Missouri

Excelsior Springs

The Elms

In the Late 1800’s, people flocked to Excelsior Springs looking for a miracle cure. The original luxury resort featuring famous healing mineral waters was built in 1888. The wooden structure, with wide verandas and pine interior was twice destroyed by fire.

Although no fatalities occurred in either blaze, the hotel is said to be frequented by several spirits. Today's Elms reopened for business in September 1912. The colorful history includes a stint as a training facility for Jack Dempsey and a gambling getaway for Al Capone. Former president Harry S Truman enjoyed The Elms and our European style spa on the eve of his election in 1948. Other well known visitors include: Oil Magnate Harry Sinclair, Artist Thomas Hart Benton, TV Personality Dave Garroway and our very own hometown Football Legend Greg Williams.

The unsettled soul in the lap pool area is said to be that of a gentleman involved with illegal activities during the speakeasy days of Prohibition where the mob spent their time gambling in the hotel. In those days the lap pool was just a basement that consisted of blocked off rooms where the mafia could store liquor and gamble all night. The gentleman that haunts down there was supposedly killed by the mob over a disagreement of some sort.

A spirit of a maid wearing a 1920’s style uniform has been reported supervising the housekeeping staff.watching the other maids to make sure they are doing their work correctly

There is also a grown woman that haunts the 3rd floor of the elms. Local lore has it that a grieving mother roams the halls in search of her lost child. SThis hotel is full of odd noises, feelings and there is a constant presence about it.

Although the mineral water industry declined in the 1960's, the mineral waters are still available inside the Hall of Waters, the mineral water baths can still be "taken" locally.

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