Haunted Places in Historic Downtown Bryan, Texas

206 North Main — Formerly Caldwell Jewelry

Although it's no longer a jewelry store, this stop in Historic Downtown Bryan is known to have ghostly visitors. In 1933, members of the Whitey Walker Gang (known associates of Bonnie & Clyde) robbed the jewelry store that was located here. Whitey Walker, Blackie Thompson and Roy Johnson kidnapped store owners John Sealy Caldwell and his wife, Celeste, drove them to Kurten, and tied them up to a tree.

John Sealy and his wife escaped, made their way back to Bryan, and reported the robbery. The following year, the Whitey Walker Gang was caught in Florida and brought back to Bryan for a trial, ultimately leading to their conviction and sentence to 99 years in the Texas Department of Corrections. They were sent to Huntsville, where they attempted a prison break —and Whitey Walker was shot and killed.

Whitey Walker is said to have made paranormal appearances in the building that was once Caldwell Jewelry, the beginning of his demise. Celeste has also been said to make appearances, but she's usually in good spirits.

Click here to learn more about the Caldwell Jewelry Store robbery.

Location: 📍 206 N Main St.

The Carnegie History Center

As one of the oldest buildings in Historic Downtown Bryan, The Carnegie History Center has seen its fair share of locals and visitors throughout the years. In the early 1900s, it was well-known as a gathering place for families, children, and even the Hoods' Brigade Association (from 1913-1933). People who have encountered spirits at the Carnegie believe they're drawn here because of the happy memories they made at the library while they were alive.

On the second floor, historians at the Carnegie say that they've encountered a member of the Hoods' Brigade — a stoic man who likes to knock books over when there's too much chit-chat and giggling. They've also seen a young girl, "Joy" dancing on a phasm cam that some paranormal investigators brought into the building.

Location: 📍 111 S Main St.

The Palace Theater

The Palace Theater has a long history in Bryan, TX. It's been a staple on Main Street since the early 1920s, operating as a city hall, a movie theater, an opera house, and a performing arts venue. According to local lore, Stage Center Community Theater was having rehearsal at The Palace on a rainy Sunday in 1986 when the cast suddenly felt a paranormal presence and heard the words "Get out!".

Of course, the theater troupe listened, wrapped up rehearsal, and got out as quickly as they could. Within a few minutes after they left, the storm started raging — and then, The Palace's roof collapsed in on itself. It's since been renovated into an open-air music venue, featuring the same marquee and stage that was there on that fateful day. Whether the ghost is still there or not...that's for you to decide!

Location: 📍 105 South Main Street

The String & Horn Shop

In Bryan's early days, a lot of the buildings had wells nearby. They needed water for their stores — and they wanted to be ready in case another fire broke out. Although it's not confirmed, it's suspected that the location of The String & Horn Shop is built on top of one of these old wells, which could possibly be why "Wendy" hangs around.

Some people claim to have seen her in window reflections, others (like myself) have seen her answer questions using dousing rods during Bryan Ghost Walks. It's theorized that she's a young girl who passed on too soon, possibly by falling into one of the wells or from one of the many fires that came through town. Whatever her story might be, those that have encountered her can all agree she's a very kind and friendly spirit.

Location: 📍 119 N Main St.

The Chocolate Gallery

Historic Downtown Bryan was a rather rowdy area in the 1800s. Most of the buildings were saloons, which may be why it was so easy for William McIver to get rip-roaring drunk one February evening in 1870. McIver was causing a lot of trouble on the streets, so police officer A.G. Hearn approached him and asked him to settle down.

In response, McIver drew his knife and attempted to stab Hearn. The two had a short scuffle before McIver stabbed Hearn in the abdomen, a fatal wound that led to his death. It's said that Hearn's ghost hangs around the 200 block of Main Street, by The Chocolate Gallery, where he was stabbed. I've heard that he usually makes his appearances (touching EMF detectors and speaking through the voice box) when there are proper cowboys around, wearing boots and cowboy hats...Just like the good ol' days.

Location: 📍 211 N Main St.

Hotel Bryan Alleyway

Tucked between PACT Design Studio and the former Hotel Bryan, there's a skinny alleyway that's known as one of the "most active paranormal sites" for Bryan Ghost Walks. Although there's not much history of what happened here, it's reported that ghost tours often experience EMF detectors buzzed and words being spoken through the voice box when they're in this alleyway.

During a recent Bryan Ghost Walk that I went on, the voice box registered several phrases: "I remember you" (talking about our tour guide), "What's that?" (asking about the EMF detector), and "Why are you here?"

Location: 📍 209 S Main St.