The History Behind This Remote Hotel In Nebraska Is Both Eerie And Fascinating
By Delana Lefevers|Published April 15, 2018
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
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.
When we think of historic hotels in Nebraska, one immediately jumps to mind. The beautiful Argo Hotel in Crofton has a long history that’s not only fascinating…it’s a little eerie as well.
The Argo is located in Crofton, a tiny town of 726 people just a stone's throw from Yankton, South Dakota.
The hotel's long history stretches all the way back to 1911, when local businessman Nick Michaelis saw the need for a comfortable hotel in this bustling railroad town.
Over the next 80 or so years, the Argo changed hands and functions several times.
Just 12 years after it was built, the hotel changed hands and became known as the New Meridian Hotel. In 1940, the hotel became the New Meridian Clinic. It served the people of the area for many years, with its doctors treating illnesses and injuries of all types. As can be expected at any medical clinic, some patients passed away within these walls.
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In the 1960s, a doctor moved his practice in the Argo/New Meridian.
The doctor's office, exam rooms, and living space were all located on the ground floor. The second floor was sealed off and unused. The practice was successful for many years, but when the doctor moved out, no one took over the building. It sat empty until the 1990s.
They restored the building's former purpose and revitalized the interior, turning it once again into a comfortable stop for weary travelers. It was at this time that stories of the building's supposed hauntings began to gain attention.
Some strange things were discovered during the remodeling.
As a wall was being removed, a bag of small bones was revealed. At the time, it was thought to be the bones of an infant. Later examination revealed the skeleton to be that of an animal, which was a relief to all involved...though a bag of animal bones in the wall is still quite creepy. A mysterious painting was also discovered during the renovation. It appeared to be completely black, even under bright lights.
One of the most persistent haunting stories from the Argo is that of a young mother who roams the building, crying and mourning the loss of her baby.
As far as we know, no records have been discovered that reference a specific death in the clinic. It's quite possible that a woman and her baby died here a very long time ago. The lady's ghost is known as Alice, and guests have reported seeing her in the basement bar. At some point, someone shined a flashlight on the aforementioned painting and the likeness of a young woman was revealed. This woman is believed to be Alice.
Guests have reported sightings of several apparitions in the bar and roaming the halls. Are they former gusts? Patients of the clinic who never recovered from their conditions? Or merely the products of some overactive imaginations?
Whether or not the stories of hauntings are true, the Historic Argo Hotel is an absolutely beautiful place with a fascinating history that is inextricably intertwined with that of Crofton. Guests continue to flock to the Argo for its stunning looks, comfortable rooms, and interesting stories. The hotel recently changed hands again and the new owners are busy at work restoring it to how it looked more than 100 years ago.
Interested in learning more? Check out the Historic Argo Hotel’s Facebook page here.
If you can’t get enough of Nebraska’s hauntings, make plans to take this terrifying road trip to some of the state’s most haunted places, including the Argo.
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