The Tanglewood Inn Ghosts: Colorado Springs’ Haunted History
In the heart of Colorado Springs lies a historic inn steeped in mystery and whispered tales—The Tanglewood Inn. Built in 1894, this elegant Victorian structure has seen its fair share of both prosperity and strife over the years. Yet it is the stories of spectral activity that have drawn curious visitors and paranormal investigators alike to explore its eerie corridors.
The History and Background
Tanglewood Inn was originally constructed as a resort by wealthy businessman Edward Tingley in 1894, situated on a hill with panoramic views of the city below. The building featured ornate ironwork and large windows, designed to maximize natural light and offer breathtaking vistas. By the early 20th century, it had become one of Colorado Springs’ most prestigious hotels.
In 1936, Tingley sold the property to Reverend Charles E. Lippincott, a local Baptist minister who turned the resort into The Tanglewood Inn Hotel and added several rooms for guests. Over the decades, the inn witnessed significant changes in ownership and purpose—serving as a bed-and-breakfast, hosting conferences, and even briefly serving as a community center before its current status as a private residence.
Key Events or Sightings
#### 1950s: The First Haunting Reports
The earliest recorded accounts of paranormal activity at Tanglewood Inn date back to the 1950s. Mrs. Eleanor Watson, who lived in one of the rooms during that period, reported hearing strange noises and feeling as if someone was following her through the halls late at night.
#### 1983: The Unexplained Disappearance
In October 1983, a guest named Susan Clark checked into Room 206. According to Clark, she felt an overwhelming sense of dread upon entering the room. The next morning, when Clark did not return for breakfast or check out as expected, her husband reported her missing. A search was conducted but yielded no results. Her luggage remained in the room untouched.
#### 1993: The Fright Night
On Halloween night in 1993, a group of local paranormal enthusiasts decided to spend the evening investigating Tanglewood Inn. They set up audio and video equipment in various rooms and bedrooms. At around 2 AM, the cameras captured what appeared to be a translucent figure moving through the hallways. The group heard whispers and footsteps that seemed to come from different directions simultaneously.
Witness Accounts or Evidence
#### Room 104
One of the most frequently reported haunts is in Room 104. Guests staying there have claimed to see a woman in a Victorian dress, often described as being in her mid-30s. The room’s previous occupants noted that the ghostly figure would appear and disappear at will. Several guests reported feeling cold breezes and hearing faint sobs coming from the room.
#### Room 215
Room 215 has been a particularly active spot for paranormal activity. Guests staying there have often felt disembodied hands touching them, heard footsteps approaching their beds, and seen shadows moving about the room. The room’s current owner also claims to have experienced strange phenomena, including unexplained noises and the sensation of being watched.
Investigations or Research
In 2015, a team from the Colorado Paranormal Investigators (CPI) conducted an investigation at Tanglewood Inn using advanced equipment such as EMF detectors, thermal cameras, and audio recording devices. The team documented several instances where their instruments registered unusual activity in specific rooms. For example, in Room 104, they recorded spikes in electromagnetic fields that correlated with the reported sightings of the Victorian lady.
#### EVP Sessions
The most compelling evidence came from an EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) session held by a group of paranormal researchers on a Friday night in November 2016. The team placed microphones and audio recorders throughout the building and left them running overnight. In the recordings, they heard a woman speaking in an indistinct but clearly audible voice saying “Please don’t go” just before one of the guests left the premises.
The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery
Today, Tanglewood Inn is privately owned and rarely open to public tours or investigations. The current owner, who has lived there for over a decade, claims that while paranormal activity does occur, it has diminished in recent years. However, some visitors still report feeling uneasy and encountering strange phenomena.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Have any researchers been able to capture photos of the ghosts?
A: While there have been many attempts, no definitive ghostly images have been captured by paranormal investigators or owners. Most accounts rely on guest reports and anecdotal evidence rather than concrete photographic proof.
Q: Is it safe for people to stay at Tanglewood Inn?
A: The current owner insists that the property is safe but acknowledges that some guests may find certain areas of the building unsettling due to past paranormal activity. However, no serious incidents have been reported in recent years, and most guests are able to spend their stay without incident.
Q: What kind of research has been done on Tanglewood Inn’s history?
A: Extensive historical records exist detailing the inn’s ownership changes and its role in Colorado Springs’ social and economic development. However, little official documentation exists regarding the paranormal activity reported over the years, making it challenging for researchers to validate claims.
Q: Are there any ongoing investigations at Tanglewood Inn?
A: There are no known active investigations at the time of this writing. The current owner has stated that they are more focused on maintaining the property and ensuring its preservation rather than hosting paranormal research teams.
Q: What is the official stance of Colorado Springs authorities regarding the ghostly activity at Tanglewood Inn?
A: The city does not officially recognize or investigate claims of paranormal activity, as these fall outside their jurisdiction. Local law enforcement typically advises visitors to be cautious and rely on personal judgment when visiting the property.
Conclusion
The Tanglewood Inn in Colorado Springs remains a place of mystery and intrigue, drawing both tourists and paranormal enthusiasts to explore its haunted halls. While no definitive proof has been provided, the numerous reported sightings and strange occurrences continue to fuel speculation about what truly haunts this historic building. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, one thing is certain—Tanglewood Inn’s past is far from ordinary, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in the paranormal.