The Oldest Hotel In Montana Is Also One Of The Most Haunted Places You’ll Ever Sleep
By Jessica Wick|Published January 30, 2019
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Jessica Wick
Author
Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
Ask anyone who’s been to Fort Benton about the Grand Union Hotel and you’re sure to see a smile. Not only is it the oldest operating hotel in the state, but it’s incredibly charming. While the structure has been fully renovated, it still maintains the historic vibe that you’ll find all over the city, which is nicknamed the Birthplace of Montana.
Oh, and it’s also rumored to be haunted, so you might get more than you bargain for when you stay.
The Grand Union is located at 1 Grand Union Square in Fort Benton.
The hotel’s history began in 1882, seven years before Montana even became a state. Although it went out of business a few years later, it was soon renovated and reopened by its new owners. In 1999, it was restored to its original splendor.
Many people have claimed to have heard the stomping hooves of a phantom horse. This could be because long ago, a drunk cowboy tried to ride his horse up the main staircase before he was shot to death by the hotel manager.
There have also been multiple sightings of a male spirit dressed in a long coat who appears in different areas of the hotel.
Of course, old buildings like this are bound to make some off noises, and people do have wild imaginations when they're staying in historic structures. It's possible that the Grand Union isn't haunted at all.