Deep in the rural heart of western Oklahoma lies a place shrouded in sorrow, mystery, and lingering whispers of the past. Nestled just east of Weatherford, the Constant Creek Cemetery—more chillingly known by locals as Dead Women’s Crossing—is not your average graveyard. For ghost hunters, amateur sleuths, and travelers addicted to America’s most haunted legends, this destination offers more than eerie ambiance. It tells the true story of betrayal, murder, and the restless spirits left behind. Whether you’re seeking a real encounter with the paranormal or looking to dig into Oklahoma’s darker history, this place will send shivers down your spine.
The History
The Origins of Constant Creek Cemetery
Constant Creek Cemetery is a small, largely abandoned burial ground located near the banks of a modest stream in Custer County, Oklahoma. Its real claim to infamy, however, stems not from the graves within its borders but from a chilling unsolved murder that occurred nearby in 1905. The site and surrounding area were settled during the post-Land Run period, with early homesteaders carving lives out of Oklahoma’s sweeping plains. Today, faded headstones, many dating to the early 1900s, serve as testament to those early pioneers.
The Murder at Dead Women’s Crossing
The ominous nickname “Dead Women’s Crossing” refers to the nearby location where a local woman’s decapitated corpse was discovered over a century ago. In July of 1905, a young schoolteacher named Katie DeWitt James departed from Custer City with her baby daughter, intending to file for divorce from her husband. Along the way, she encountered Fannie Norton—a prostitute also known as Mrs. Ham, with alleged ties to Oklahoma City’s criminal underground. The two women were seen traveling together by buggy.
Days later, the baby was found abandoned and unharmed. Katie’s lifeless body, however, wasn’t discovered until later—her remains lying near Deer Creek (subsequently called Dead Women’s Crossing), her neck slashed and her head nearly severed. Suspicion instantly fell upon Fannie Norton. When police came to question her, she poisoned herself with strychnine before she could stand trial, taking whatever dark secrets she harbored to the grave.
The brutal nature of the crime, coupled with the unanswered questions surrounding Fannie’s motives and Katie’s final hours, sent shockwaves through Custer County. The tale was passed through generations, growing ever darker with each retelling. Today, the story remains a centerpiece of local folklore—and the area, especially Constant Creek Cemetery, remains steeped in supernatural lore.
The Name That Stuck
Though its official name is Constant Creek Cemetery, locals have championed the grisly nickname “Dead Women’s Crossing” with equal parts ghostly reverence and fascination. Over time, drowsy two-lane roads and unmarked trails have led generations of thrill-seekers, historians, and paranormal investigators to the site, searching for closure to the century-old mystery—or an encounter with those said to still haunt the region.
The Haunt
If you’re the kind of adventurer who believes the dead don’t always rest easy, Constant Creek Cemetery (Dead Women’s Crossing) may prove irresistible. The site features prominently in Oklahoma ghost tours and has been featured on several paranormal podcasts and YouTube documentaries. With good reason—many believe that Katie DeWitt James still lingers in the area as a tormented spirit, along with other restless souls whose identities remain unknown.
Paranormal Activity Reported
- Phantom Cries: Visitors frequently report hearing a woman’s sobbing near where Katie’s body was found. These cries often come suddenly—and then vanish into thin air.
- Apparitions: Several ghost hunters have reported seeing the translucent figure of a woman in early 1900s clothing wandering along the banks of the creek or near gravestones. She vanishes if approached.
- EVPs and EMF Spikes: Electronic Voice Phenomena are common here. Amateur investigators report capturing whispering voices and sudden EMF fluctuations near specific graves, believed by many to be connected to Katie or Fannie.
- Manipulated Equipment: Paranormal teams have witnessed batteries draining rapidly, static interfering with cameras, and audio devices picking up unexplained voices in the dead of night.
- Unusual Feelings: Many who enter the area experience sudden cold spots, chills down the spine, or an overwhelming sense of sadness—especially near the wooden bridge said to be close to where Katie was murdered.
Otherworldly Encounters
Local psychics and mediums claim that the energy at Constant Creek Cemetery is unusually strong. Some investigators theorize that Katie’s spirit lingers in search of justice, while others believe Fannie’s soul remains trapped in a purgatory of guilt. There’s also speculation that the area is a sort of “spiritual magnet,” attracting other lost spirits unrelated to the 1905 murder.
Ghost tours often include night visits to the secluded location, where EVP sessions and Spirit Box communications sometimes yield phrases like “help,” “baby,” or “don’t trust her”—all chilling references believed to connect to the historical tragedy.
A Modern-Day Pilgrimage for Paranormal Enthusiasts
Today, Constant Creek Cemetery attracts hikers, ghost hunters, and curiosity-seekers year-round. Though accessible by road, it remains relatively isolated, giving it an undisturbed, eerie charm. The overgrowth around the cemetery, along with the nearby water crossing where Katie likely met her end, create the perfect ambiance for a paranormal investigation or moody photography session.
If you plan to go, bring your recording equipment, EMF meters, and a flashlight. Just be respectful—this is still hallowed ground where early settlers of western Oklahoma rest, and perhaps, wait for visitors from the world of the living.
Conclusion: Dare to Visit Constant Creek Cemetery?
Whether you’re a seasoned paranormal investigator or a traveler intrigued by America’s haunted history, Constant Creek Cemetery (Dead Women’s Crossing) is a must-visit. Its combination of real-life unsolved mystery, emotionally charged legends, and intense paranormal activity make it one of Oklahoma’s most chilling historical hotspots. Be prepared—not just for ghostly encounters, but for a deep, haunting immersion into the sorrow-fueled folklore of the American frontier.
Remember to approach the site with respect, carry out what you bring in, and, most importantly—keep your recorder running. You just might capture Katie’s final message. Oklahoma’s ghost stories don’t get much more real than at Constant Creek Cemetery (Dead Women’s Crossing).