During the summer heat wave that can boil your tap water and fry eggs on the sidewalk, a lot of ghost hunters travel north where the temperatures are not as torrid. One of the more popular cities to encounter a ghost is Prescott, Arizona, and that’s where Matt’s Longhorn Saloon can quench your thirst for ghosts and a sarsaparilla.
The original building was constructed in the 1870’s and was a busy mercantile store. The store was destroyed in the July 1900 fire that snuffed out most of the booming businesses along Whisky Row. Rebuilt in 1901, the historic D. Levy Building housed the mercantile until 1934. Probation had come to an end, and the store was replaced by a saloon.
The swinging wooden doors of Matt’s Longhorn Saloon have been a fixture on Whisky Row since 1962. Longhorn skulls and mounted game decorate the walls of the saloon. A twenty foot long bar invites guests to belly up to the bar, and a large wooden dance floor attracts two-step country western dancers on the weekends.
The owners, employees, and guests have all witnessed the ghosts left behind in the saloon. Most frequently seen is a tall dark figure of a cowboy usually wearing his black duster and hat as though he just returned from a trail ride. He lingers in the establishment late at night waiting to be served one more drink before he hears his last call.
Another spirit experienced at the saloon is of a little girl. She has been seen in the ladies restroom asking for someone to help her find her mother. Alarmed employees and guests report they have mistaken the spirit for a missing child, but before they are able to assist the young girl, she has vanished.
Paranormal investigation teams have recorded EVP of both the cowboy and a female voice so if you are in the saloon late on a quiet night, your recorder might pick up on a disembodied voice. The Arizona Desert Ghost Hunters reported hearing what sounded like a marble rolling from the men’s room to the pool table along the wooden floor. They all followed the sound with their eyes and ears as the hair stood up on their arms and neck.
Stop in at Matt’s Saloon on Whisky Row and keep an eye on your barstool. You never know who might be keeping you company.
Matt’s Longhorn Saloon
112 S Montezuma Street
Prescott, AZ
928-771-8788
www.mattssaloon.com
For more info: www.mvdghostchasers.com
Debe Branning nazanaza@aol.com
Comments
Love the historial slant you give to these articles.
History and ghosts pretty much go hand in hand....makes it easy for me to write about!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!