One of the most important landmarks in the state is the 155 year old courthouse that sits on the banks of the Mississippi River in St. Louis. Many important trials in the history of the American judicial system took place in this courthouse until the city abandoned the structure in 1930. By 1940, the old courthouse became a part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. The courthouse now acts as a historical and cultural museum but this Halloween you can explore this Missouri landmark after hours on a hunt for the paranormal.
The Old Courthouse will open its doors for the first time after hours on October 31st for an exclusive paranormal research tour.
Gateway Arch, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial/Facebook
It took 16 years to finish the courthouse but work was finally completed in 1864. Missouri abolished slavery in 1865 however, during the buildings construction the courthouse steps were used as a slave market.
St. Louis Paranormal Research Society/Facebook
One of the most notable cases in American history, the Dred Scott case, was tried at the courthouse in 1847 and 1850.
Gateway Arch, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial/Facebook
Dred Scott was a slave who who, along with his wife Harriet, sued their current owners for their freedom. The case was taken all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
St. Louis Paranormal Research Society/Facebook The Scott’s ultimately lost the case after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that because they were considered property, they didn’t have the legal right citizenship and thus couldn’t sue.
These stains on the history of the courthouse helped to fuel rumors that the grounds are haunted by the spirits of those who were served unjustly.
Gateway Arch, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial/Facebook
With over a hundred years of history, there have been some pretty eerie and inexpiable occurrences at the Old Courthouse..
Gateway Arch, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial/Facebook
At one point, an overnight security guard so clearly heard footsteps inside the building he decided to call the police. Once officers arrived they found the building to be completely empty.
Gateway Arch, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial/Facebook
The St. Louis Paranormal Research Society has finally been granted permission to do a one-night, after-hours paranormal investigation and you’re invited to join. On Tuesday October 31st, from 6 to 10 p.m. you can have the chance to find proof of paranormal activity in this 155 year old landmark.
Gateway Arch, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial/Facebook Tickets are $35 per person and are expected to sell out. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit their website here.
Do you think the Old Courthouse is haunted? Would you be willing to take this investigative tour to find out? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
Gateway Arch, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial/Facebook
St. Louis Paranormal Research Society/Facebook
The Scott’s ultimately lost the case after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that because they were considered property, they didn’t have the legal right citizenship and thus couldn’t sue.
Tickets are $35 per person and are expected to sell out. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit their website here.
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