‘Tis the spookiest month of the year and we here at Only in South Dakota have been searching high and low for the creepiest, most paranormal spots around the Mount Rushmore State! Today we are so excited to share a haunt we were unaware of with all of you, which is this haunted South Dakota street that we would hate for you to visit after dark:
When it comes to abundant culture, great eats, and history galore, nothing beats our very own Rapid City... but did you know that one of its streets is rumored to be plagued by the paranormal?
As the story goes, South Dakota was once the home of John Leary; an 1800s miner who lost both of his hands (and one eye) in an unfortunate mining explosion, leading him to have his limbs replaced by hooks.
After the accident, Leary became a 41-year veteran of the Rapid City Police Department, meeting even more misfortune in 1926 when he was struck and killed by a car.
Even though he tragically passed away, his soul seems to have never truly passed on, as it is rumored he still lives in his old 7th Street apartment building.
Now the Fountain Springs Church Central Offices, the building has also served as a nightclub, restaurant, and tavern, and employees from each of these businesses have claimed to have seen orbs, pool balls moving on their own, and have even heard the sounds of footsteps coming from his old room.
Do you think that as long as you steer clear of the building, you are safe? Think again, as passerbyers have also reported strange sounds and apparitions up and down 7th Street.
Whether or not "Hooky Jack" really haunts Rapid City is up for debate, but we want to hear from you: Have you ever experienced anything unexplainable in the area? Let us know in the comments!
