THE STORY
Reported Haunting
The Denver City and County Building has long been the subject of ghost stories involving former employees and visitors. Reports include apparitions, phantom footsteps, unexplained voices, and mysterious activity after business hours. Some believe spirits connected to the building's long civic history remain inside.
The columned Denver Courthouse was built from 1912 to 1932, replacing the original courthouse from the late 1800s. It is the old building that is of interest. In 1900, reports from a janitor say that the gates of Hell opened up on its second floor one morning at 3 a.m. He said spirits of the dead walked around here every night for six nights, and the incident left an overpowering smell of brimstone. It is not surprising that the two people who witnessed this quit their jobs, and left Denver. After the building was demolished, some say a few of the spirits moved into the new building and they inhabit its second floor.