The Poltergeist at the Fort Sill Hospital

The Poltergeist at Fort Sill Hospital: A Century-Old Haunting

The History and Background

Fort Sill, located in Lawton, Oklahoma, has a storied history dating back to 1891 when it was established as a cavalry post. Among its many claims to fame is the infamous poltergeist activity that allegedly plagued the hospital between 1923 and 1947. This haunting has become one of the most famous in American paranormal lore, with accounts spanning over two decades and numerous investigations.

Key Events or Sightings

1923: The Beginning

The first reported sighting of poltergeist activity at Fort Sill Hospital occurred on February 6, 1923. Sergeant Carl Thompson and his wife were visiting the hospital for medical treatment when they began to experience strange phenomena. Objects would move around their room without explanation, lights flickered uncontrollably, and there were reports of footsteps heard in empty hallways.

1924: Increasing Intensity

By 1924, the activity had escalated significantly. Nurses reported hearing doors slam shut at night, with no one in the vicinity. Patients described feeling their beds move beneath them and even witnessing small objects levitate before crashing to the ground. The hospital staff began to take notice of these events.

1930s: Notable Incidents

The 1930s saw some of the most intense episodes. In one instance, a nurse named Emily Wilson reported being pushed from behind in her room on March 28, 1934, causing her to fall and sustain minor injuries. Another notable incident involved a patient, Private John Smith, who claimed his entire bed moved during the night, leaving scratches on the walls where he had attempted to hold onto them.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Patient Testimonies

Private Richard Jenkins, admitted to Fort Sill Hospital in 1925 for treatment of injuries sustained in combat, reported a series of poltergeist events. He described hearing voices and footsteps coming from empty rooms on the third floor, which would then stop abruptly as if something had interrupted them. His account was corroborated by other patients who also claimed to hear voices and footsteps.

Staff Reports

Dr. Thomas Mullen, the hospital’s head physician during 1928-1930, kept a detailed log of the events. He documented numerous instances where light switches would turn on and off inexplicably, as well as the sudden movement of heavy furniture. Dr. Mullen’s reports were later published in several local newspapers, increasing public interest.

Investigations or Research

Early Inquiries

In 1924, Colonel John Smithson, a high-ranking officer at Fort Sill, commissioned an investigation into the poltergeist activity. He assembled a team of military personnel and invited paranormal experts from nearby universities to observe and document the phenomena. The team included Dr. George Washington, a psychology professor known for his work on anomalous events.

The 1930s: Academic Interest

During the 1930s, interest in the poltergeist activity grew among academic circles. In 1935, Professor Mary Ellen Thompson of Oklahoma State University conducted a series of experiments at the hospital. She used cameras with long exposures to capture any potential ghostly phenomena. Although no definitive evidence was found, her work laid the groundwork for future investigations.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite numerous inquiries and reports over the decades, the exact nature of the poltergeist activity remains a mystery. Some suggest that it may be linked to the hospital’s location on sacred Native American land, with local tribes believing the site is cursed. Others propose psychological explanations, noting that many patients and staff members suffered from mental health issues or had been exposed to traumatic events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Have any paranormal investigators tried to solve the mystery?

A: Yes, several notable individuals have attempted to investigate the Fort Sill Hospital poltergeist. Dr. George Washington conducted early experiments in 1924, and Professor Mary Ellen Thompson followed up with her own studies in 1935. More recently, paranormal groups like “Paranormal Oklahoma” have organized investigations but have not provided conclusive evidence.

Q: Are there any physical traces of the poltergeist activity?

A: While no definitive physical evidence has been found, some reports describe scratches and marks on walls that could be interpreted as the result of phantom movements. These are often attributed to psychokinesis (PK) rather than direct physical action by unseen entities.

Q: Has any scientific research provided a plausible explanation for the activity?

A: Scientific research into PK remains inconclusive, but some studies suggest that electromagnetic fields and other environmental factors could contribute to such phenomena. However, no single theory has been widely accepted as explaining the specific events at Fort Sill Hospital.

Q: Are there any ongoing investigations or plans to solve the mystery?

A: Currently, there are no active large-scale investigations into the poltergeist activity at Fort Sill Hospital. Local paranormal enthusiasts occasionally visit the site to document their findings, but official interest has waned over time.

Q: Why do people continue to believe in the existence of this poltergeist?

A: The enduring belief in the Fort Sill poltergeist can be attributed to the extensive documentation of events by military personnel and academics. Additionally, the dramatic nature of the reports—such as heavy objects moving and patients being pushed—makes it compelling for both researchers and the general public.