Minneapolis Ghosts: The Haunted History of the Foshay Tower
Discovering Minneapolis Ghost Stories
Minneapolis is a city rich in history and ghost stories. Among its most famous haunted landmarks is the iconic Foshay Tower, a skyscraper with a past filled with ambition, tragedy, and tales of restless spirits. If you’re searching for the best Minneapolis ghosts and haunted places, the Foshay Tower is a must-visit destination and it's one of the stops on our Minneapolis Ghost Walk.
The Foshay Tower: A Minneapolis Haunted Landmark
The Vision of Wilbur Foshay
Wilbur Burton Foshay was a man of grand ambitions. Born in 1881 in Ossining, New York, he built a fortune in the early 20th century by buying and consolidating utility companies across the Midwest. By the late 1920s, Foshay had amassed an empire valued at $25 million, spanning 12 states and five countries.
Foshay’s crowning achievement was the construction of the Foshay Tower in downtown Minneapolis. Modeled after the Washington Monument, the 32-story Art Deco skyscraper was completed in August 1929, just weeks before the infamous stock market crash that would bring his empire, and the nation’s economy, to its knees.
The Foshay Tower: A Monument to Ambition
The Foshay Tower was more than just an office building; it was a symbol of Foshay’s meteoric rise. The opening celebration was a lavish, three-day affair attended by dignitaries, celebrities, and even the famous composer John Philip Sousa, who wrote a march specifically for the occasion.
Inside, the tower boasted luxurious details: marble, exotic woods, gold-plated fixtures, and Foshay’s own private offices and apartment on the upper floors. For a brief moment, it was the tallest building in the Midwest, a beacon of modernity and success.
But the good times didn’t last. The 1929 crash wiped out Foshay’s fortune. By 1932, he was convicted of running a pyramid scheme and sentenced to 15 years in prison. He served only three years, thanks to good behavior and a commuted sentence, and was later fully pardoned by President Truman. Foshay died in 1957, destitute and living with his son’s family in Minnesota
Hauntings and Legends: The Ghosts of the Foshay Tower
The Foshay Tower’s dramatic history has made it a magnet for ghost stories and urban legends. Many claim the building is haunted, with tales centering on Wilbur Foshay himself and other tragic figures connected to the tower.
The Ghost of Wilbur Foshay
One of the most persistent legends is that Foshay’s spirit lingers in the tower he built. Some say he took his own life by leaping from the top, but this is pure myth. Foshay died quietly of a stroke in a nursing home. Still, visitors and staff have reported strange occurrences: unexplained electrical malfunctions, elevators stopping at random floors, and sightings of a man in period clothing who vanishes without a trace.
The Tragedy of Genevieve Clark
Another haunting tale involves Genevieve Clark, the sole female juror in Foshay’s fraud trial. Clark was the lone holdout for acquittal, leading to a mistrial. Later, she was convicted of perjury for allegedly concealing her ties to Foshay’s company. In 1933, facing jail time and financial ruin, Clark, her husband, and their two sons died in a tragic murder-suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning. Some believe her restless spirit, burdened by unresolved conflict, also haunts the Foshay Tower.
Modern Encounters
Today, the Foshay Tower is home to a luxury hotel and a museum, but the stories persist. Guests and employees have described:
- Sudden chills and feelings of being watched
- Apparitions in the hallways and elevators
- Unexplained noises and flickering lights
Today, the Foshay Tower houses a hotel and museum, but its haunted reputation remains. Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or a fan of local history, this Minneapolis landmark offers a unique glimpse into the city’s ghostly side.
For anyone searching for “Minneapolis ghosts” or haunted places in Minnesota, the Foshay Tower is a legendary site. Its blend of history, tragedy, and paranormal tales makes it one of the most intriguing haunted locations in Minneapolis.
Discover the Haunted Side of Minneapolis with American Ghost Walks
Step into the shadows of Minneapolis with American Ghost Walks, where the city’s storied past comes alive after dark. As evening falls, the familiar streets transform, historic buildings cast long, eerie shadows, and the air tingles with anticipation. This is when your guide gathers the group, ready to lead you through the city’s most haunted corners.
