Eerie Encounter In Deadwood, South Dakota's Most Haunted Hotel

🍸 A simple drink turns into a spine-chilling adventure for one couple at Deadwood, South Dakota’s most haunted hotel! 👻 #SouthDakotaNews #TravelNews #HauntedSD

DEADWOOD, SD – Mike and Sherry Puckett, a couple from Des Moines, Iowa, recently found themselves in for a surprise during their vacation in Deadwood, South Dakota. While stopping for a drink at The Oyster Bay Bar & Casino, they stumbled upon the fascinating and haunting history of the establishment, formerly known as the Fairmont Hotel.

“We had no idea about the ghostly past of this place,” Sherry exclaimed, her eyes wide with astonishment.

“The bartender started sharing these incredible stories about the spirits that still roam the halls, and we were absolutely captivated.”

Mike, equally intrigued, added, “It’s not every day you find yourself in a place with such a rich and eerie history. We came for a drink, but we left with a newfound appreciation for the supernatural.”

Drinks at the Fairmont Hotel, now the Oyster Bay Bar & Casino, in Deadwood SD.

🕯️ A Haunting History: The Fairmont Hotel’s Ghostly Past

The Pucketts’ experience is not uncommon, as many visitors to The Oyster Bay Bar & Casino find themselves drawn into the captivating tales of the building’s haunted history. The Fairmont Hotel, as it was once known, has a past as colorful as the town of Deadwood itself.

Located in the historic red light district of Deadwood, South Dakota, the Fairmont has stood as a witness to the town’s colorful and often tumultuous past. Constructed in the late 1800s, this once-bustling brothel and saloon now serves as a beacon for the spirit world, with countless tales of ghostly encounters and paranormal activity.

🎭 From Vice to Spirits: The Fairmont’s Transformation

During Deadwood’s wild frontier days, the Fairmont Hotel was a hub for drinking, gambling, and prostitution. The establishment catered to the working man’s vices, attracting a diverse and sometimes unsavory clientele. However, as times changed and the town’s reputation shifted, the Fairmont Hotel found itself adapting to a new role – a sanctuary for restless spirits.

👻 Ghostly Residents: The Fairmont’s Eternal Guests

Many believe that the Fairmont Hotel’s dark history has contributed to its haunted reputation. The spirits of former patrons and employees are said to roam the halls, forever tied to the building where they met their untimely ends.

One such spirit is that of Margaret Broadwater, a young woman who worked in the brothel. In 1907, Margaret tragically took her own life by leaping from a third-story window. Some speculate that she may have been trying to conceal an unwanted pregnancy or was driven to despair by her circumstances.

The Pucketts say they found the story of Margaret Broadwater the most intriguing.

“It’s fascinating to think about the olden days,” Sherry said in a reflective whisper.

Another ghostly tale involves a jealous lover who, in a fit of rage, shot and killed one of his girlfriend’s clients. While attempting to flee the scene, the man accidentally shot himself and collapsed on the street outside the hotel, where he succumbed to his wounds.

🔍 Paranormal Investigations: Unraveling the Fairmont’s Mysteries

The Fairmont Hotel has attracted the attention of numerous paranormal investigators, each seeking to uncover the truth behind the building’s haunted reputation. Television programs like Ghost Adventures, Ghost Lab, and The Dead Files have all conducted investigations at the hotel, capturing compelling evidence of ghostly activity.

Visitors and investigators alike have reported experiencing a range of paranormal phenomena, from apparitions and disembodied voices to physical sensations like brushes against the skin or hair. Some have even captured photographic evidence of ghostly figures, including the spirit of a young boy.

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🔮 Embracing the Paranormal: The Oyster Bay Bar & Casino’s New Chapter

While the Fairmont Hotel no longer functions as a traditional hotel, its current incarnation as The Oyster Bay Bar & Casino has embraced its haunted history. Visitors can now explore the notorious third floor on nightly ghost tours, where they may encounter the spirits of Margaret, the jealous lover, or even the ghostly little boy.

The first floor of the building has been transformed into a souvenir shop and a family-friendly restaurant, offering a unique dining experience in a historically rich and paranormally active setting.

As Deadwood continues to evolve, the Fairmont Hotel (626 Main Street, Deadwood, SD 57732), remains a symbol of the town’s past and a bridge to the spirit world. Its haunted history and ghostly residents have become an integral part of the building’s character, drawing curious visitors and paranormal enthusiasts from around the world.

😲 A Couple’s Memorable Encounter with the Fairmont’s Ghosts

As Mike and Sherry Puckett prepared to leave The Oyster Bay Bar, they couldn’t help but reflect on the unexpected turn their evening had taken.

“We came in for a drink, but we left with so much more,” Sherry shared, a smile playing on her lips.

“Learning about the Fairmont Hotel’s haunted history and the spirits that still linger here has been one of the highlights of our entire trip to Deadwood.”

For the Pucketts, what began as a simple stop for a drink turned into an unforgettable experience that will forever be etched in their memories. The Oyster Bay Bar & Casino, with its rich history and ghostly inhabitants, provided them with a unique glimpse into Deadwood’s supernatural side. Check out their Facebook page here.

As they continued their journey through the historic town, Mike and Sherry knew they would always cherish the unexpected detour that led them to discover the haunting allure of the Fairmont Hotel.

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🗣 Have you ever been to the Fairmont in Deadwood, South Dakota? Have you ever had a paranormal experience? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️