HAUNTED HOTEL

Shortly after purchasing the Walking Horse Hotel in Wartrace, TN individuals began to share with us their accounts of ghostly encounters inside the historic brick building. The yarns included eerie feelings, doors opening and closing without explanation to observing full scale apparitions. While I personally believe in the existence of spirits, I initially ignored most of what was being said. However, it soon became abundantly clear that something was happening at 101 Spring Street, Wartrace, Tennessee.

We began renovating the ground level of the hotel in August 2007. During this period I routinely stayed overnight. Unexplained noises accompanied by an overall feeling that I was not alone became commonplace. It is important to note that the presence I felt was never menacing. Initially what I chalked up to my overactive imagination soon began to peak my curiosity.

It is rumored that the hotel’s second owner, Floyd Carothers, passed away on the third floor. However, Carothers actually died in Jonesboro, Arkansas on June 26th 1944 and is buried alongside his parents in Wartrace’s Hollywood Cemetery. According to guest accounts spanning decades Carothers ghost periodically visits the hotel and has even been seen roaming the halls. I and others have heard the sound of heavy boot steps walking across the upper levels of the empty hotel and what appears to be the distinctive sound of horse hoofs. Perhaps Floyd’s is joined by his World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse Strolling Jim. 

In February 2008 a prominent paranormal research group contacted me after reading about the alleged haunted Walking Horse Hotel on the Internet.  I reminded them that most if not all the information reposted was either inaccurate or borderline ridiculous. Like the story of a crazed Vietnam veteran who went on a shooting rampage in the 70’s, or the gentleman who believed he was possessed by a ghost because he knew where the biscuit mix was in the kitchen. I was determined to make certain that any stories concerning my hotel were based on fact rather than fiction. Therefore, I welcomed the “ghost hunters” to legitimize or debunk any paranormal activity from a purely scientific standpoint. Since that time several groups have investigated the hotel. None have ever been disappointed with their findings.   

I am routinely asked if I believe that the building is actually haunted. If you were speaking with an individual as old as my hotel they would undoubtedly have many stories to tell. I believe that the Walking Horse Hotel is simply telling its story.

-Joe Peters