Ghost stories aren’t an occasion just for Halloween. Specters and eerie apparitions make their presence known every day in the Land of Enchantment. Whether you’re spending the night in a historic hotel, dining in a centuries-old restaurant, or simply strolling down a path, you’re bound to hear of – or even encounter – some of New Mexico’s most famous ghosts.
1 & 2. Armando & Inez, Double Eagle Restaurant in Mesilla
Double Eagle/Google The first two ghosts on this list are an ill-fated teenage couple from entirely different backgrounds. These star-crossed lovers met in Armando’s home (now the historic restaurant) in the 19th century before being gruesomely murdered by his mother upon discovering the couple. The two are said to still haunt the restaurant, where they have been known to break wine glasses, move furniture, and even leave imprints in chairs.
- Bobby Darnall, KiMo Theater in Albuquerque
Karen Blaha/Flickr This historic theatre is a gorgeous building… and is rumored to be haunted by the phantom of a six-year-old child. Back in 1951, an explosion in the lobby killed young Bobby Darnall and several other customers. Since that event, he has been believed to haunt the theater and play lighthearted pranks on employees and guests, such as dropping equipment from the ceiling.
- Julia Stabb, La Posada de Santa Fe in Santa Fe
La Posada de Santa Fe/Facebook Following a string of unsuccessful pregnancies, the mistress of this historic home fell into a deep depression and isolated herself before eventually passing away. In the afterlife, Julia seems to have found a small amount of peace wandering the halls of her beautiful former home in her elegant period clothing, particularly at the top of the staircase.
- La Llorona, any isolated water source
Kevin Eddy/Flickr Any particularly naughty child in the Southwest has likely heard the story of La Llorona, the Weeping Woman. Distraught over finding her husband with a mistress, a woman drowned her child in a river and immediately regretted that decision. The story goes that La Llorona haunts water sources, wandering in search of replacements for her child, only ultimately to drown that child as well.
- Rebecca, The Lodge Resort & Spa in Cloudcroft
The Lodge Resort and Spa at Cloudcroft/Facebook Located in the mountainous backdrop of Cloudcroft, this resort is the eternal home of a ghost named Rebecca. The maid’s lumberjack beau discovered her in the arms of another man and murdered her, forcing her spirit to wander the halls of the hotel. Rebecca is a playful ghost, switching lights off and on, slyly moving furniture, and opening doors suddenly.
- T.J. Wright, St. James Hotel in Cimarron
Tony Fanelli/Google This historic hotel is believed to be haunted by multiple ghosts of men from New Mexico’s territorial days, but one specter stands out. T.J. Wright haunts the mysterious room 18 and he is definitely not a friendly ghost. Wright was supposedly murdered following a poker game and bled to death behind these doors. Since then, mysterious deaths, horrible accidents, and other malicious events have been attributed to Wright. The hotel keeps the room’s doors permanently locked and leave a bottle of whiskey on the dresser to keep him slightly appeased.
How many of these ghosts have you heard of or seen around New Mexico? Are there any haunted places you’ve visited not featured here? Share your favorite ghostly encounter in the comments section or on our Facebook page!
Double Eagle/Google
The first two ghosts on this list are an ill-fated teenage couple from entirely different backgrounds. These star-crossed lovers met in Armando’s home (now the historic restaurant) in the 19th century before being gruesomely murdered by his mother upon discovering the couple. The two are said to still haunt the restaurant, where they have been known to break wine glasses, move furniture, and even leave imprints in chairs.
Karen Blaha/Flickr
This historic theatre is a gorgeous building… and is rumored to be haunted by the phantom of a six-year-old child. Back in 1951, an explosion in the lobby killed young Bobby Darnall and several other customers. Since that event, he has been believed to haunt the theater and play lighthearted pranks on employees and guests, such as dropping equipment from the ceiling.
La Posada de Santa Fe/Facebook
Following a string of unsuccessful pregnancies, the mistress of this historic home fell into a deep depression and isolated herself before eventually passing away. In the afterlife, Julia seems to have found a small amount of peace wandering the halls of her beautiful former home in her elegant period clothing, particularly at the top of the staircase.
Kevin Eddy/Flickr
Any particularly naughty child in the Southwest has likely heard the story of La Llorona, the Weeping Woman. Distraught over finding her husband with a mistress, a woman drowned her child in a river and immediately regretted that decision. The story goes that La Llorona haunts water sources, wandering in search of replacements for her child, only ultimately to drown that child as well.
The Lodge Resort and Spa at Cloudcroft/Facebook
Located in the mountainous backdrop of Cloudcroft, this resort is the eternal home of a ghost named Rebecca. The maid’s lumberjack beau discovered her in the arms of another man and murdered her, forcing her spirit to wander the halls of the hotel. Rebecca is a playful ghost, switching lights off and on, slyly moving furniture, and opening doors suddenly.
Tony Fanelli/Google
This historic hotel is believed to be haunted by multiple ghosts of men from New Mexico’s territorial days, but one specter stands out. T.J. Wright haunts the mysterious room 18 and he is definitely not a friendly ghost. Wright was supposedly murdered following a poker game and bled to death behind these doors. Since then, mysterious deaths, horrible accidents, and other malicious events have been attributed to Wright. The hotel keeps the room’s doors permanently locked and leave a bottle of whiskey on the dresser to keep him slightly appeased.
Feel like driving through some of these locations to experience that bone-chilling feeling of hauntings yourself? Be sure to check out the nearly 500-mile road trip that will take you to some of the state’s most haunted locations. Read more in This Terrifying Northern New Mexico Road Trip Will Send Chills Up Your Spine.
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Address: 2355 Calle De Guadalupe, Las Cruces, NM 88005, USAAddress: 423 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USAAddress: 330 E Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USAAddress: 601 Corona Pl, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, USAAddress: 617 S Collison Ave, Cimarron, NM 87714, USA
