ozarks
roots
the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home Submitted Photos
An Almost Lost and Forgotten Gem By Macie Thornhill
Pythian Castle’s unique history and medieval appearance makes the more than 100-year-old structure unique Pythian Castle in Springfield, Mo., offers an opportunity for visitors to experience the thrill of history, ghosts and medieval-styled architecture. Built in 1913, and dedicated in 1914, the Pythian Castle is linked to the history of the Knights of Pythias, which is an male fraternal order that started after the Civil War. They built facilities like Pythian Castle so members and their families would be cared for. Tamara Finocchiaro, the owner and operator of Pythian Castle, said the order has very few members today. Starting from the East Coast and moving west, the group was at its peak when it reached the Midwest around the time of the Civil War.
12
According to Tamara, the military took the castle over during World War II. At the time, they were creating a military hospital on the same block as the castle. The hospital was called Riley General Hospital, and the Pythian Castle became incorporated. Rooms were changed and enlarged, Tamara said. The castle wasn’t a hospital, however; it was a place of entertainment and held the offices of the officers. During these years of its history, the castle wasn’t open to the public. Tamara said the building was almost tore down because many people in the city believed it to be past its economic life. Over time, Pythian Castle became a
forgotten treasure. Tamara said it wasn’t until 2010 that the castle was transformed into the tourist attraction it is today. For the first time, the public could enjoy its mysterious beauty. Now, Pythian Castle hosts events for all ages can enjoy, including history and ghost tours, escape rooms, murder mysteries and rentals for private events. A main attraction to the castle is the stories of the ghosts that haunt the historic hallways. Tamara said the ghost tours are the most popular events at the castle. Visitors have reported hearing voices or being touched while touring with friends and family. “There’s all kinds of unique paranormal
Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com
things that have happened to people here over the years,” Tamara said. “It kind of draws people here.” Tamara said the castle is a hidden gem to paranormal investigation groups. One group in particular has come to the castle around four times a year for the last eight to nine years to investigate. Tamara said the castle is special because it’s unique. “It’s quite unusual to have a castle in your town or nearby,” she said. “The history and the fact it turned out to be haunted is something people did not know. They found out the hard way, but that even makes it more intriguing.” MARCH 8, 2021
