St. James Hotel
Twenty-six men were killed inside this Wild West hotel — the ceiling still bears bullet holes and Room 18 is kept permanently locked due to a hostile presence.
History & haunting lore
The St. James Hotel was built in 1872 by Henri Lambert, Abraham Lincoln's personal chef, in the frontier town of Cimarron. During its Wild West heyday, twenty-six men were killed inside the building. Guests included Jesse James, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Wyatt Earp.
Room 18 remains permanently locked: the entity inside is described as hostile and aggressive by staff who have entered for maintenance. The ceiling of the dining room still shows bullet holes. Guests in other rooms report poker chips rattling, period music, and a woman in the old parlour who vanishes when acknowledged.
The hotel operates as a working hotel and restaurant. Cimarron is a small town on the Santa Fe Trail with limited services. Room 18 is sealed — other reportedly active rooms can be requested at booking. The high desert altitude means cold nights year-round.
Current site status
Operating hotel and restaurant in a small Santa Fe Trail town. Room 18 is permanently sealed and cannot be booked. Other reportedly active rooms can be requested. Limited town services — stock up on fuel and supplies. High desert altitude means cold nights even in summer.
Activity at St. James Hotel
Field notes and sightings tagged to this haunt.