Explore the ghostly history and mysterious encounters of the many haunted sites in Corpus Christi. Traverse through these chilling locations and uncover the secrets lurking in Corpus Christi’s haunted past - if you dare.
Heritage Park
Heritage Park, Corpus Christi’s historic park, supports art and cultural activities and many community events. It is also home to 12 historical properties, some of which are believed to be haunted. The Sidbury House is said to be one of the most haunted houses in the area with reports of a child’s ghost in a bedroom, responsible for knocking over objects in the house. Visitors have also reported witnessing dolls being moved or rearranged during their visits. A ghost on the second floor of The Galvan House often taps visitors on the shoulder, and phantom footsteps have been heard ascending the stairs to the attic.
At the Ward-McCampbell House, the ghost of a girl named Mary haunts visitors and passersby. Mary passed away in this house after catching pneumonia and is believed to stop tour guides from entering the building by blocking the entrance. This menacing ghost has also been blamed for causing noises to disrupt tours and will lock tour guides and guests out if they venture onto the patio.
Blackbeard’s on the Beach
A mischievous ghost, similar to a poltergeist, occasionally disturbs the staff and owners of Blackbeard's. Since acquiring the building in 1991, the owners experienced strange occurrences like doors opening on their own, salt shakers moving, chairs shifting, and video tapes starting and stopping. This ghost even tampered with the thermostat and rearranged household items during a period when it accompanied the owners on their commute before returning to the restaurant.
The origin of this prankster is uncertain, with theories suggesting a historical altercation over a woman or a tragic incident involving a depressed patron. During Hurricane Ike in September 2008, Blackbeard's, closed for the storm, had an unexpected visitor, with the general manager discovering the restaurant's music playing loudly and an empty shot glass at the bar the following morning, despite none of the key-holding managers having entered the premises. Other paranormal sightings occurred after the death of the founder of Blackbeard’s in 2012, including orbs flying throughout the restaurant all hours of the night caught on security cameras.
USS Lexington Museum
Also known as the Blue Ghost, the USS Lexington Museum is famous for its resident ghost, Charlie, a well-mannered sailor with piercing blue eyes, wearing a vintage white Navy uniform no longer used by the ship’s staff. It is believed that Charlie was killed during a Japanese kamikaze attack in 1944, and he is known to dazzle visitors with his intimate knowledge of the ship and its engines.
Both visitors and staff have reported hearing ghostly sounds like chains dragging, elevator movements, as well as encounters with other spirits. The ship earned its nickname "Blue Ghost" from Japanese folklore due to its legendary World War II history, during which it survived numerous attacks.
House of Rock
Since 2005, the House of Rock has been a popular venue for live music, good food, and its diverse collection of craft beers in downtown Corpus Christi. For some employees, it’s also the center of unexplained phenomena after hours – they’ve reported unexplained noises at the restaurant late at night and objects floating or moving across the bar with no logical explanation for the occurrences. However, at the turn of the 20th century, the current building housed the first Maxwell P. Dunne Funeral Home, and its basement was used as a morgue.
Old Bayview Cemetery
Established in the 1840s and the resting place of prominent historical figures, this cemetery is renowned as one of the state's most haunted cemeteries. Over the years, reports of ghostly encounters such as apparitions and unexplained sounds have persisted, fueling the belief that the spirits of the deceased linger. The cemetery boasts two famous legends: the "White Lady," a young woman in a white dress searching for her lost love or seeking vengeance, and the "Fainting Woman," who was believed to have been buried alive and now haunts the grounds. While lacking concrete evidence, these tales have drawn ghost hunters and thrill-seekers to the site.
Haunted Activities to Do:
Now it’s time to explore some haunted houses during the Halloween season. Book a visit to the Fright Night Haunted House and prepare for an extreme ultra-realistic and detailed experience. Known as one of the top haunted houses in the country, the 10,000 square foot attraction’s level of detail, set design, and effects combined with their impressive actors and incredible makeup effects can only be compared to a Hollywood movie, and it changes every year, so you never know what to expect.
Take a chance on the Haunting on the Blue Ghost, a terrifying tour that takes the brave through over 80 compartments on two decks of the WWII era aircraft carrier, including spaces never opened to the public. Prepare to handle steep ladders, dark corridors, creaky hatchways and unimaginable sights, screams, and sounds. Serious paranormal fans can safely navigate the ship while it’s closed to the public during the Late-Night Paranormal Investigations with a group led by a guide. Paranormal activity is unpredictable; make sure to check their website for a full list of rules.
For the ultimate bone-chilling experience, head to FM 666 for The Hauntings of Boogeyman Haunted House. Not your average haunted house experience, this event shares many haunted facts and historical hair-raising details followed by a tour up the road of a haunted cemetery, formerly the site of the Texas Revolution, for sightings of ghosts and ghouls awaiting your arrival.
If haunted houses aren’t your thing, hop aboard an air-conditioned van for a premier nighttime ghost hunting experience with Enjoy Corpus Christi Tours. During this 2-hour tour, explore a 1929 haunted building and 13 other sites as you hear the stories and history behind these haunted locations. Catch orbs, apparitions, and other energy fields through photos and be prepared to explore the rich haunting history of the Gulf Coast Capital.
