Old Bryan Jail Ghost Hunts
Welcome to the incredibly active, Old Bryan Jail, in Bryan, Ohio.
Step into the eerie past of the Old Bryan Jail in Bryan, Ohio. Built in 1869 to replace a small log jail that had served the town for 25 years, the former Williams County Jail and Sheriff’s Department has housed criminal offenders awaiting trial for well over a century.
Closed in 2014, this historic site is now reputed to be one of the most haunted locations in the region. The jail, almost empty except for some furniture and trinkets, still echoes with the voices of spirits and the mysterious sounds of its haunted history.
Location History
Bryan, Ohio, was slowly settled starting in 1827 with James Guthrie, who was the town’s first settler. By 1840, the state decided Bryan would be the county seat, and a courthouse was constructed, completed in 1845.
The old jail and sheriff’s house, built in 1869, served the community for 154 years. The jail housed many notorious criminals, including James Robert Engle, who murdered the local librarian Emily Abernathy in the 1940s.
James Engle when questioned, told the officers he had the overwhelming urge to kill Emily as soon as he saw her. She suffered 27 stab wounds during her murder.
One of the most infamous events in Bryan’s history was the hanging of Andrew F. Tyler, a wandering fortune teller, in 1849. Tyler had convinced a mentally challenged teen to commit murder, leading to his execution east of the log courthouse.
The Paranormal
The Old Bryan Jail has gained a chilling reputation for its paranormal activity. A mid-20th-century newspaper article reported on the ghost of an executed murderer from 1847 haunting the jail.
Over the years, stories of hauntings have accumulated, with visitors and investigators experiencing a wide range of eerie phenomena. Reports include:
- Poltergeist Activity: Objects moving on their own, unexplained noises, and physical disturbances.
- Former Inmates: Apparitions and sounds of former inmates haunting the cells.
- The Sheriff’s Ghost: A former sheriff is said to still roam the jail, maintaining his watch.
- Dizziness and Mental Disorientation: Visitors often feel dizzy and mentally “off” when exploring the jail.
- Solitary Confinement: This area and its hallway have an intense, heavy atmosphere, making it one of the most haunted spots in the jail.
Shadow figures are commonly seen, footsteps and doors slamming are frequently heard, and some believe the entire town of Bryan has a special connection to the spirit world. Are these claims of hauntings and paranormal activity true? There’s only one way to find out.
The Ghost Hunt
For just $89 per person, you will enjoy the following:
- A full night of ghost hunting with the Haunted Rooms America team,
- Exclusive access to the most haunted areas of the building,
- Group vigils and experiments, guided by our experienced team,
- Use of our traditional and state-of-the-art paranormal equipment,
- Free time to investigate at the end of the night,
- Snacks and refreshments provided at intervals throughout the night.
Book Your Spot Now
Join Haunted Rooms America for an unforgettable night at the Old Bryan Jail. Experience firsthand the chilling encounters that have made this location legendary.
Book your spot now and prepare for a night that will test your courage and curiosity. Are you brave enough to discover why the ghosts of Bryan remain? Come and find out for yourself – if you dare!
BOOK NOW
TICKETS ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED