Is The Jefferson Palace Hotel the Most Haunted Hotel in Texas?

I recently took a quick trip across the state line, stood right in front of this building, and made a firm personal choice: I am strictly an outside observer on this one.

Did you know one of the most haunted hotels in Texas is just 45 minutes from Shreveport? It’s true! If you are feeling brave, you can make the short drive over to historic Jefferson, Texas, and check out The Jefferson Palace Hotel.

Originally built in 1851, this landmark holds the title of the oldest commercial building in Jefferson and the oldest operating hotel building in Texas. Their website even boldly claims they are known as "the most haunted hotel in the world"—and they insist they have the receipts, pointing to countless paranormal captures on YouTube from both hotel security cameras and brave past guests.

While the entire property has a spooky reputation, every room allegedly comes with its own unique paranormal activity. The one that creeps me out the absolute most, though, is the legend of the Bride Room (Room 19).

According to local lore, Room 19 was occupied by a young bride named Libby Grigsby, who was left stranded at the altar by her fiancé. Overwhelmed by grief and embarrassment, she tragically hanged herself from the tall, antique bed frame that remains inside the room to this day.

Since then, visitors and paranormal investigators have reported wild encounters in Room 19. Guests have claimed to see a spectral figure drifting around in a white bridal gown, hear disembodied voices and heavy footsteps, watch shadows move across the walls, and even hear water splashing in an empty, dry bathtub. Bizarrely, some visitors have even reported feeling an unseen presence gently tucking them into bed at night!

If you want to test your courage this spooky season, head over to 124 W Austin St in Jefferson, Texas. As for me? I’ll gladly stay out on the sidewalk!