El Paso is the most haunted city in the country. From the days of the Spanish Conquistadors to the dangers around the border, there have been tragic deaths in and around this historic city for centuries.

On the night before Halloween, Fort Bliss and El Paso families got the chance to hear of ghost stories presented by El Paso historian and author Ken Hudnall.

These were not just ghost stories pulled out of a hat. Each story has been investigated by Hudnall himself to the fullest of his capabilities. He has researched and written several books on the haunted history of Texas.

“These stories all have history behind them, the dark side of history, but still history.” said Hudnall.

The room was decorated for a Halloween night, with decorations ranging from simple pumpkins and ghosts to motion activated butlers at the door. A few of the young kids would not even enter, too frightened by the butlers and ghosts.
The evening began with a dinner for families to take part in. Once everyone went through the line and had a plate in front of them, Hudnall started doing what he does best, telling stories of the haunted places on Fort Bliss.

“Some of the stories are meant to terrify the audience, others are there to amuse the audience,” said Hudnall. “Tonight’s stories will be on the amusing side to accommodate the age of the kids in attendance.”

The first stories Hudnall told were of the events that took place at the old Pershing building located on Sheridan Road. It is believed to this day that General Pershing’s spirit still resides in the home.

“With such a distinguished history and so much sadness taking place within its walls, there is no wonder that the home known as ‘the Pershing house’ has uninvited and invisible occupants,” said Hudnall.

As the night went on the stories moved from the Pershing house to other buildings that have a tie to “the other side of history” as Hudnall puts it. He entertained the audience with stories that had taken place in the old Building Two and ended the night with haunted stories of Building Four.

According to the reports, objects in the building were said to have minds of their own, along with manifestations such as voices and ghostly footsteps. The incidents became so common that this is the reason behind why the building was finally abandoned.

“No one has ever confirmed that the building was abandoned due to the ghostly activity, but it would certainly explain why a building that was only a 100 yards from the post headquarters sat empty and dark,” said Hudnall.

Since 2002 Hudnall has been telling these ghost stories to soldiers and families every year around Halloween. Up until this year the event had taken place at the Fort Bliss Officers Club. This years event was presented at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center on East Fort Bliss.

Halloween has always been the time of year for stories about ghosts and spirits that walk the same plane as we do today, but only few have the ability to tell them in a way to entertain.

If anyone wants to learn more about the haunted parts of Fort Bliss, please visit www.kenhudnall.com.

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