Tuesday, December 27, 2011

The Menger Hotel, San Antonio. Texas, USA

The Menger Hotel was built by German immigrant William Menger; its doors opened on February 1, 1859. Menger, who also owned and operated the first brewery in Texas, died in 1871, and his widow and son carried on with the family businesses.

Five years later, a chambermaid named Sallie White was attacked in the hotel by her husband. He beat her so severely that she died two days later - but she continues to perform her hotel duties. She has often been seen at night, carrying a load of towels.

Captain Richard King, a rancher, was very fond of the Menger, spending a great deal of time there. Upon learning that he had a short time to live, King spent all his time at the hotel, making his final farewells and drawing up his will. His funeral was held in the hotel parlor on April 15, 1885. He has been seen entering his former room, now called "The King Ranch Room".

Former President Teddy Roosevelt, who also enjoyed spending time at the Menger, sometimes has a drink in the hotel bar.

The hotel is also said to be haunted by the ghosts of some of the men who died at an adjacent fort - the Alamo.

No comments:

Post a Comment