About This Location
The current Tremont House is the third hotel to bear this name - the first was built in 1839 and destroyed by fire, while the second fell into disrepair after the 1900 hurricane. The current incarnation opened in the 1980s in the former Leon & H. Blum Co. Building. Galveston's Great Storm of 1900 claimed over 6,000 lives, and during storms, the hotel's paranormal activity intensifies.
The Ghost Story
The Tremont House Hotel has a history spanning three incarnations on Galveston Island. The first Tremont opened in 1839, celebrating with a grand ball honoring the Battle of San Jacinto. The second, designed by renowned architect Nicholas J. Clayton, opened as a four-story landmark in 1872. Through its doors passed Presidents Hayes, Grant, Cleveland, Harrison, Garfield, and Arthur, alongside General Sam Houston, Edwin Booth, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Clara Barton.
On April 19, 1861, Sam Houston delivered a chilling premonition from the hotel's north gallery, warning fellow Texans of "fire and rivers of blood" should they secede from the Union. His words proved tragically accurate.
When the Great Storm of 1900—the deadliest natural disaster in American history—struck Galveston and claimed over 6,000 lives, the Tremont sheltered hundreds of refugees. The hotel served as a makeshift morgue during the disaster's aftermath and became headquarters for Clara Barton's Red Cross relief efforts.
The spirits of that terrible storm linger still. Guests report that whenever storms blow through Galveston—thunder, lightning, rain, or wind—paranormal activity intensifies dramatically. Floors 3 and 4 are most active: knocking sounds, ceiling fans switching on and off, shadow figures, moaning and crying, lights flickering, and televisions operating on their own.
The hotel's most famous ghost is "Sam the Salesman." During Galveston's gambling heyday, Sam won substantial winnings and brought them back to his room, only to be murdered in his sleep and robbed. Sam had a distinctive limp, and his unique footfalls can still be heard in the lobby. Random knocks on hotel doors are attributed to his restless spirit.
A Civil War soldier marches rhythmically through the front lobby, past the elevator shaft, armed and intent on some eternal mission. Young "Jimmy," beloved by hotel employees, primarily appears to new staff members and has a habit of overturning cups on dining tables.
Researched from 6 verified sources including historical records, local archives, and paranormal research organizations. Learn about our research process.
