The Crescent Hotel Is Haunted
Known as one of the most haunted hotels in America, the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs Arkansas is filled with amazing ghost stories. Before we hear the ghost stories of this hotel, we must first understand its history.
The Crescent Hotel was built in 1886 as a resort for the wealthy and notable, however, this dream quickly changed. The Crescent Hotel quickly became unmanageable and fell into disrepair. It wasn’t until 1908, that it had been reopened as the Crescent College and Conservatory for Young girls. This incarnation of the building lasted until 1924, and the second attempt as a college in 1930.
False Promises and Death
In 1937, the hotel got a brand new owner by the name of Norman G. Baker. Norman turned the building into hospital and health resort. Baker was a rich inventor and radio personality. He even titled himself as a doctor, despite having had no medical coaching. Few of his patients were ever aware of this fact. Baker claimed to own and have discovered a variety of “cures” for numerous ailments. This wasn’t just the common cold. He claimed to have a cure for cancer. Organized medicine of the time shunned him, however, he accused of being corrupt and profit-driven to hide his true intentions.
From Hotel to Hospital
Having been run out of Iowa for practicing medicine without a license, Baker moved many of his cancer patients to the Crescent in Arkansas. It was at this time that he publicized his new health resort. His “cure” consisted primarily of drinking the area’s spring water. Obviously, this didn’t work. In 1940, federal charges were filed against Baker for fraud. He would go on to spent four years in jail, and the health spa would slowly fall on hard times.
After many years in disrepair, In 1997, the Crescent hotel was purchased by Marty and Elise Roenigk. The couple oversaw a six-year restoration and renovation of the hotel rooms as new life was brought to the hotel.
Today we hear the ghost stories of what is known as on the most haunted hotels in the United States.
Episode Links: Hotel Home Page
