If you’re driven by a passion for history, the thrill of the unknown, and a deep curiosity about the paranormal, then the St. James Hotel in Cimarron, New Mexico should be on your radar. A place where bullets once flew as freely as drinks were poured, the hotel isn’t just one of the most historic places in the Southwest—it’s also one of the most haunted. Nestled against the backdrop of majestic mountains and old cattle trails, this frontier-era hotel has stories layered like sediment in red desert rock. Whether you’re a dedicated ghost hunter or a Wild West enthusiast, the St. James Hotel offers an unforgettable blend of history, mystery, and unmistakable energy.
The History
Built in Blood and Ambition: The Beginnings
The St. James Hotel was established in 1872 by Henri Lambert, a French-trained chef who once cooked for President Abraham Lincoln. After moving west with dreams of prosperity, Lambert opened what was initially dubbed “Lambert’s Inn” to cater to the booming frontier town of Cimarron. The town was a hub of cattle drives, mining operations, railroad workers, and outlaws, and Lambert’s establishment quickly became the center of it all.
Strategically situated on the Santa Fe Trail, the hotel offered a place of rest, food, and drink to weary travelers. But what set it apart was the Red Dog Saloon inside the hotel—a hotspot for infamous gunslingers of the time. It wasn’t just another dusty stopover; it was a gathering place for legends.
A Who’s Who of the Wild West
Step into the St. James Hotel and you’ll be walking the same floors as some of the most notorious figures in American history. Outlaws, lawmen, and Wild West celebrities such as Jesse James, Billy the Kid, Wyatt Earp, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Doc Holliday are all rumored to have spent time here. Even former U.S. Presidents like Theodore Roosevelt reportedly made appearances.
Each room retains a sense of the people who once stayed there. Room 14 was Jesse James’ favorite—and he only stayed in rooms where he could keep a close eye on the hallway to avoid ambush. Meanwhile, Buffalo Bill Cody is believed to have held meetings here when forming his famous Wild West show.
Bullets in the Ceiling: A Testament to Turmoil
The hotel’s violent past is more than legend—it’s in the architecture. The ceiling of the main dining room still has more than 20 bullet holes, reminders of intense and often deadly disputes that erupted within the saloon walls. At least 26 people are believed to have been killed in the hotel during its heyday, though records suggest the actual number may be much higher.
Due to the dangers of barroom brawls and sudden gunfire, the Lamberts took to installing heavy wooden doors on some rooms and reinforced tiles between the ceiling and floors to protect their guests. Even then, survival was often a matter of luck.
Decline and Restoration
As the Old West settled into legend and the railroad drew new lines of development, Cimarron’s centrality faded, and so too did the St. James Hotel’s glory. However, it never entirely closed its doors. In the 1980s, a dedicated restoration effort brought the hotel back to life, preserving much of its 19th-century charm while making it a functioning hotel once again. Today, guests can stay in one of 12 restored rooms in the historic section of the hotel or in more modern accommodations nearby. Each room tells its own story—some with a little help from beyond the grave.
The Haunt
Room 18: Enter if You Dare
Of all the rooms in the St. James Hotel, Room 18 is the most notoriously haunted—and it’s so disturbing that the hotel reportedly refuses to rent it to guests. The door remains locked, and rumors say the spirits within are far from friendly. According to lore, a particularly violent spirit named “Thomas” resides in Room 18. Guests who’ve dared to peek inside on ghost tours report a chilling, oppressive atmosphere and unexplained sounds echoing from inside the locked room.
Ghostly Guests and Staff
Paranormal investigators and sensitives talk about multiple spirits said to wander the halls. The most commonly mentioned is Mary Lambert, the original owner’s wife. Her ghost is described as benign, often seen floating along the second-floor hallway in a long Victorian nightgown. Some believe she remains as a keeper of the property, watching over her beloved hotel. Guests have reported smelling her perfume or seeing her figure in the mirror, despite being alone in the room.
In contrast, some of the male spirits seem rooted in the more violent history of the saloon. Patrons and employees have described sudden cold spots, mysterious voices whispering their names, and the feeling of being watched intensely. Objects are said to move on their own—candles tip over, silverware vanishes and reappears, and doors open and slam shut without explanation.
EVPs, Apparitions, and Shadow Figures
Several paranormal groups have investigated the St. James Hotel over the years, capturing what they claim are compelling audio and visual phenomena. EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) echo with gruff voices, snippets of barroom arguments, and even gunshot sounds. Shadow figures are often spotted darting across hallways or standing silently in doorways before vanishing. The second floor seems to be especially active during the early morning hours, around 3 AM—commonly referred to in ghost-hunting circles as the “witching hour.”
Seasoned Staff with Chilling Stories
Some of the hotel’s staff members have been working there for years and have chilling tales of their own. One long-time housekeeper insists she saw a levitating bottle fly across a guest room. Another recalls the repeating experience of turning off a light, only to find it on again seconds later—sometimes with the bulb unscrewed entirely. A former night manager reportedly quit after witnessing a full-bodied apparition walk down the grand staircase only to dissolve into nothing.
Even skeptics have walked away from the St. James with raised eyebrows, if not outright belief. With so much corroborated experience, it’s difficult to dismiss the energy within these walls as mere fantasy.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit for Paranormal Explorers
Whether you come with cameras, EMF meters, or just a thirst for historic ambiance, the St. James Hotel has something for every type of traveler—especially the brave ones. Few places offer such a pure blend of historical authenticity and documented paranormal presence. From duels in the saloon to unexplained footsteps echoing down empty hallways, this is a location where the past lingers palpably in the present.
If you’re a ghost hunter—or simply someone who feels the pull of haunted history—the St. James Hotel awaits. Book a room (just not Room 18), stroll the haunted hallways, and soak in the residual energy of a bygone era. Don’t forget your spirit box and camera—you never know who or what you might encounter during your stay. And remember: in Cimarron, the spirits aren’t just in your drink.