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The Oxford Saloon in Snohomish, Washington, isn’t just one of the oldest bars in the Pacific Northwest—it’s also one of the most notoriously haunted. Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Snohomish, this storied saloon has been drawing in curious travelers, history buffs, and ghost hunters for decades. Whether you’re there to sip a drink at its century-old bar, soak in the vintage atmosphere, or catch a glimpse of one of its lingering spectral patrons, The Oxford Saloon offers a unique blend of frontier history and chilling ghost lore. Saddle up, explorers—this journey into the past is about to get spooky.
The History
From Men’s Club to Neighborhood Saloon
The Oxford Saloon first opened its doors in 1910 as a simple dry goods store, not the bustling bar it is known as today. Soon after, the upstairs was converted into a gentlemen’s club and boarding house, while the downstairs transformed into what would become one of the most iconic saloons in the Pacific Northwest. During the early 20th century, The Oxford catered to the loggers, railroad workers, and men of industry who passed through Snohomish—a town booming with opportunity and riddled with frontier spirit.
Prohibition and a Secret Speakeasy
Like many bars during the 1920s, The Oxford Saloon didn’t exactly take Prohibition lying down. While alcohol was technically illegal, it’s no secret that the establishment continued to serve “behind closed doors.” Hidden rooms, secret stairways, and hushed whispers told stories of bootleg booze and clandestine parties. The underground speakeasy flourished throughout Prohibition, making The Oxford a hotspot for rebels seeking good drink and a good time.
A Spirited Gathering Place
After the repeal of Prohibition, The Oxford resumed its place as a hometown bar and restaurant, maintaining much of its original decor and atmosphere. Over the decades, it served as both a meeting place for locals and a fascinating historical time capsule. Patrons would belly up to its now-famous cherry wood bar, listening to live music or swapping stories of the wild old days. But through it all, whispers of ghostly sightings and unexplained events danced through the wood-paneled walls like smoke from an extinguished cigar.
The People Who Shaped It
Several legendary figures are forever entwined with The Oxford Saloon’s past. One of the most memorable was a policeman named Henry, who worked security during the Prohibition era. Sadly, Henry met a violent end within the very walls he once protected. Then there’s the mysterious “Ladies in Purple,” rumored to be former residents—or something more chilling. These figures remain central to the eerie and often unnerving experiences of visitors and staff alike.
The Haunt
Meet the Ghosts of The Oxford Saloon
If you ask employees or longtime patrons of The Oxford Saloon, they’ll likely regale you with tales of spectral encounters. Some are subtle—a chair moving slightly on its own, a cold breeze where no window is open. Others are chillingly vivid: apparitions appearing in mirrors, disembodied voices echoing down empty hallways, shadowy figures drifting through the second floor. Here are just a few of the most commonly reported spirits:
- Henry the Policeman – Still called “Officer Henry” by staff, his presence has been felt in the men’s restroom and near the original staircase. People report feeling watched, hearing footsteps, or being physically touched when no one is there.
- The Woman in Purple – A lady dressed in a purple Victorian gown has been seen near the second-floor stairs. Some believe she once lived in the boarding rooms above. Her complete silence and sudden appearances make her particularly unnerving.
- The Child Spirit – Some claims include the sound of a child’s laughter or the pitter-patter of little feet running upstairs. There are no records of a child dying on-site, which deepens the mystery and spook factor.
Paranormal Investigations and Reports
The Oxford Saloon has caught the attention of numerous paranormal investigation teams, and the findings have been compelling, to say the least. Teams using EMF detectors, EVP recorders, and thermal cameras have documented unexplained activity. Sounds of whispering, EVP responses to questions, and sudden equipment battery drains are often reported. Ghost-hunting groups consistently note the upstairs women’s restroom, the former boarding rooms, and the staircase as high-activity zones.
One memorable investigation captured an eerie EVP stating, “Get out,” during an otherwise quiet sweep of the bar area. Other investigators have described being overcome with nausea or dizziness upon entering certain rooms—especially the small room previously used for “business dealings” during the Prohibition era. Psychic mediums brought to the site have confirmed multiple entities residing within The Oxford Saloon, some of whom have stories they’re desperate to tell.
Locals Talk—And Listen
The staff at The Oxford Saloon take the hauntings in stride. They’ll often exchange haunted stories with customers and jokingly apologize if “one of the regulars from the other side” causes a delay. Many employees admit to hearing footsteps, feeling cold spots, or seeing flickering lights after close, only to find that they’re alone in the building. Some even leave out small offerings—candies, flowers, coins—in hopes of keeping the spirits content.
Local lore weaves spooky into the everyday, and many locals believe The Oxford is a spiritual crossroads for restless souls whose stories aren’t quite finished. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, spending a night at The Oxford often leaves visitors with more questions than answers.
Conclusion: Are You Ready to Investigate The Oxford Saloon?
Whether you’re a seasoned paranormal investigator or just someone with a thirst for history and the unexplained, The Oxford Saloon invites you to pull up a stool and stay awhile. Its rich past, eerie ambiance, and documented paranormal activity make it one of Washington’s most compelling haunted destinations.
Plan your visit accordingly: while you’re welcome to dine and drink at the saloon like any normal patron, we recommend inquiring about their ghost tours or after-hours access for a deeper dive into its haunted corners. Bring your camera, your EMF detector, and perhaps a brave friend. Who knows? You might just have a paranormal experience of your own—one that will keep you talking for years to come.
So the next time you’re in Snohomish, Washington, take a detour through time and the supernatural at The Oxford Saloon. History and hauntings await—if you dare.
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