The Ghost of the Old State Bank Building

The Ghost of the Old State Bank Building

The Old State Bank Building in downtown St. Louis has long been a site of intrigue and fascination for locals and visitors alike. Built in 1856, this grand structure served as the state capitol building before its conversion into a bank. Legends of hauntings have persisted for over a century, with countless stories and experiences suggesting that the building is home to an ethereal presence.

The History and Background

The Old State Bank Building stands as a testament to St. Louis’s rich architectural heritage. Originally constructed between 1854 and 1856 under the supervision of architect George H. Link, it served as the state capitol from 1856 to 1873. Following its transition into a bank in 1873, the building underwent several renovations but retained much of its original grandeur. It was officially designated as the Old State Bank Building in 1904 and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974.

Key Events or Sightings

The first documented account of hauntings at the Old State Bank Building dates back to 1865, just two years after it became a bank. A former clerk reported seeing the ghost of a man in tattered clothing who appeared on the second floor. The building was closed for an extended period following these initial sightings, but by 1904, reports had grown more frequent and detailed.

In 1932, during renovations, workers reportedly heard voices and footsteps echoing through the empty halls. One worker claimed to have seen a woman in Victorian attire who disappeared when he approached her. These events were enough to spark local interest and speculation, leading to more reported sightings over the years.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### The “Lady in White”

The most famous ghost at the Old State Bank Building is often referred to as the “Lady in White.” Numerous witnesses have described seeing a woman dressed entirely in white, particularly around the second-floor area. One notable account comes from Dr. John Merton, who worked at the bank in 1947. He claimed to see her every morning when he arrived for work and often heard whispers of “Good day” or “Hello” as she passed by.

Another instance occurred in 1985, when a janitor reported finding a folded piece of paper on his desk with the words “Are you ready?” written on it. The note was believed to have been left by the ghostly figure, who had appeared earlier that morning and then vanished without trace.

#### The Apparition in the Vault

In 1987, during an emergency drill for bank employees, a security guard reported seeing a man in the vault area. The guard described him as wearing outdated banking attire, which included a long coat and a bowler hat. The apparition was seen briefly before vanishing into thin air.

Investigations or Research

In 1989, paranormal investigators from the St. Louis Paranormal Society conducted an overnight investigation at the Old State Bank Building. They set up cameras and recording devices to capture any evidence of supernatural activity. One camera captured what appeared to be a faint shadow moving along the corridor on the second floor, though no clear images or audio recordings were obtained.

In 2013, another paranormal team used thermal imaging cameras during their investigation. While they failed to identify any significant temperature anomalies, one member reported feeling an intense chill in the same area where the Lady in White is most commonly seen. The team also heard unexplained whispers and footsteps during the night.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite numerous investigations and ongoing reports of sightings, the identity of the ghost remains unknown. Some speculate that it may be a manifestation of a past employee or visitor who met an untimely demise within the building’s walls. Others believe it could be linked to historical events or even supernatural entities.

The Old State Bank Building continues to attract both paranormal enthusiasts and casual visitors interested in its mysterious history. Tours are occasionally offered, which include stops at known hotspots for ghostly activity. However, the true nature of what haunts this historic structure remains a mystery.

Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A pairs)

Q: What is the most common sighting reported at the Old State Bank Building?

A: The Lady in White is the most commonly reported apparition. She is often seen wandering through the second-floor areas, particularly during early morning hours when employees arrive for work.

Q: Has any scientific evidence been gathered to support these claims?

A: While no definitive proof has been found, various paranormal investigations have provided anecdotal evidence such as cold spots and whispers. Some investigators believe that thermal imaging cameras might offer a more objective perspective on the phenomena.

Q: Are tours available for those interested in experiencing this place firsthand?

A: Yes, guided tours are occasionally offered by local organizations. These tours often include detailed histories of the building and accounts of paranormal experiences reported by previous visitors.

Q: How does the current management view these claims?

A: The management maintains a neutral stance, acknowledging that while they cannot confirm or deny supernatural occurrences, they respect the beliefs of their patrons and offer information about both the historical significance and potential ghostly activity.

Q: Are there any upcoming plans for further investigation or preservation efforts?

A: There are no immediate plans for additional investigations at this time. However, the building’s owners have expressed interest in exploring ways to preserve its rich history while accommodating visitors who wish to explore claims of paranormal phenomena.

The End