Happy New Year!! Let's start this new year out with some new spooks!

What pops into your mind when you hear the city name of McAlester?

Well, if you’re an Oklahomie, you instantly probably think of prison. Yes, McAlester is famously known to be the home of the Oklahoma State Penn. But one might not necessarily think about the kooky and spooky aspect of a city such as this one. It’s probably safe to say that a city that houses a state’s penitentiary…the state’s most awful and dangerous criminals…probably has some kooky energy running amuck.

McAlester, OK, located in the southeastern part of the state, has a rich history tied to its founding and development. Originally named Perryville after James Perry in 1838, it became a significant location when the California Road crossed the Texas Road. Despite its early promise, Perryville was destroyed during the Civil War, leading to the rise of McAlester, named after Captain J. J. McAlester, who recognized the area's coal deposits. The town eventually became notable for its penitentiary, which opened in 1908 and now houses maximum-security inmates, including those on death row. The town's history is steeped in events that could explain its reputation for ghostly occurrences, including the forced relocation of Native Americans, a major Civil War battle, and its role as a coal town.

Today, McAlester is known not only for its historical significance but also for its spooky attractions and ghost stories. The Pittsburg County Courthouse is said to be haunted by a spirit named George, with numerous accounts of unexplained phenomena. Other haunted locations include Mary Jane's 1896 Cafe & Pub, where ghostly pranks are reported, and Doc's Haunted Antique Store, rumored to contain haunted items. The McAlester Scottish Rite Temple hosts an annual ghost-themed event, while KTMC radio station, built over a burial ground, has its share of eerie encounters. The OSP Warden’s Mansion, constructed by inmates, is another focal point of ghostly tales, with many former occupants claiming to have experienced supernatural phenomena.

So if you’re ready for a city-wide spookfest, perhaps McAlester should be your next stop in the Sooner State! 

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