History
The Excelsior House Hotel, standing proudly in Jefferson, Texas, is steeped in rich history and timeless charm. Built in the 1850s, this historic hotel is recognized as the oldest continuously operating hotel in East Texas, making it an essential part of the state’s past.
The hotel’s origins trace back to a piece of land gifted to a hardworking steamboat captain, William Perry, by the City of Jefferson in 1846. Perry, recognizing the need for a place to accommodate the bustling port town’s visitors, constructed the Irving House, which now forms the oldest part of the hotel.
Over time, as Jefferson thrived as a vital riverport city, the hotel expanded, adding new sections, including the southwest wing between the end of the Civil War and 1872.
During Jefferson’s golden age, the town buzzed with activity. Riverboats navigated through the Big Cypress Bayou, connecting Jefferson with cities like New Orleans and St. Louis via the Mississippi and Red Rivers.
Cotton flowed into the port from towns as far away as Dallas, drawing in traders, merchants, and travelers from across the region. But Jefferson was not just a lively trading hub; it was also known for its rowdy and often violent reputation, with tales of duels and outlaws woven into its history.
The town’s past is haunted by the tragic story of Diamond Bessie, a woman whose death in 1877 remains shrouded in mystery and controversy. Many believe that her restless spirit still wanders through the old streets of Jefferson, including the halls of the Excelsior House.
Throughout its years, The Excelsior has played host to a myriad of guests, from steamboat captains to notable figures such as President Ulysses S. Grant and film director Steven Spielberg.
Each room of the hotel tells a story, not just of the famous visitors who stayed there, but of the echoes of a bygone era preserved in every corner.
Today, despite extensive renovations, the Excelsior retains its vintage character, giving guests the chance to step back in time to the days when horse-drawn carriages clattered along the cobblestone streets outside.
Hauntings
While the hotel’s historical charm is undeniable, it’s the ghostly tales that have visitors buzzing. The Excelsior House has long been rumored to be one of the most haunted places in Jefferson, though the current owners prefer to highlight its historical significance over its spooky reputation. Despite this, guests and staff alike have reported strange occurrences that are difficult to explain away.
Many believe that the hotel is haunted by the spirit of Diamond Bessie, a notorious figure in Jefferson’s past. Bessie, known for her lavish diamond jewelry, met a tragic end in 1877 when she was found with a bullet wound to the head. Her accused murderer, Abe Rothschild, was acquitted, a verdict many saw as a grave miscarriage of justice.
Some guests claim to have seen her spirit wandering the corridors, forever seeking closure. Others have reported encounters with a headless man lurking in the hallways, a spectral woman in black clutching a child close, or the scent of cigar smoke and perfume drifting through rooms with no apparent source.
The most infamous of the haunted rooms is the Jay Gould Room. Legend has it that this room is a hub of paranormal activity. Guests have reported seeing the rocking chair move on its own, doors slam shut without reason, and an eerie feeling of being watched.
The most famous story associated with this room involves Steven Spielberg. During his stay in the 1970s while working on his film Sugarland Express, Spielberg is said to have experienced a series of frightening events.
As the story goes, he placed his briefcase on a chair only to have it fly back at him moments later. Later that night, he was awakened by a small child asking if he was ready for breakfast.
So unnerved by the experience, Spielberg reportedly woke his crew and checked out immediately. Some say that his time at the Excelsior influenced elements of his later work on the movie Poltergeist.
Guests in other parts of the hotel have their own stories to tell. Reports of bedcovers being pulled away, disembodied whispers, and bathroom doors swinging open have been documented in the guestbook, adding to the inn’s eerie allure.
One of the most chilling experiences involves an oval mirror where some guests claim to have seen the ghostly image of a soldier staring back at them. Even those who don’t believe in the supernatural often leave the hotel with a newfound respect for the unknown.
Things to Do
When staying at the Excelsior House Hotel, there’s no shortage of activities to fill your days in Jefferson. Stroll through the historic downtown to explore unique shops and hunt for one-of-a-kind treasures.
For those who enjoy a bit of history and the supernatural (why else would you be readin this?), take a tour of The Grove, known as the “most haunted house in Texas.”
A horse-drawn carriage ride through town offers a charming way to take in Jefferson’s historic homes and churches, while boat tours on the bayou provide a serene escape.
Nature enthusiasts can head to nearby Lake O’ the Pines or Caddo Lake for fishing, canoeing, or simply soaking in the scenery.
For a dose of local heritage, visit the Jefferson Historical Museum or dive into the eclectic displays at the Museum of Measurement and Time.