Do you love scares, history, or vintage New Mexico architecture? There’s a place that you need to check out, or even better, spend the weekend. It is a historic, haunted place in New Mexico: the St. James Hotel in Cimarron.
There is a treasure trove of unique and interesting history covering the turn of the century from the 1800s into the early 1900s. There really is nothing like it, and you are guaranteed to leave the St. James Hotel with an incredible story.
Just book directly with M Vacation Properties & Resort to secure your room at the St. James Hotel for a night. Continue reading, and we’ll walk you through some of the hotel’s haunted stories and New Mexico history.
Guide To St. James Hotel’s History and Haunts
It helps to get acquainted with the St. James Hotel before stepping inside. Here are some popular questions and facts about the St. James Hotel’s haunted past.
What Is The St. James Hotel?
The St. James Hotel is a historic hotel that is on the National Register of Historic Places. A restaurant and a saloon are also part of the hotel.
Where is the St. James Hotel?
617 S Collison Ave, Cimarron, NM 87714
When Did St. James Hotel Open?
The building was built in 1872 by Henry Lambert, who was President Abraham Lincoln’s personal chef. It started as a saloon and then later grew into a hotel originally called Lambert’s Inn.
Did Anyone Important Visit The Hotel?
Yes. The saloon was popular with cowboys, traders, miners, and outlaws. Some people who visited the hotel include
- Wyatt Earp
- Jesse James
- Bob Ford
- Buffalo Bill Cody
- Clay Allison
- Train Robber Black Jack Tom Ketchum
- Billy the Kid
- Thomas James Wright
- Artist Fredrick Remington
- Governor Lew Wallace
- Writer Zane Grey
- Bat Masterson
Is St. James Hotel Haunted?
That is up to you to decide; however, there has been a lot of spooky activity at the St. James Hotel over the years. There are several hauntings that make the hotel a unique place to spend the night, if you are brave enough. Here are some haunting stories and ghosts that occupy the St. James Hotel.
- Room 18 is said to be haunted by the angry ghost of Thomas James Wright. He checked into the St James Hotel on April 5, 1882. Allegedly, he got into a high-stakes poker game with the owner, Henri Lambert. Wright won all of Lambert’s money, but some of his cattle, and most importantly, the St. James Hotel. On his way back to his room in his new hotel, Wright was shot and killed. His room is never booked as if he were still staying there today.
- It really was the Wild West in Cimarron. St. James Hotel saw at least 26 murders. Clay Allison, Black Jack Tom Ketchum, and Buffalo Bill Cody have all left numerous bullet holes in the main dining room ceiling during rowdy poker games or shootouts.
- The hotel has been visited multiple times by a reality television show attempting to document spooky happenings, such as cold spots, objects falling, electrical malfunctions, the scent of cigar smoke, and eerie mirror reflections.
- The ghost of Mary Elizabeth is said to stay in Room 17. She gave birth to her children in a hotel and then later died there in December 1926. You might catch a glimpse of her wandering the halls at night or tapping open windows.
- Try not to be pranked by a small, older man known as Little Imp. His ghost apparently plays tricks on guests and staff by moving objects around the hotel.
Find Out What Is Real For Yourself
St. James Hotel is a must-visit for anyone curious about ghosts, and if you aren’t, there is a wealth of history to discover. You can book directly through M Vacation Properties & Resorts to explore more of our corner of New Mexico.
Guests are encouraged to call for more information about haunted tours, ghost-inspired meals, or haunted packages.
We offer spacious valley condos, ski-view rentals, and historic rooms at the St. James Hotel. Remember to keep an eye on the weather and snow report. Our Taos, New Mexico vacation rentals inventory includes ski-in/ski-out and hot tub properties. Call 800-453-3498 to learn more or check our availability online.