In addition to being the birthplace of Amelia Earhart, Atchison is also the most haunted town in Kansas. I drove through town to see some of the notable dark destinations.One of the haunted houses is the Waggener House. The house was built in the late 1800's by local politician B.P. Waggener. Local legend says Waggener sold his soul to the devil for money and power. The stately home seems a testement to his fortune and so perhaps is a testement to his pact with the devil as well.
Around the house on the roof are gargoyles. At the apex of the house is one of the gargoyles - an angular, red demon looking like it is about to take off in flight. The gargoyles are part of the house's ghostly curse. A later owner was trying to remove some of them from the house when he fell to his death.
The Waggener House, like many of the haunted destinations in Atchison, is private property and not available for public viewing. I was able to observe the murderous gargoyles from the outside, but stayed on the street so I didn't bother whoever lives in the cursed home. Luckily for curious little ol' me, the city offers numerous tours throughout the year. I hope to go back to get a closer took at some of the haunted houses.
If you want to find a haunted house or site of paranormal activity near you, I suggest you check out Dark Destinations, a travel guide to all the mysterious and ghostly locations around the world.
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Very cool. Beautful house -- haunted or not.
ReplyDeleteMakes me wonder "Whatever happened to B.P. Waggener?"
He died of old age. Lol. He was my great grandfather. We are going to Atchison this Saturday for a personal tour. I haven't been inside for 21 years. I can't wait! Heidi Waggener
DeleteHe died of old age. Lol. He was my great grandfather. We are going to Atchison this Saturday for a personal tour. I haven't been inside for 21 years. I can't wait! Heidi Waggener
DeleteI love watching haunted house, "real" or movie, on TV but would not plan on visit one on purpose. I look forward to your post visit post, but I suspect your experience will average outside of the architecture. Happy Hunting!
ReplyDeleteOh, so cool! Thanks for posting this. Somebody should send the TAPS guys here!
ReplyDeleteYou have to see the house in person to get the best feel for it.
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