Oklahoma City’s Most Notorious Haunts

Maria, a dedicated nurse working the night shifts in Oklahoma City, experienced something that defied explanation. Known for its vibrant cowboy culture, bustling livestock markets, and the constant hum of oil wells, Oklahoma City also harbors a shadowy side steeped in history and hauntings. Amidst this backdrop, Maria’s chilling encounter at the OU Medical Center reveals a ghostly chapter from the city’s dark past.

The haunting incident occurred during a grueling 16-hour overnight shift at the hospital. At the time, the old part of the Children's Hospital had yet to be modernized, and it housed accommodations for staff and parents of terminally ill children, especially those who traveled from afar. This meant that Maria, like many others, had a room in the old hospital.

On a particularly eerie Saturday night, Maria finished her shift around 11 p.m. The moon hung full and ominous in the sky as she walked through the two above-ground tunnels connecting the new and old buildings. Exhausted, she chose to take the stairs to her room on the third floor of the outdated structure. But when she arrived, her key card failed to open the door.

Frustrated, Maria tried her key card multiple times. It was then that she noticed a movement in her peripheral vision. Through the glass of the double doors, she saw a woman in a hospital gown standing by the elevators. The woman had flowing red hair cascading past her waist. At first, Maria dismissed her as a patient, but then she realized there were no patient rooms in the old building.

The woman’s hair appeared to move as if blown by an unseen wind—despite there being no breeze on the third floor. A cold shiver ran down Maria’s spine. In a state of panic, she swiped her key card frantically until the door finally unlocked. She rushed inside and locked it behind her, her heart racing.

The following morning, Maria inquired about the mysterious redhead with other staff members, but no one had any information. It was well known that old hospitals often carry the spirits of those who died within their walls, and Maria couldn’t shake the belief that she had encountered a ghostly patient.

Though Maria left the hospital in 2014, the memory of that night still haunts her, sending shivers down her spine whenever she thinks of it. Yet, the OU Medical Center is not the only haunted location in Oklahoma City. Another notorious site is the Skirvin Hotel.

Built in 1910 by oil magnate W.P. Skirvin, the Skirvin Hotel was once the epitome of luxury, boasting two 10-story towers, a grand ballroom, and imported chandeliers worth over $100,000 each. Over the decades, it hosted numerous celebrities and dignitaries, including Presidents Eisenhower, Truman, and Reagan, as well as Paul McCartney and Elvis Presley.

During Prohibition, the hotel became a popular speakeasy. It was during this time that Skirvin allegedly had an affair with a hotel maid. To avoid scandal, the maid was confined to a room on the top floor, even after she gave birth. Desperate and heartbroken, she threw herself and her baby out of the window, ending their lives tragically. Though her real name remains unknown, she is now known as Effie.

Since that fateful day, guests at the Skirvin Hotel have reported eerie occurrences. Many have struggled to sleep, disturbed by the sound of a baby crying despite no infants being present. Some male guests have claimed to be propositioned by a ghostly female voice, while others have seen a spectral naked woman in their rooms. Reports of strange noises, unexplained movements, and even the appearance of “Help Me” written in fogged mirrors have become common.

In 1988, the hotel closed and remained empty for nearly 15 years. It has since been restored and reopened, but Effie’s presence persists. In 2010, NBA players from the New York Knicks, staying at the hotel, reported a disrupted game due to a restless night. The towering Eddy Curry, a 295-pound center, was so terrified that he sought refuge in his teammate’s room. Lakers forward Metta Sandford-Artest (formerly known as Ron Artest) claimed an encounter with the amorous ghost in 2016.

Have you ever stayed at the Skirvin? Whether you have or not, Maria’s ghostly encounter at OU Medical Center and the eerie tales of the Skirvin Hotel remind us that Oklahoma City is a place where history and the supernatural are deeply intertwined.