HOUSTON – Just down the road from Houston, there’s a city where history refuses to rest. Galveston — the most haunted city in America — is full of beauty, mystery, and a few permanent residents who never quite crossed over.
Houston Life’s Melanie Camp explored the island’s supernatural side, from the stately halls of Ashton Villa to the chilling corners of the Mummy House, guided by locals who know Galveston’s ghost stories best.
🏛️ Ghosts of Ashton Villa
Built in 1859, Ashton Villa is one of Galveston’s grandest homes — and one of its most haunted. Once home to the wealthy Brown family, the mansion is said to still echo with the footsteps (and piano music) of two sisters, Miss Betty and Matilda “Tilly” Brown.
Betty, an artist and world traveler, painted the ornate turret ceilings herself — and her original art still adorns the walls. Visitors swear they can feel her presence on the grand staircase or hear faint notes from the family piano.
“This home is part of Galveston’s living history,” says Will Wright with the Galveston Historical Foundation, which opens Ashton Villa to the public only during spooky season. “You can explore the rooms, see Betty’s paintings, and maybe catch a glimpse of one of the sisters still roaming the halls.”
🎬 Hollywood Meets the Haunted
If Ashton Villa looks familiar, you may have spotted it in the hit TV series 1923. Filming took place in what’s known as Alexandra’s bedroom and office — which visitors can now tour in person during October.
“It looks just like it did on set,” Will adds. “It’s a special treat for fans — and maybe for a few ghosts, too.”
🌊 Haunted Harbor Adventures
Beyond Ashton Villa, Will and the Galveston Historical Foundation also invite thrill-seekers aboard their Haunted Harbor Tours, a storytelling cruise through the dark waters of Galveston Bay. Guests can hear spine-tingling tales of shipwrecks, storms, and restless sailors while gliding past the city’s shadowy shoreline.
“It’s a fun mix of history and mystery,” Will says. “And there’s something extra eerie about being on the water at night.”
🏚️ The Demon House & the Mummy Mystery
For those who prefer their ghost hunting on foot, Tyler Jenkins with Historic Galveston Ghost Tours leads guests through the island’s most haunted neighborhoods — year-round.
Tyler’s route includes the infamous Demon House, where one resident’s son once leapt from an upstairs window after claiming voices told him to hurt his family. “When I first started this job, I didn’t believe in ghosts,” Tyler admits. “That changed after something yanked me backward on the stairs. There was no one there.”
And then there’s the Mummy House, built by amateur archaeologist Waters Davis, who brought home an Egyptian mummy as a “souvenir.” His wife wasn’t amused. She gave him an ultimatum: “Me or your mummy.”
He chose the mummy. She left.
The relic was buried somewhere on the property — and despite two sonar scans, no one’s ever found it. “We could be standing right on top of it,” Tyler says with a grin.
🕯️ Ghosts, History & Southern Charm
From elegant mansions to cursed artifacts, Galveston’s haunted history is as rich as it is eerie. Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or just in it for the stories, this island is full of haunted beauty worth exploring — all just a short drive from Houston.
👉 Plan your own spooky adventure and explore haunted tours, history walks, and seasonal events at VisitGalveston.com.