The Empress of Little Rock: Haunted Mansion in Arkansas
Arkansans know that the Empress of Little Rock is haunted. This gorgeous Victorian mansion may look like Southern elegance itself, but inside, you’ll find more than just antique charm.
With its lavish decor and mysterious history, the Empress is both a cozy stay and a haunted hell.
This is your guide to Hauntings of The Empress of Little Rock:
A Brief History of The Empress of Little Rock
To answer the question “Is the Empress of Little Rock haunted?” let’s walk through its history.
In the late 1880s, James Hornibrook’s prosperous business endeavors significantly increased his wealth, so he hired architects to design an opulent residence on Little Rock’s southern edges. After Mr. Hornibrook died of an apoplectic stroke at just 49, his wife suffered from a broken heart and passed away just 2 short years later.
The legacy of the Hornibrook house was carried on through their daughter Lessie and sons James and John.
By 1897, the Hornibrook House had become the Arkansas Women’s College. Under the leadership of Rev. E. M. Pipkin, the institution was celebrated for its high academic standards and well-known teachers.
Just 3 years after opening, the school closed, and the property was acquired by Colonel Asbury S. Fowler and his wife, Rosa, who lived in the home for close to 30 years. After a period of vacancy, the home went through owners and served several purposes, including a rooming house during WWII, a nursing home, and a facility for disabled adults.
In the early 1930s, Bob Blair and Sharon Welch-Blair undertook a comprehensive renovation, reopening the Hornibrook House as the Empress of Little Rock Bed & Breakfast. Today, the home offers luxury accommodations and a high-level experience for its guests…but many visitors still find themselves feeling creeped out.
The Empress is Breathtaking
The Empress of Little Rock isn’t just haunted; it’s beautiful.
Sitting proudly on the corner of West 22nd and South Louisiana Street in Little Rock, you’ll find one of the most romantic B&Bs in the country. Both the inside and outside of this hotel are designed with spectacular Gothic Queen Ann Architecture, and each room is thoughtfully decorated with the finest Victorian-style furniture.
The Ghost of Mr. Hornibrook
Because its most notorious owner was Jame Hornibrook, the Empress of Little Rock is nicknamed the Hornibrook House.”
Unfortunately, Mr. Hornibrook didn’t get to enjoy his mansion for very long. After a pleasant day with his family, Mr. Hornibrook headed downtown with his daughter, later visiting his saloon to socialize. He and 3 friends caught a streetcar from Main and Markham streets back toward his home.
One gentleman walked with Mr. Hornibrook to his home, bidding him goodnight as he entered the property. Before we made it into his home, Mr. Hornibrook suffered a fatal event, presumed to be an apoplectic stroke. His body was found nearly 3 hours later by a delivery boy, and Hornibrook’s youngest daughter, Maggie, moved his now lifeless body to the porch.
Today, guests report a period-dressed man, complete with a top hat, floating down the stairs. Although no one has mentioned Mr. Hornibrook wearing a top hat, most visitors believe this ghost is him.
Why is The Empress of Little Rock Haunted?
So why is the Empress of Little Rock haunted?
This iconic Little Rock B&B has hosted thousands of guests in its 130 years, and many have never left. According to local tales, Mr. Hornibrook himself still wanders the hallways!
Owners of the Empress of Little Rock, Sharon, and Robert Blair, have reported several paranormal happenings inside the old Victorian mansion. While the mansion was being restored, a painter found himself locked in an upstairs poker room… except that the room did not have a lock.
Other guests have reported seeing a woman standing quietly in the rooms on the second floor, who is presumed to be a former maid of the hotel and a man dressed in an old-fashioned sea captain’s uniform. While no one has discovered who exactly these two ghosts are, it’s assumed they are former employees or guests of the home.
Haunt Us
Don’t let your ghost stories go untold. Have you been to the haunted Empress of Little Rock in Arkansas? Share your ghost-hunting experiences in the comments below, visit the forums, and become part of our haunted community.
