Welcome back, spooky enthusiasts!
Today I will share with you the story of Jefferson Barracks Military Post in St. Louis, Missouri. I am happy to add that I was able to visit this location over the weekend and took some pictures. I'll post a few in this article, but the rest you'll have to visit the Instagram page.
Alright, let's start with some history- bare with me, there's quite a bit.
Jefferson Barracks is located off the muddy Mississippi in Lemay, Missouri, and is the oldest operating military location in the west. Built in 1826, Jefferson Barracks sits on 337.8 acres of land, which has been sold, creating low-income housing, schools, two parks, and a church. Its purpose was to replace Fort Bellefontaine and discovered by General Edmund P. Gains, General Henry Atkison, Missouri governor- John Miller, and William Clark. It was initially named Cantonment Miller after Governor Miller but renamed in 1827 after the death of Thomas Jefferson.
I'm sorry, that was a little dense, but this place has a lot of history.
The first war was the Black Hawk War in 1832; the base reported to be attacked by "hostile" Native Americans. I put that in quotes because the military was trying to push Native American's to Iowa to confine them. During this war, Cheif Black Hawk of the Sauk Tribe was captured but was later released. I didn't research too far into this, but I know the military didn't kill him- he died years later in Iowa. In total, this war killed 70 settlers and 592 Native Americans. With that being said, I am surprised I didn't find any ghost stories featuring Native Americans. If you know of any, please let me know.
Other war news; the post was used as a rest/restock station during the Mexican-American War, Civil War, and the Spanish-American War. During the Civil War, the post built a hospital that would care for over 18,000 patients by the end of the war. The old hospital was converted into a museum in 2002, and I'm happy to say that I was able to visit it. Though I didn't see any ghosts during my trip, I have to admit-the old hospital felt heavy and dark.
In World War I, Jefferson Barracks started experimenting with aviation parachuting.
This location was also involved in World War II, serving as a recruitment and training post for new soldiers.
Okay, enough of the history, let's talk about something spooky.
In 1826 the post opened their own cemetery, and the first to be buried was newborn, Elizabeth Ann Lash, believed to be the daughter of one of the first soldiers stationed there. In 1866 it would become a U.S National cemetery and damn are there a bunch of people buried there.
A few areas to note in the cemetery, the mass grave of 61 unknown marines and sailors who died on the SS J. Pinckney Henderson on August 19, 1943. The ship caught fire and took everyone with it. This isn't the only mass grave.
Another mass grave contains 123-139 unknow soldiers from the Palawan Massacre. The last one consists of 5 people from a B-36 Bomber 075 training mission in 1950.
With all that out of the way, are you ready for the ghosts? With such a rich history, it is no wonder that this place is home to a few haunts.
Several people have reported seeing apparitions walking around the cemetery, and a few have noted that the ghosts have even joined them. One person said that they attended a Halloween party at the old hospital and had a strange encounter. They pointed out that the apparition, which looked like just another guest, was dressed in Civil War attire. The host of the party commented on the costume but was met by a blank stare from the ghost. The host walked away offended, but when the looked back-the man was gone.
There has been a lot of activity at the old hospital, and I wish I would have asked the employees if they have had any experiences. I might have to revisit them.
Okay, now for the creepiest story and the reason that you clicked this post. The scariest spirit to haunt Jefferson Barracks frequents the old Powder Magazine.
Fear not, I have pictures!
This is a large, limestone building built-in 1857. It was used to store gun powder, rifles, cannons; you name it. The magazine closed in 1946, but soldiers were still posted there until recently. Those unfortunate to guard this building came face-to-face with the spirit who guards this location, even after his death. This spirit has a bullet in his head and blood covering his face. People think that he was a guard, killed on duty during WWII. The sight on him is said to make people run in fear.
This spirit isn't the only one to haunt the magazine, several apparitions have been seen at this location.
It's unfortunate when you think about it; this poor guy is still working when he's dead. I'm going to say that this is a residual spirit, one stuck in an endless loop, not knowing they are gone and whatnot. It's horrible. If I get to be a ghost when I die, I definitely don't want to be still making coffee. Oh yeah, forgot to mention I was a barista. Fun fact, I'm a barista!
Okay, more ghosts.
Building 28 is haunted. I don't have much on this one except that it was built in 1897, and during renovations, the ghosts started acting up. Paranormal 101, if the area is disturbed, the ghosts will come out. Keep that in mind next time you buy a house. You're welcome.
Footsteps are heard in Building 28, and the lights turn on and off. One person reported that they had turned off all of the lights before leaving, and when the stepped foot outside, they all turned back on. It gets better. The poor guy goes back inside, and turns them all off again, goes back out, walks to his car, and they all turn back on. Come on, ghosts, the dude just wants to go home.
Other than that, Building 28 has a ghost general haunted it, and "Dismissed" is heard frequently. The ghosts also like to flush the toilets, but that could just be old plumbing or some other logical explanation.
Well, that's all I had in this place. I might try to investigate this place, like at night, and try to catch something. I'll have to figure out how to do this since it still is a military post today.
As always, if you have anything to add, feel free to contact me. If you are enjoying these little stories, go ahead and subscribe, so you don't miss a post.
-Tye
Always Cite Those Source:
GHOSTS OF JEFFERSON BARRACKS, www.militaryghosts.com/jeff_barracks.html.
“Jefferson Barracks.” Missouri Civil War Museum, 27 Jan. 2018, mcwm.org/our-story/jefferson-barracks/.
“Jefferson Barracks Military Post.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Feb. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jefferson_Barracks_Military_Post.
“Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 9 Jan. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jefferson_Barracks_National_Cemetery.
“Johnnie Johnson (Musician).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 23 Feb. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnnie_Johnson_(musician).
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