Place: The Lemp Mansion
Location: 3322 Demenil Pl, St. Louis, MO 63118
Phone: 314-664-8024
Hours: Varies by event and accommodation; refer to the official website for details.
Admission: Varies by event; refer to the official website for details.
Website: lempmansion.com
History: Built in the early 1860s, the Lemp Mansion was purchased by William J. Lemp, founder of the Lemp brewing dynasty, to serve as both a residence and auxiliary office for the Lemp Brewery. Under William’s leadership, the brewery became a dominant force in the St. Louis beer market, especially with its Falstaff beer brand.
The mansion was transformed into a 33-room Victorian showplace, featuring innovations such as a radiator system installed in 1884 and an open-air lift. Notable interior features include Italian marble mantles, hand-painted ceilings, and an atrium that once housed exotic plants and birds. The main bathroom boasts a unique glass-enclosed, free-standing shower imported from Italy.
Tragedy struck the Lemp family multiple times within the mansion’s walls: William Lemp Sr. died by suicide in 1904, his son William Jr. in 1922, and another son, Charles, in 1949. These events, coupled with the decline of the brewery during Prohibition, have cemented the mansion’s reputation as a site of historical significance and sorrow.
Hauntings: The Lemp Mansion is reputed to be one of the most haunted locations in America. Visitors and staff have reported numerous paranormal activities, including:
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Apparitions: Sightings of figures believed to be members of the Lemp family, especially in areas where they met their tragic ends.
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Unexplained Noises: Footsteps, knocks, and voices have been heard when no one else is present.
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Cold Spots: Sudden and unexplainable drops in temperature in certain rooms and hallways.
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Feelings of Unease: Many guests report an overwhelming sense of sadness or anxiety in specific areas of the mansion.
One particularly eerie legend involves the attic, which is said to be haunted by the spirit of William Jr.’s illegitimate son, referred to as the “Monkey Face Boy.” Born with Down’s Syndrome, he was reportedly kept hidden in the attic for his entire life.
Personal Experiences: While many guests and paranormal investigators have reported experiences, specific documented personal accounts are limited.
The mansion offers haunted history tours and has been featured on several paranormal television shows, where investigators have captured unexplained phenomena. However, detailed personal experiences are often anecdotal and vary widely.
Paranormal Activity Rating: High (Frequent activity)
The Lemp Mansion’s rich history, combined with the numerous tragic events that occurred within its walls, contribute to its reputation as a hotspot for paranormal activity.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a paranormal aficionado, the mansion offers a unique glimpse into the past, shrouded in mystery and spectral intrigue.