Astoria, a quaint city located at the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon, is renowned for its rich history, stunning Victorian architecture, and beautiful landscapes. However, beneath its picturesque surface lies a darker, more sinister past. From tragic accidents and mysterious disappearances to haunted locations, Astoria’s history is steeped in tales of the paranormal and unexplained. This post delves into some of the city’s most haunted spots, eerie legends, and the shadowy activities that have left their mark on Astoria’s past.
The Liberty Theatre
One of the most famous haunted locations in Astoria is the Liberty Theatre. Built in 1925, this historic venue has been the site of numerous ghostly sightings and unexplained phenomena. Staff and visitors have reported seeing apparitions, hearing disembodied voices, and experiencing sudden drops in temperature. The most famous ghost of the Liberty Theatre is believed to be that of a former projectionist who died in the building.
Location: Liberty Theatre
The Astoria Column
Standing 125 feet tall, the Astoria Column offers breathtaking views of the Columbia River, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding forests. However, this iconic landmark is also said to be haunted. According to local lore, the column is visited by the spirits of Native Americans who once lived in the area. Some visitors have reported hearing the sounds of chanting and drums, while others have felt an inexplicable sense of unease while climbing the stairs to the top.
Parking at the top.of the hill will cost you $5 USD per vehicle (and is valid for a year).
Location: Astoria Column
The Flavel House Museum
The Flavel House Museum, a beautiful Queen Anne-style mansion, was built in 1885 for Captain George Flavel, one of Astoria’s most prominent citizens. Despite its grandeur, the house is rumored to be haunted by several spirits, including that of Captain Flavel himself. Visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures, hearing footsteps in empty rooms, and feeling cold spots throughout the house. The eerie atmosphere of the Flavel House has made it a popular destination for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts.
Location: Flavel House Museum
The Old Clatsop County Jail
The Old Clatsop County Jail, also known as the “Old Jail,” has a chilling history. Built in 1914, the jail housed criminals and vagrants for over 70 years. Today, it serves as a museum, but its haunted reputation remains. Visitors have reported hearing strange noises, feeling an oppressive presence, and even seeing the ghostly figure of a former inmate wandering the halls. The jail’s dark history and eerie atmosphere make it a must-visit for those interested in the paranormal.
Location: Old Clatsop County Jail
The Goonies House
Fans of the 1985 film “The Goonies” will recognize this iconic house as the home of the Walsh family. While it is a beloved tourist destination, some visitors have claimed to experience supernatural occurrences in the area. Tales of ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and strange lights have added an extra layer of intrigue to this already famous location.
Location: The Goonies House
The Astoria Underground
Beneath the streets of Astoria lies a network of underground tunnels that date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These tunnels were used for various purposes, including transporting goods and providing shelter during bad weather. However, they also have a dark side. Rumors persist of illegal activities, including smuggling and human trafficking, taking place in these tunnels. Some say the spirits of those who met untimely deaths in the underground still linger, and paranormal investigators have reported eerie encounters during their explorations.
Location: Astoria Underground
Shanghaiing in Astoria
Shanghaiing, or the practice of kidnapping men and forcing them to work on ships, was a notorious activity in Astoria during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Unsuspecting victims were often drugged or knocked unconscious in local bars and brothels before being taken through the underground tunnels to waiting ships. Many of these men never returned, and their spirits are said to haunt the city to this day.
Key Locations:
Prostitution and Vice
Astoria’s waterfront was once rife with brothels and gambling dens, catering to sailors and dock workers. The city’s red-light district was notorious for its seedy underbelly, where crime and vice were rampant. Many of these establishments were located in buildings that still stand today, and some believe the restless spirits of those who lived and worked there continue to linger.
Notable Locations:
The Ku Klux Klan in Astoria
In the 1920s, the Ku Klux Klan had a significant presence in Astoria. The Klan targeted immigrants, Catholics, and other minority groups, spreading fear and division within the community. Meetings and rallies were held in secret locations, contributing to an atmosphere of tension and mistrust. The dark legacy of the Klan’s activities is a sobering reminder of the prejudice and hatred that once permeated the city.
Key Locations:
- Historic meeting sites (exact locations often remain undisclosed for safety and preservation reasons)
The Wecoma Dock
The Wecoma Dock, once a bustling site for fishing and commerce, is now known for its ghostly legends. Fishermen and dock workers have reported seeing apparitions of old-time sailors and hearing the sounds of phantom ships. The dock’s history of accidents and drownings contributes to its haunted reputation. Today, it stands as a reminder of Astoria’s maritime past, with an eerie twist.
Location: Wecoma Dock
Are There Sites in Town Where I Can See These?
Yes, there are several sites in Astoria where you can explore its darker history:
- The Heritage Museum: Located at 1618 Exchange Street, it houses arrest records from the 1870s and a recreated Astor Saloon exhibit. The building itself was originally City Hall and has old jail cells in the basement.
Heritage Museum - Astor Street: The section between 7th and 9th Streets was notorious for saloons, dance halls, and boarding houses associated with prostitution.
Astor Street - Commercial Street:
- Between 14th and 15th: Site of Bridget Grant’s seaman’s boarding house known for shanghaiing.
Commercial Street – Bridget Grant’s House - Between 15th and 16th: Location of Jim Turk’s seaman’s boarding house, now a parking lot.
Commercial Street – Jim Turk’s House
- Between 14th and 15th: Site of Bridget Grant’s seaman’s boarding house known for shanghaiing.
- John Jacob Astor Hotel: Located at 14th and Commercial Street, it’s now an apartment building but was once off-limits to soldiers during WWII due to its reputation for prostitution.
John Jacob Astor Hotel - Astor Street Opry Company: During summer and early autumn, they perform “Shanghaied in Astoria,” a theatrical representation of the city’s shanghaiing history.
Astor Street Opry Company
While exploring these sites, consider staying in one of Astoria’s historic hotels to fully immerse yourself in the town’s colorful past. Remember that many original buildings are no longer standing, but their locations and stories remain an integral part of Astoria’s history.
Additional Locations of Interest
For those wanting to delve deeper into Astoria’s dark history, here are a few more spots worth exploring:
The Peter Iredale Shipwreck
The rusted remains of the Peter Iredale, a four-masted steel barque that ran aground in 1906, can still be seen on the beach near Fort Stevens State Park. While not haunted per se, the shipwreck is a poignant reminder of the treacherous waters that claimed many lives over the centuries. Visitors often feel a sense of melancholy and unease when walking near the wreck, perhaps sensing the spirits of those lost at sea.
Location: Peter Iredale Shipwreck
Fort Stevens State Park
This former military installation, which served from the Civil War through World War II, is said to be haunted by soldiers from different eras. Ghost hunters have reported seeing apparitions in old bunkers and hearing unexplained noises. The fort’s extensive history, combined with its remote and rugged setting, makes it a hotspot for paranormal activity.
Location: Fort Stevens State Park
The Columbian Theatre
Originally opened in 1925, the Columbian Theatre is another historical site rumored to be haunted. After its closure and periods of abandonment, reports of ghostly encounters and eerie sounds persisted. Though it has been repurposed over the years, the building’s spooky reputation remains intact.
Location: Columbian Theatre
The Kindergarten Cop House
Fans of the 1990 film “Kindergarten Cop” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger will recognize this charming house used as a filming location. While not particularly haunted, the house holds a special place in Astoria’s cinematic history. Visitors can admire the exterior and imagine scenes from the beloved movie. It’s a popular spot for photo ops and adds a touch of Hollywood to your Astoria visit.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/j4nyM9webWMvRTrW8?g_st=ac
Location: Kindergarten Cop House
Astoria’s dark history and haunted locations offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer in the paranormal, these sites provide a unique way to explore the historical and supernatural elements of Astoria. From haunted theaters and historic mansions to eerie underground tunnels and docks, Astoria’s haunted locations are sure to captivate and intrigue.
For those interested in experiencing these ghostly sites firsthand, guided ghost tours are available, offering a deeper dive into the city’s haunted history. As you wander through the streets of Astoria, keep an eye out for the unexplained—you never know what or who you might encounter.
Additional Resources
For more information on Astoria’s haunted locations and to plan your visit, check out the following resources:
Astoria’s haunted history is a testament to the city’s rich and multifaceted past, blending history, folklore, and the paranormal into an intriguing tapestry that continues to attract and mystify visitors from around the world. By exploring these eerie locations, you not only learn about the city’s darker side but also appreciate the resilience and spirit of Astoria and its people.
This journey through Astoria’s haunted history is just a glimpse of the many stories and secrets the city holds. Whether you’re a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, Astoria’s rich and dark past promises an unforgettable experience. So, the next time you find yourself in this charming Oregon town, take a moment to look beyond the surface and explore the shadows of its history.
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