The Haunted House in Denver

The Haunted House in Denver

The Haunted House on West Colfax Avenue has long been a subject of fascination and fear for residents and visitors alike. Located at 3527 W. Colfax Ave., this four-story Victorian-style home, built in 1890, stands as a symbol of the city’s rich history intertwined with mystery and unexplained phenomena.

The History and Background

The house, originally constructed by Frank B. Thompson, was once part of the thriving mining community that flourished in Denver during the late 19th century. Over the years, it has changed hands multiple times, each owner leaving their mark on its storied past. One of the most notable owners was William B. Davis, a wealthy businessman who lived there from 1930 to 1942.

Davis is said to have built a secret room in the basement, rumored to house valuable treasures and artifacts stolen during his business ventures. The story goes that Davis used this room as both a storage area and a place for illegal activities, adding layers of intrigue to the house’s history. However, Davis disappeared under mysterious circumstances in 1942, leaving behind only speculation about his fate.

Key Events or Sightings

The first significant sighting occurred on January 5, 1980, when Nancy Smith, a young woman living alone in the house with her sister, reported hearing strange noises and seeing shadowy figures moving through the halls. These encounters continued over several weeks, culminating in an incident where Nancy claimed to have been physically pushed by an unseen force.

Another notable event happened on September 12, 1985, when three teenagers—Brian Miller, Sarah Johnson, and Mark Davis—were staying at a friend’s house near the haunted property. During the night, they heard loud banging noises and saw lights flickering in the basement. They claimed to have seen a ghostly figure in the hallway, which disappeared as soon as they turned around.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### Nancy Smith’s Encounter

On January 5, 1980, Nancy Smith was living alone with her sister in the house. At around midnight, she heard a loud thumping noise coming from upstairs. She tried to investigate but found nothing unusual. Later that night, she awoke to find the bedroom door pushed open, despite having locked it before going to bed.

#### Brian Miller’s Incident

In 1985, Brian Miller was staying at his friend’s house near 3527 W. Colfax Ave. One stormy evening in September, he and two friends heard strange noises throughout their home. They decided to investigate the basement, where they saw lights flickering and heard heavy footsteps. A dim figure appeared briefly before vanishing into thin air.

#### Ghostly Footprints

On March 14, 2007, paranormal investigators from Denver Paranormal Society (DPS) conducted a full investigation of the house. They placed infrared cameras in key areas and set up EMF detectors. During the night, they captured footage of ghostly footprints appearing on a wall near the front door.

Investigations or Research

The Denver Paranormal Society has been investigating 3527 W. Colfax Ave. since 2006. Their research includes interviews with former residents and property owners, as well as extensive use of paranormal equipment to detect unusual energy patterns.

In 2018, the society conducted a detailed investigation using thermal imaging cameras. They discovered an area in the basement that was significantly colder than other parts of the house, which they believe could be indicative of a hidden entrance or secret room.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite numerous investigations and attempts to uncover the mysteries surrounding the haunted house, many questions remain unanswered. The current owner, who purchased the property in 2015, reports occasional but unexplained phenomena such as doors opening and closing by themselves and objects moving on their own.

Local residents continue to share stories of unexplained events, adding to the house’s reputation for being one of Denver’s most haunted properties. Some even claim that the spirit of William B. Davis still roams the halls, guarding his hidden treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Have there been any official investigations by government agencies?

A: To the best of our knowledge, no government agency has officially investigated 3527 W. Colfax Ave. However, local law enforcement has occasionally received reports and conducted brief inquiries.

Q: Are there any recorded paranormal events that have been scientifically verified?

A: While numerous instances of unexplained phenomena have been reported, none have been scientifically verified in a peer-reviewed manner. The Denver Paranormal Society’s investigations have provided some evidence but remain inconclusive without further scientific validation.

Q: What is the current state of the secret room mentioned in William B. Davis’s story?

A: There are no definitive reports or physical evidence to confirm the existence of such a secret room. However, the possibility remains a source of fascination for paranormal enthusiasts and local historians alike.

Q: Can visitors experience the haunted house?

A: The property is private and not open to the public. Paranormal tours occasionally offer guided visits to the area around 3527 W. Colfax Ave., but access inside the house itself is strictly prohibited.

Q: Are there any explanations for the phenomena reported in the house?

A: While some attribute the occurrences to poltergeist activity or residual hauntings, others believe that natural factors such as temperature fluctuations and electrical interference may play a role. The true cause remains a mystery, leaving room for both scientific and supernatural theories.