St. James into a Hotel over his Saloon. The St. James became a literal "Who's Who" of American Western History, with the likes of Wyatt and Morgan Earp, Buffalo Bill Cody, Jesse James and even Billy The Kid - having stayed there.

Of darker note, the Grandson of famed Frontiersman Davy Crockett (who turned to a life of crime), once shot 3 Soldiers in the Saloon. The fighting got so bad, Maxwell installed a 3-foot thick wooden plate separating The Bar roof with that of the Hotel floor (to stop the bullets from going through). 26 men were known to have been killed there. This also brings us to Room #18. Longtime Resident and friend of Maxwell, Thomas James Wright was mysteriously shot after a card game. He bled too death in the room. From 1926 to 1985, The St. James fell into disrepair. Privately purchased and renovated, by 1985, it was a Bed and Breakfast business - with a twist. People come to stay in a truly haunted Hotel! Reports of sightings of "Ghostly Cowboys and Saloon Girls", to truly Poltergeist activities are often reported. Further, no one is allowed to stay in Room #18. Always cold, no type of heat can be kept in the room. Feelings of anger and dread, foul odors, all come from the "cursed" Room #18. Also, the Hotel has a "Guardian Spirit" in the form of Mary Lambert (Henri's Wife). She stayed in the Hotel until her death. She is said to gently tap on Guests open windows - for them to close them. Photos have been purportedly taken of this Spirit, also known for her perfume -which is still said to "linger".

Investigated MANY times, The Hotel Management team have but one Rule, NO OUIJA BOARDS ARE ALLOWED. They already have enough "long term" Guests.