Haunted Moody Mansion

The Moody Mansion is a historic mansion located in Galveston, Texas, and is said to be haunted by the ghosts of its former residents. The mansion was built in 1895 for William Lewis Moody Jr. and his family and is now a museum that offers tours of the property.

There have been many reports of strange occurrences and paranormal activity at the Moody Mansion over the years. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions, hearing unexplained noises and footsteps, and feeling a strange presence throughout the 31 rooms of the house.

Some of the reported sightings include the ghosts of Mr. and Mrs. Moody, their daughter Mary Elizabeth, and even the family’s former servants. One of the most famous ghost stories associated with the Moody Mansion involves a portrait of Mrs. Moody that hangs in the mansion’s music room. Legend has it that the portrait is cursed and that anyone who takes a photograph of it will experience bad luck or encounter a ghostly presence. Some visitors have reported feeling a cold breeze or hearing strange noises when they take pictures of the portrait.

Despite the reports of paranormal activity, many people still visit Moody Mansion to admire its beautiful architecture and learn about its fascinating history. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, a visit to the Moody Mansion will surely be a memorable experience. William Lewis Moody Jr. was a prominent businessman, philanthropist, and civic leader in Galveston, Texas, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

He was born on September 25, 1865, in Fairfield, Texas, and was the son of W.L. Moody Sr., who had made a fortune in cotton trading. Moody Jr. attended the University of Texas at Austin but left to work for his father’s business before earning his degree. He later became the president of the National Bank of Texas and the American National Insurance Company, which he had co-founded with his brother. He was also involved in real estate, oil and gas, and other ventures.

Moody Jr. was a prominent civic leader in Galveston and was involved in numerous philanthropic efforts. He was instrumental in the development of the city’s seawall after the devastating hurricane of 1900, which caused widespread destruction and loss of life. He also helped to establish the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and supported many other charitable causes.

In addition to his business and civic activities, Moody Jr. was an avid art collector and owned an extensive collection of European and American art. He was also interested in horses and owned a stable of thoroughbreds, some of which were successful racehorses. Moody Jr. died on July 19, 1954, at the age of 88. His legacy lives on through the Moody Foundation, which he established in 1942 to support charitable causes in Galveston and throughout Texas.

William Lewis Moody Jr. purchased the 2618 Broadway mansion, at auction for $20,000, well short of the estimated $100,000 appraisal. The transaction took place in Galveston after the Great Galveston Storm of 1900^[1].

The interior of the mansion was indeed decorated by the renowned New York firm of Pottier & Stymus, who were known for their exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. According to the Moody Mansion & Museum website, the mansion features a variety of architectural styles, including Romanesque Revival and Renaissance Revival, and it boasts a number of luxurious amenities, such as marble fireplaces, stained glass windows, and a grand staircase.

Members of the Moody family resided in the home until 1986 when it was turned into a historic museum commemorating the Moody family. Hurricanes continue to affect the history of the home.

In September 2008, Hurricane Ike led to the flooding of the basement. Libbie Moody’s potting room and the period kitchen were lost. As of July 2014, the basement was opened as the Galveston Children’s Museum.