The Driskill Hotel is a luxurious and historic hotel located in downtown Austin, Texas. Built in 1886 by cattle baron Jesse Driskill, the hotel quickly became a hub for Texas politicians, businessmen, and socialites. Today, it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and is known for its opulent decor, world-class dining, and high-end amenities. But behind the glamour and sophistication, there are stories of ghosts and paranormal activity that have earned the Driskill a reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in Texas.
History
Jesse Driskill was a wealthy businessman and cattle baron who made his fortune in the mid-1800s by supplying beef to the Confederate Army during the Civil War. In the years that followed, he continued to amass wealth and power, and in 1884, he decided to build a grand hotel in the heart of Austin that would rival the finest hotels in Europe. Construction began in 1885 and was completed the following year at a cost of $400,000, a staggering sum for the time.
The Driskill Hotel quickly became a hub for Texas politics and high society, hosting lavish parties, political rallies, and even inaugural balls for several Texas governors. But the hotel’s fortunes began to decline in the early 1900s, and by the 1960s, it was in danger of being demolished. Fortunately, it was saved by a group of local investors who purchased the hotel and restored it to its former glory. Today, the Driskill is a beloved Austin landmark and a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Paranormal Activity
Despite its luxurious surroundings and prestigious reputation, the Driskill Hotel is said to be haunted by several ghosts who have made their presence known over the years. The most famous of these is the spirit of a young girl who is said to haunt the hotel’s grand staircase. Legend has it that the girl was the daughter of a senator who stayed at the hotel in the early 1900s. She was playing on the staircase when she fell to her death, and her spirit is said to still linger in the hotel, playing tricks on guests and staff.
Another ghostly presence at the Driskill is that of Colonel Driskill himself. According to legend, he is said to still roam the halls of the hotel, keeping a watchful eye on his beloved property. Guests and staff have reported hearing footsteps and seeing the ghostly figure of a man in a top hat and tails walking through the hotel’s corridors.
Other ghostly occurrences at the Driskill include the sound of phantom music and laughter, strange shadows that move on their own, and inexplicable drops in temperature. Some guests have even reported feeling a ghostly hand touch their shoulder or brush past them in the hallways.
Investigations
Given its reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in Texas, it’s not surprising that the Driskill has been the subject of numerous paranormal investigations over the years. In 2016, a team of ghost hunters from the Syfy channel’s “Ghost Hunters” program visited the hotel and conducted a thorough investigation using state-of-the-art equipment. Although they didn’t capture any concrete evidence of paranormal activity, they did report feeling a strong sense of energy in several of the hotel’s most haunted rooms.
Other paranormal investigators have also visited the Driskill over the years, including local ghost tour companies and amateur ghost hunters. Many of them have reported experiencing strange phenomena and capturing unexplained images and recordings.
Conclusion
The Driskill Hotel is a magnificent and historic destination that has played a significant role in the cultural and political history of Texas. But it’s also a place where the veil between this world and the next seems to be thin, with numerous ghostly sightings and unexplained events reported by guests and staff alike. From the haunting presence of the young girl on the grand staircase to the ghostly apparitions that are said to roam the halls, the Driskill Hotel is a place where the past and the present intertwine in mysterious ways. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or just interested in the history of this grand old hotel, a visit to the Driskill is sure to be a memorable experience that you won’t soon forget.