Calvert, Texas is a town steeped in history, with tales of the past that continue to captivate visitors today. Once a bustling town with a population of over 10,000, Calvert now stands as a ghost town, filled with abandoned and haunted buildings. It is a place where visitors can explore the remnants of a bygone era, and experience the paranormal activities that linger in the air.
The town’s history is rich and diverse, with stories that date back to its founding by Robert Calvert, and the massacre of Anne Harvey Briggs’ family by a tribe of Indians. Visitors can explore the town’s historic Bed and Breakfast hotel, visit the grave site of Robert Calvert, and even experience paranormal activities at the town’s store.
These attractions offer a unique opportunity to delve into the past and to uncover the secrets that remain hidden within the town’s walls. With so much to discover, Calvert is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, the paranormal, or simply seeking a spooky adventure.
Key Takeaways
- Calvert was once the fourth largest city in Texas with a population exceeding 10,000 and is now a ghost town.
- Many of the once lavish places in Calvert are now haunted and deserted, with rumors of bandits and robbers from the 19th century.
- Attractions in Calvert include a haunted store, the grave site of founder Robert Calvert with paranormal activity, and a historic Bed and Breakfast hotel.
- Calvert is currently being cleaned up and preserved, with the Old Sterling Cemetery where Robert Calvert’s grave is located being a key historical site.
Location and History
Nestled in Robertson County, Texas, lies the ghost town of Calvert, once a flourishing city and now a haunting reminder of its former Victorian culture and Southern hospitality.
The town was once the fourth largest city in Texas, boasting a population of over 10,000 people. Calvert was famous for its Victorian architecture, including lavish homes, hotels, theaters, and opera houses.
Visitors to the town could experience the best of Southern charm and hospitality, with numerous businesses catering to their needs.
Calvert has also played host to many famous visitors throughout history. Bonnie and Clyde passed through the town and stayed at the BB Hotel, adding to the town’s notoriety.
However, the town’s history is not all glamorous, as there are rumors of bandits and robbers from the 19th century who terrorized the town.
Despite the town’s past, Calvert remains a gem of Texas Victorian culture, and many of the once lavish places are now haunted and deserted, with paranormal activities reported around the town’s tombstones and historic sites.
“By 1871, the town claimed to have the largest cotton gin in the world. However, sources differ on when, exactly, the gin was built. The Handbook of Texas cites the 1871 date, while a 1931 Frontier Times piece on Calvert places the building of the gin by John H. Gibson as 1876. Eventually, P.C. and J.H. Gibson, Jr., took over the gin. It had 21 stands and a connected oil mill. The gin served a significant portion of the Brazos River bottoms. A total of 32,000 bales were reported received in 1882.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvert,_Texas
Attractions and Paranormal Activity
One of the town’s notable features includes a store that is reputed to be haunted by a female apparition who is often heard laughing loudly while enjoying a cup of tea. The store, which is now an antique shop, was once a saloon and brothel in the 1800s. It is said that the woman haunting the store was a prostitute who a jealous lover murdered.
Visitors have reported feeling a chilling presence and hearing unexplained noises and laughter coming from the back room of the store. Others have claimed to see the ghostly figure of a woman sitting at a table, sipping tea and enjoying a good laugh.
Aside from the haunted store, other paranormal activities have been reported in Calvert. The grave of town founder Robert Calvert is said to be a hotbed of paranormal activity, with visitors experiencing strange occurrences around his tomb. Some have reported hearing whispers, feeling sudden cold spots, and seeing ghostly apparitions.
Additionally, some visitors have claimed to have felt a presence following them while walking through the town’s streets, suggesting that Calvert may be home to several other haunted sites and ghost stories waiting to be discovered.
Preservation Efforts
Efforts are underway to preserve and clean up the historic town of Calvert, including the Old Sterling Cemetery where founder Robert Calvert’s grave is located.
The town of Calvert is a unique gem of Victorian culture, and a growing concern exists to preserve its historical significance. The town of Calvert and its surroundings have declined for many years, with many of its historic buildings falling into disrepair. However, there has been a recent resurgence of community involvement to preserve the town’s history.
The preservation efforts are being led by the Calvert Historical Foundation, which is working to obtain grants and donations to fund the restoration of the town’s historic buildings. The foundation is also encouraging the community to participate in the preservation efforts.
The foundation has organized events like town clean-ups and restoration workshops to engage the community in the preservation process. The community involvement has been instrumental in the success of the restoration efforts, and it is hoped that the efforts will continue to preserve the unique history and culture of Calvert for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any specific ghost stories or legends associated with the BB Hotel that Bonnie and Clyde stayed in?
Supernatural sightings at the BB Hotel, where Bonnie and Clyde stayed, include disembodied voices, footsteps, and apparitions. Guests have reported feeling a presence and seeing shadow figures in the hallways. Haunted happenings are common in this historic hotel.
What other notable historical figures have visited or passed through Calvert besides Bonnie and Clyde?
Other notable visitors to Calvert include William Jennings Bryan, U.S. President Grover Cleveland, and General Sam Houston. Historical landmarks include the Old Sterling Cemetery where founder Robert Calvert is buried and the preserved Victorian homes and commercial structures.
Are there any plans to restore or renovate the abandoned Victorian structures in Calvert?
There are plans for preservation and community involvement in Calvert to restore and renovate the abandoned Victorian structures. The Calvert Historical Foundation is working towards this goal with the help of volunteers and donations.
Have there been any reported sightings or encounters with the ghost of Anne Harvey Briggs, the victim of the Indian massacre?
Possible output: There have been reports of sightings or encounters with the ghost of Anne Harvey Briggs, a victim of an Indian massacre, in Calvert. The town has a memorial for the massacre and is known for its local folklore and supernatural hotspots.
Are there any local ghost tours or paranormal investigation groups that operate in Calvert?
No known local ghost tours or paranormal investigation groups operate in Calvert, Texas. However, visitors and residents have reported and documented the town’s local hauntings and paranormal activities.
