The culture of Dallas and the surrounding region is colorful, fascinating, and full of rich stories. Legends, myths, and mysterious tales are an inseparable part of the area’s cultural heritage — and today, we’re going to talk about them. More specifically, about ghosts and paranormal phenomena in Dallas and across the state of Texas. Read more about it on i-dallas.com.
Ghosts at the Dallas County Courthouse (Old Red Museum)
Many legends claim that ghosts inhabit the Dallas County Courthouse, also known as the Old Red Museum. Visitors have reported hearing strange noises, seeing shadows, and even ghostly figures.
The Dallas County Courthouse is a historic building in downtown Dallas. It was constructed in 1892 from red sandstone with marble accents and represents the Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style. It was actually the sixth courthouse built for Dallas County — the previous five were destroyed by fire.
Originally, the courthouse featured six courtrooms, two libraries, offices, elevators, and a large central iron staircase. It was designed to be fireproof, built with steel and ceramic materials.
In 1967, the court moved to a new building, and the Dallas County Courthouse underwent a large-scale restoration. The renovation cost more than $16 million.
Dealey Plaza: The Kennedy Assassination and Ghostly Legends
Dealey Plaza is a significant site in Dallas because of a world-shocking tragedy. It was here that President John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was assassinated. The event took place on November 22, 1963, at 12:30 p.m. The president’s motorcade was driving along Elm Street, and Kennedy sat in an open limousine with his wife Jacqueline, alongside Texas Governor John Connally and his wife.
Shots were fired from the Texas School Book Depository by Lee Harvey Oswald, a former U.S. Marine. The first bullet struck the president in the back, passing through his throat. The second, fatal shot hit his head. Governor Connally was also wounded. Kennedy died 30 minutes after being shot, and Oswald was arrested soon after.
Today, Dealey Plaza is both a National Historic Landmark and one of Dallas’s most visited tourist attractions. It is also home to The Sixth Floor Museum, dedicated to Kennedy’s life and legacy. Interestingly, many ghost stories have emerged about this museum, with claims of ghostly apparitions and other paranormal activity.
Where Else Are Ghosts Found in Dallas?
Tour guides also tell stories and legends about ghosts and spirits in old hotels. For example, guests at La Quinta Inn & Suites have occasionally reported mysterious sounds and a “paranormal presence.” Understandably, such stories are often used in themed tours for those interested in the supernatural — especially around Halloween.
Whether you believe in these legends or not is a personal choice, but such tales are an inseparable part of local culture and tourism. As many tour guides say, if you only tell tourists dry historical facts, the tour becomes dull and uninteresting. That’s why they keep visitors engaged with myths, legends, and ghostly tales. Of course, not all of these stories are true — but they certainly add a bit of mystery and charm to Dallas.
That’s our look at the mystical and mysterious side of Dallas. We hope you enjoyed it and learned something new about this fascinating city.