Missouri’s Haunting History

By Kyly Jacobs and Amelia Raziq

Almost everyone has experienced the enthralling world of true crime, fueled by a morbid curiosity. Something similar, that remains a global controversy, is fueled by fear: the paranormal. Although, among skeptics and believers alike, it is hard to deny that the history it stems from is enthralling. Missouri, in particular, has a rich history of tragedy and loss that prompts discussions of the paranormal. From cemeteries to inns, there are countless stories reporting dark happenings in seemingly tame locations.

The trailhead for the Al Foster Trail in Wildwood begins perpendicular to tracks of the Wabash Frisco and Pacific Railroad which remains in service to this day. The train tracks were the site of Della McCullough’s death, the wife of a judge who was hit and killed by the train.

Charles Borromeo’s body was buried on site of the church along with multiple others as years passed. In 1854, construction began which prompted the movement of several bodies, including Borromeo’s; however, they refused to move the rest of the bodies due to strange occurrences following the first relocation.

Creve Coeur, translating to broken heart in French, is home to tragedy and deep lore. The legend goes that a Native American princess fell in love with a French fur trapper; however, it was unrequited. In a fit of agony and grief, she leapt from a ledge overlooking the lake. The lake then formed into the shape of a broken heart.

The Creve Coeur waterfall is said to be the ledge that a Native American princess leapt from; however, only a small creek was left beneath the rocky structure over the years. The park and lake had transformed from the location of tragedy to a hotspot for locals, complete with canoe rentals and sand volleybal courts.

The Lemp Mansion, a renovated family brewery, is a hot commodity amongst nightlife in Missouri due to its variety of activities offered. Several nights a week, dinners and tours are held to entertain guests with an opportunity to spend the night in the building that was the site of several deaths.

Lemp Mansion now stands as a restaurant and inn, said to be haunted by the tragedy-stricken Lemp family. To the immediate left of the foyer is a dining room that was formerly the brewery office. William Lemp Jr. committed suicide in this room 18 years after his father did the same.