Hotel Gibbs

San Antonio's first high-rise, built on what's considered the bloodiest patch of the Alamo battlefield. Construction workers dug up two cannons from the 1836 battle — and the reported activity started shortly after those artifacts were removed.

The historic elevators no longer operate. Guests have watched them move between floors anyway, doors sliding open for passengers who are not there. Inside the cage elevators, people have glimpsed operators in period dress — attending to guests who died nearly two centuries ago.

Hotel Gibbs occupies San Antonio's first high-rise, an eight-story white-glazed brick tower built in 1909 at the northwest corner of the old Alamo compound. During construction, workers dug up two cannons from the 1836 battle. The cannons went to museums. Some believe removing them stirred up whatever was already in this ground — ground so soaked with blood from the battle that the violence seems baked into the foundation.

The front desk sits where Colonel William Travis reportedly fell defending the Alamo. That area generates the most intense activity. Employees hear voices with no source and footsteps in empty halls.

Soldiers in period military uniforms walk the corridors. Some have been seen pushing spectral cannons across the street toward the building before dissolving into nothing. Guests have entered their rooms to find someone already standing inside — a figure that simply vanishes when spoken to. Doors open and close by themselves. Lights flicker with no electrical cause. In the early morning hours, guests wake to the sounds of battle: cannon fire, the wailing of wounded men.

The staff have grown used to working alongside their long-dead colleagues. In this hotel, the past does not stay past.