Ghosts of the Historic Driskill

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Step inside Austin's oldest operating hotel, where the spirits of the past are said to still roam the opulent corridors. Commissioned by Jesse Driskill in 1885 and opened on Christmas Eve in 1886, The Driskill remains one of the most famous luxury landmarks in Texas. But as you walk by, you might sense something unusual in the air.

Visitors on modern paranormal tours frequently report the distinct aroma of cigar smoke drifting through the grand halls, often accompanied by mysteriously flickering lights. Many believe this is the lingering spirit of Colonel Jesse Driskill himself, keeping watch over his creation. Another enduring legend whispers of a young girl named Samantha Houston, who met a tragic end after a fall on the hotel's Grand Staircase.

Today, these haunting tales are woven directly into the fabric of this historic destination. Keep your eyes open as you continue your walk down the street—in a place this historic, the past is never truly gone.

Updated June 2026