Haunted America: The Ghosts of the Governor's Mansion in Carson City, Nevada

Luxurious and elegant doesn't even begin to describe the ornate interior design masterfully swept together and placed just so within the profuse intricate touches and historic beauty of the Governor's Mansion in Carson City, Nevada. Upon entering the grand foyer you just know that you are witnessing something spectacular, and you would never guess that it is also one of the most haunted mansions in the entire United States. It is virtually impossible to miss the Classical Revival architecture or the undertones of Georgian and Jeffersonian themes that strategically enhance much of the interior of the Governor's mansion in Carson City, Nevada. It is also hard to miss the cold chills that run throughout the entire property, especially when you consider that they will eventually find their way to your body and senses, leaving you with the feeling that something is definitely lurking in the very space that you are standing.

The fullness of details strategically positioned inside and out of the mansion is so strikingly noticeable. It is almost as if and they have been permanently etched in time, waiting for all to come and explore the unique refinement lying within in the elaborate Nevada structure located at 606 Mountain Street. The grand beauty was built between 1908 and 1909 and was once the home to Governor Denver S. Dickerson and his family, with his daughter June being the first and only child born in the mansion in early September 1909. The Nevada State Governor's Mansion was first opened to the public in 1910 and has had several political and colorful figures who have both resided and visited the antique structure, so it really comes as no surprise that it is home to a few ghosts when you consider the history of the residence and the added fact that the state of Nevada's birthday just happens to fall on Halloween.

The two-story mansion is exquisite both inside and out with details that show elegance and taste. The ornate white columns that directly support the portico are nothing short of lovely, as is the wrap around porch that blends with the columns making for a grand statement that can only come from something made from the highest craftsmanship. Upon entering the grand foyer it is immediately obvious that you are not alone. The elegant Grandfather's clock located on the main floor is a hotspot for cold breezes that appear out of nowhere, and the chilling gust of wind that hits you offers neither rhyme nor reason for its existence other than the obvious. Doors open and close on their own accord, especially the parlor door, and heavy footsteps from upstairs are often heard echoing throughout the large estate.

Over the years many people have become fascinated by the ghostly forms of a woman and child that parade throughout the mansion as if on a mission. The ghosts are believed to be that of Una and June Dickerson, the wife and child of the first Governor that once resided at the mansion. A male manifestation has been seen dusting furniture and quickly descending the stairs. His ghost has also been seen in the kitchen area and standing at attention by the Grandfather clock as if protecting it. The second floor of the mansion is used for personal living space for the Governor and his family, both in the past and present. However the spirits enjoy visiting the second floor as well. A female apparition in a long white gown has been witnessed by guests and family members in what has been described as if the female apparition is floating down the hallway.

The mansion is aesthetically pleasing to the eye as is the historic area that neighbors the mansion grounds. Tours of the area and many of the haunted residences are offered to the public during the fall months where historians and ghost hunters alike will enjoy the walking tour in the historic section of Carson City that falls on a portion of the 2.5 mile blue lined sidewalk known as the Kit Carson Trail. The walking route allows visitors to enjoy the grandest splendors of the haunted trail while touring five of the grandest and reportedly haunted digs. The Governor's Mansion is a crowd favorite, and according to the Nevada Visitor's Bureau, spectators will have the chance to personally speak to Carson City's "original" residents while learning a bit of history along with a few of their semi-fictional stories that they love to share.

The Ghost Walk tours begin every half hour at the corner of 3rd and Curry Streets starting at 10:00 a.m. with the last tour starting at 2:00 p.m. For more information, go to: http://nevadaday.com/pages/ghostwalk.php or call: 775-687-7410.

Price of tickets: Adults: Advance tickets are $15 or $20 at door and Children under 4 are Free.

Sources:

http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/nevada/gov.htm

http://www.hauntedhouses.com/states/nv/nevada_governor_mansion.htm

http://www.visitcarsoncity.com/blog/category/ghost-walk/

http://www.unr.edu/nwhp/bios/nv1st/dickerson.html