Is the Clayton House in Arkansas Really Haunted?
If you’ve ever visited Fort Smith, Arkansas, you’ve definitely wondered outloud ‘the Clayton House haunted?
And, oh, it’s got more spirits than an Arkansas punch bowl!
This Victorian beauty is charming on the outside and spirited on the inside. The Clayton House, now known as the Clayton House Museum, former home of locally famous prosecuting attorney, the mansion now stands as a historical treasure…with a few weird extras.
Get used to the “I’m not alone” feeling,
This is your guide to the haunted Clayton House:
The Clayton House: A Piece of Arkansas History
Located in Downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas, The Clayton House was built in 1852, abandoned when its owner fled to Texas, and used as a hospital for soldiers during the Civil War, witnessing grotesque amputations, brutal injuries and violent deaths.
In 1882, William Henry Clayton moved his family into the home and extensively remodeled it into an Italianate-style masterpiece. When the Clayton family relocated 15 years later, they began leasing it to the Fort Smith Military Social and Athletic Club, moving out in 1897.
Then, it was a boarding house for 6 long decades with a laundry list of renovations, additions, and accidents, including a fire in an upstairs bedroom.
By 1969, the mansion was in such bad shape that no one would buy it.
The City of Fort Smith scheduled the home’s demolition, but philanthropist Julia Yadon halted it before it could be done. She noticed the increasing loss of Victorian-era homes in the area and soon formed the charitable Fort Smith Foundation, which eventually led to the Clayton House’s authentic reconstruction.
Today, this historic house operates as a museum, wedding venue, and private event space, but many still wonder: is the Clayton House haunted?
Who owns The Clayton House in Arkansas?
The Clayton House is currently maintained and operated by the Forth Smith Heritage Foundation, which bought the property back in 1969. Fort Smith citizen Julia Yadon and 6 other members stopped the scheduled demolition and restored the home to its former glory.
The mission of the Fort Smith Heritage Foundation is “to protect, preserve, and promote The Wm. H. Clayton House and the Victorian era of Fort Smith,” and that is what they continue to do to this day.
Is the Clayton House haunted?
So, is the Clayton House haunted?
Visitors and paranormal research agree that, yes, the Clayton House is haunted, like really haunted.
In an article from 5 News Online, one of the bedrooms on the second floor gives guests an eerie feeling. Guests also experience noises like boots stomping, doors slamming, and music playing from other areas of the house.
Ghosts of the Clayton House:
- The Woman in the Brown Dress: A former director even saw the ghost of a woman wearing a brown dress in Mr. Clayton’s study. The woman is said to be Florence, Clayton’s wife.
- Tall Angry Man: Perhaps the most well-known haunt at the Clayton House is that of a tall man in a top hat. He was spotted by a guest who thought he was a reenactor, but when the guest got close, the tall man disappeared. Clayton House staff recognized this guest’s story as that of “The Tall Angry Man,” who wears black, has an angry face, and wears some sort of hat, believed to be Powell Clayton.
- The Cat: Staff member has heard the ghost cat and felt it brushing against her legs. The cat also plays with the curtains, even though there are no vents nearby to move them.
- Doll Deviance: Last but still creepy, there are also porcelain dolls in locked cases that sometimes turn to face each other.
In 2018, the NWA Ghost Connection team wanted to answer the question themselves. They investigated the area armed with a thermal imaging FLIR gun, various voice recorders, and a large multi-camera setup.
Shortly after setting up, one team member noticed a cold spot, and then a flashlight turned on as if a spirit was making itself known.
So overall, yes, we’d say the Clayton House in Arkansas is haunted.
See For Yourself
So, is the Clayton House really haunted? See for yourself with a tour. Here’s everything you’ll need to know:
- Address: 514 N 6th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901
- Phone: 479-783-3000
- Admission: Tours are free, but a suggested donation is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $3 for kids 6-17
- Tour Duration: Guided tours last about an hour
- Hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m; The Clayton House Museum is closed on Mondays.
- Parking along 6th Street is allowed but limited; there is handicapped parking at the back of the building
Haunt Us
Have you been to The Clayton House in Arkansas? How creepy was it, like really? Don’t let your ghost stories go untold.
Share your experiences in the comments below, visit the forums, read others’ stories, and become part of our haunted community.
