The Haunted History of the Historic Anchorage Hotel

A Place Where History Never Left

Anchorage wasn’t always the lively cultural hub we know today. In its earliest days, the city was a frontier town, carved out of wilderness, where grit and ambition shaped every brick laid. It was in this atmosphere of boomtown optimism that the original Anchorage Hotel opened its doors at the corner of 3rd Avenue and E Street.

Back then, it was the most elegant place to stay in town. Guests dined on meals served on fine china, enjoyed high-thread-count linens, and gathered in richly appointed lounges. As Anchorage grew, so did demand for the hotel’s offerings. In the 1930s, a new annex was built just across the alleyway to accommodate the influx of dignitaries, business travelers, and adventurers heading north.

Today, that annex is all that remains, but its historical significance endures. It’s the only hotel in Anchorage listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And some say it’s not just history that’s lingered in its walls, but the spirits of those who left unfinished stories behind.

The Ghost of Chief Jack Sturgus

One of the hotel’s most persistent and famous spirits is tied to a very real tragedy. On the cold night of February 20, 1921, Anchorage’s first Chief of Police, John J. “Black Jack” Sturgus, was found just steps from the hotel with a fatal bullet wound in his back. The most unsettling part? The bullet came from his own service revolver.

To this day, the case remains unsolved.

Locals and ghost hunters alike believe that Sturgus is not at rest. His spirit is said to return each year on the anniversary of his death, retracing the steps of his final moments. Guests and staff have reported seeing a uniformed figure near the entrance of the hotel, his posture rigid, his expression sorrowful, as though still seeking justice for a crime never resolved.

Supernatural Guests That Never Checked Out

The Historic Anchorage Hotel doesn’t house just one restless soul. Over the years, dozens of ghostly encounters have been reported, leading the hotel to keep a guest “ghost log” in the front office. This diary of the dead is filled with stories from visitors and employees who have experienced things they simply cannot explain.

Some of the most frequently reported phenomena include:

• Flickering lights and malfunctioning electronics: TVs in rooms 215 and 217 are notorious for turning on and off by themselves, sometimes even switching channels without anyone touching the remote.
• Phantom plumbing: Faucets in the sinks and bathtubs turn on when no one is near them, despite being inspected regularly by plumbers.
• Apparitions of a little girl: Guests have seen a young girl in old-fashioned clothing walking the halls on the second floor. She never speaks, only glances curiously before disappearing around a corner.
• A bride’s sorrow: Perhaps the most heartbreaking tale is that of a woman who took her own life in the hotel while still wearing her wedding dress. Heartbroken after her groom failed to appear, her spirit is said to float through the corridors in her gown, leaving behind a wave of sadness that guests say they can feel in the air.
  

Witness Accounts and Eerie Encounters

A surprising number of guests, skeptics and believers alike, have left with stories of strange events during their stay. One couple wrote in the ghost log that the painting above their bed flew off the wall in the middle of the night. Another traveler was startled awake by the sensation of someone sitting on the end of the bed, only to find no one there.



Staff members also report unexplained experiences. One concierge shared how the elevator would often move between floors on its own, even when there were no guests inside. Another mentioned seeing shadowy figures reflected in the lobby mirrors, only to turn around and find no one present.

A Hotel for History Lovers, Not Just Ghost Hunters

Despite its spectral reputation, the Historic Anchorage Hotel continues to operate as one of the city’s most beloved lodging options. Travelers come for its history, elegance, and central location, but many return for the stories.

Anchorage offers no shortage of things to do, and staying at this hotel places you within walking distance of attractions like:

• The Anchorage Museum – A dynamic blend of art, history, science, and culture.
• The Alaska Native Heritage Center – A must-visit for those who want to understand the diverse Indigenous cultures of the state.
• Downtown Anchorage’s galleries and theaters – Perfect for evening entertainment and local flavor.
• Nature adventures nearby – From glacier cruises to wildlife tours, Alaska’s wild beauty is just around the corner.

But even with all this, the hotel’s most talked-about amenity might just be its haunted past.

Curious to see the place for yourself? Book a few nights in the Historic Anchorage Hotel and see what stories you’ll walk away with.

Why Are So Many Spirits Drawn Here?

Paranormal researchers suggest that certain locations act as “spiritual anchors.” These are places so emotionally charged or historically significant that they seem to hold energy from the past. The Historic Anchorage Hotel, with its long history of triumph and tragedy, may just be one of those rare spots where time folds in on itself.



There are also theories that renovations and changes stir up activity. When the hotel was fully restored in 1989, reports of supernatural encounters began to increase. As if tearing up old floorboards and reworking historic walls awakened something—or someone—long dormant.

Love a Good Ghost Story?

If tales of haunted hotels and historic mysteries give you goosebumps, we’ve got more where that came from. At American Ghost Walks, we’ve spent years tracking down true stories and unexplained phenomena from coast to coast. From haunted mansions in Minneapolis to spiritual hotspots in New Orleans, our guides love sharing the eerie side of American history.

Want more stories like this one? Explore the chilling tales in our archive: Haunting Tales

Coming Soon: Ghost Tours in Alaska

We’ve shared ghost stories in Wisconsin, led lantern-lit walks through shadowy streets in Minnesota, and uncovered forgotten cemeteries in Illinois…just to name a few. Now, we’re heading north.

American Ghost Walks will be offering ghost tours in Alaska. Stay tuned for updates, spooky locations, and schedule announcements by visiting our Destinations Page. Whether you're a lifelong believer or just curious about what goes bump in the Alaskan night, you won’t want to miss it.