The City of Terrell Has So Many Hidden Treasures and Many Haunted Stories to Share
Businesses along Moore Avenue in Terrell have undergone significant changes over time. Barred tunnel openings similar to those found in other cities were discovered. Rumors circulated about a network of underground passages spanning 3 miles, connecting the town's bank, infirmary, and state-run psychiatric facility, which we will delve into later. These tunnels are reminiscent of the prohibition-era passageways that can be found throughout the United States, primarily in railroad towns like Terrell. It comes as no surprise that such tunnels exist here. I have personally explored them and know the locations of the access points. Presently, the city has sealed off these tunnels due to concerns about potential collapse, a prudent decision in my opinion.
These underground structures have been the subject of numerous paranormal reports, with many residents of Terrell being unaware of their existence. Following their disuse, local children turned the tunnels into a secret playground. During our tours, passengers fondly recalled their childhood adventures in the underground city.
In the early 19th century, Terrell was a thriving city with Moore Avenue bustling with cultural activities for all residents, as recounted by the older generation. The street was lined with opera houses, billiard halls, general stores, candy shops, and wagon workshops. Not to mention the various drinking establishments where the younger crowd would gather. Cinema theaters were also a popular attraction.
Speakeasies, clandestine bars that operated during Prohibition, were a common sight. According to tales, one could find a date on the east side of Highway 34. There were reports of high-stakes poker games taking place on the top floors of the Anderson building, with the city's newspaper allegedly being wagered in a game of five-card stud. The city is steeped in Old West lore, with stories of unearthing ancient bones exposed by soil erosion. Even today, the Brin Building bears a bullet hole in one of its columns, adding to the rich tapestry of myths and legends. The veracity of these stories may be questionable, but they undoubtedly contribute to the allure of small towns like Terrell. Every charming community has a colorful past that continues to captivate generations. We prefer narratives that cannot be simply Googled or found in archives.
Factor #1 Causing Paranormal Stories: Railroad Magnetism
Researchers speculate that departed loved ones may return to us by harnessing magnetic, static, atmospheric, and electromagnetic energies. If they can manipulate these energies effectively, they may manifest themselves, communicate, or even manipulate objects, often surprising those unaware of the phenomenon. Interestingly, the train tracks running alongside the small businesses on Moore Avenue are just a single city block away from the busiest street in town. Our team leased space in the Brin Building from another individual. Falling behind on work, I spent a restless night at the office, intending to start fresh in the morning. Staying overnight allowed for better communication with spirits. The frequent passing of trains throughout the night released a significant amount of magnetic energy into the atmosphere, likely contributing to the heightened paranormal activity in the office that night. Following each train's passage, our proximity meters would react to the energy emitted. There were instances when the building trembled as trains rumbled by. The approaching train's horn would send shivers down one's spine, evoking a sense of exhilaration. The train's presence reminded me of the commerce that fueled the city's growth at the turn of the 20th century, symbolizing success, innovation, and industriousness. This energy resonates with the spirits of our ancestors, imbuing them with a magnetic vitality. Tak, a psychic medium we collaborated with, once jokingly remarked, "Sometimes I feel like a phantom train speeding through the city." The next morning, I was taken aback when the railroad crossing gates closed on their own, leaving me waiting for five minutes without a train in sight. Subsequently, other residents of Terrell shared similar inexplicable occurrences. Cargo or travelers?
Factor #2 Causing Paranormal Stories: Proximity to Ley Lines
Moore Avenue is believed to intersect with two parallel ley lines, mysterious pathways that are unfamiliar to most. These enigmatic routes are said to connect spiritual or sacred sites and remain a topic of debate. Some suggest that ley lines transmit measurable electromagnetic energy and are particularly sensitive to avian species. The ethmoid sinuses of many animals contain a tissue believed to align them with migratory routes. While the scientific basis for this theory and its impact on Terrell remain uncertain, numerous paranormal investigators assert that these lines and their intersections are associated with heightened paranormal phenomena.
My investigations indicate that Moore Avenue aligns parallel to these ley lines. Proponents of this theory might argue that the street's location on Earth contributes to the increased paranormal activity in the area. This hypothesis warrants consideration, especially given the numerous reports of ghost sightings and other unexplained phenomena in the city. I often quipped to our previous tour participants, "It would be easier for me to identify the non-haunted locations in Terrell than the haunted ones. I could spend an entire day cataloging the haunted sites."
Factor #3 Causing Paranormal Stories: Previous History
Many spirits seem reluctant to depart from the city. After perusing the letters and anecdotes from the BFTS individuals at the end of this book, I am convinced of their lingering presence. Perhaps they reside in one of the many former soda fountains or movie theaters where they once socialized. Airmen often reminisced fondly about these gathering spots, recalling the youthful escapades and romances they experienced with local girls. The common thread among the servicemen who penned these letters is their shared desire to return to Terrell post-war.
Despite the ongoing efforts of the city's small business owners and residents to brainstorm ways to improve the area, the charm of the city remains unchanged. It is the individuals, both past and present, who have lived and worked here, that infuse the place with its enchanting atmosphere. The more we uncover about the city's history, the more stories we reveal of the generosity, patriotism, and integrity of Terrell's inhabitants. It was evident from the start that leaving this place would be no easy task. Even in death, many believe that the spectral residents return to pay their respects. We feel privileged to share the stories of these spirits whom we believe still linger here. My greatest hope is that future generations will recount the adventures of our paranormal team, gleefully knocking on walls and slamming doors to the amazement of ghost tour attendees. We will cherish these experiences with them.
Come visit us on the Terrell Ghost Walk and Paranormal Investigation experience the ghosts of the city of Terrell for yourself.
