Introduction
In the first installment of Haunted Corpus Christi, we looked at the ghostly happenings of Sidbury House and French-Galvan House.
Today, we complete our journey through the haunted dwellings of Heritage Park with a tour of two homes that are said to contain more than just history withing them.
The Merriman-Bobys House and Ward-McCampbell House stand as witnesses to a bygone era. But these homes are more than just architectural treasures; they are said to be haunted by the spirits of their past inhabitants.
From the mysterious female apparition in old-fashioned clothes at the Merriman-Bobys House to the restless ghost of Mary Ward McCampbell, we’ll delve into the paranormal stories that make these landmarks some of the most haunted places in Corpus Christi.
Merriman-Bobys House: A Historic Haunt in Corpus Christi
The Merriman-Bobys House, the second oldest home in Corpus Christi, stands as a haunting reminder of the city’s rich and mysterious past. This Greek Revival-style house has seen over 170 years of history, from its origins as a family home to a makeshift hospital during the Civil War.
Yet, for all its architectural beauty and historical significance, it is the house’s ghostly reputation that draws the most intrigue. Visitors and staff alike have reported sightings of an eerie female apparition who seems forever tied to this historic landmark.
A History Steeped in Mystery
Built in 1851 for prominent lawyer Walter Merriman, the Merriman-Bobys House was originally situated on land granted to Enrique Villareal in 1831. Merriman, a key figure in Corpus Christi’s early development, lived in the house with his family before selling it in 1870.
Over the years, the home changed hands multiple times and served a variety of purposes, including a rental property, party house, and even a meeting space for a local poetry society.
The Darkest Period
However, the home’s most notable chapter came during the Civil War and the yellow fever epidemic of 1867. Dr. Eli T. Merriman, Walter’s brother, turned the house into a makeshift hospital.
With only three doctors in Corpus Christi at the time, Dr. Merriman worked tirelessly to care for the sick until he himself fell victim to the fever.
Some say his spirit still lingers in the house, a permanent fixture in the place where he devoted his final days to helping others.
The Ghostly Lady in the Big Hat
Of all the ghost stories tied to the Merriman-Bobys House, none are as captivating as the tale of the mysterious female apparition.
Described as a woman in old-fashioned clothing, complete with a big hat and fancy shoes, this ghostly figure has been spotted walking through the front door on multiple occasions—only to disappear before she can be fully seen. Strangely, no one has ever glimpsed her face.
A Shy Specter?
Strangley, the apparition is only ever viewed from the back, leaving onlookers to wonder who she was and why her spirit continues to walk the halls of the Merriman-Bobys House.
A Supernatural Restaurant
These sightings became especially common when the house was home to the Christian House Bistro. Staff members frequently reported encounters with the spectral woman, who would quietly drift through the front door before vanishing without a trace.
Though her identity remains a mystery, many believe she could be a former resident or perhaps a visitor from the home’s earlier days.
A Haunting Legacy Preserved
In 1982, the Merriman-Bobys House was moved to Heritage Park to ensure its preservation. As one of the few remaining examples of Greek Revival architecture in Corpus Christi, the home’s historical significance is undeniable.
Yet, its haunted reputation continues to grow, drawing visitors fascinated by its eerie past and paranormal activity.
An Historical and Supernatural Legacy
Today, the house stands as both a testament to Corpus Christi’s history and a hotspot for ghostly encounters. Whether it’s the spirit of Dr. Merriman or the elusive lady in the big hat, the Merriman-Bobys House remains a place where the past seems to echo into the present, forever leaving its mark on all who pass through its doors.
For those brave enough to visit, the Merriman-Bobys House offers more than just a glimpse into Corpus Christi’s history—it offers a chance to experience its haunted side firsthand.
Ward-McCampbell House: A Ghostly Guardian
Formerly nestled along the serene waters of Corpus Christi Bay and currently standing watch at Heritage Park, the Ward-McCampbell House is a beautiful piece of Classical Revival architecture with a darker, ghostly side.
Built around 1908 by Mary Alice Ward McCampbell, the house is not only a testament to the city’s rich history but also one of its most famously haunted locations. The tragic story of Mary, the widow of Nueces County Attorney William Berry McCampbell, looms large over this residence, where it is said her restless spirit still lingers, keeping watch over the home she fought to protect.
A Storm of Tragedy
The haunting of the Ward-McCampbell House traces its origins to the devastating hurricane of 1919, a disaster that reshaped Corpus Christi and left lasting scars on its people.
Mary Ward McCampbell and her three sons were among the many who experienced the storm’s terrifying force. As they watched from the safety of the second floor, they saw the floodwaters rise, engulfing houses, debris, and the bodies of animals carried by the surging tides.
A Burden too Heavy to Bear
Miraculously, the house survived the storm’s fury, but the emotional toll was immense. The experience of watching the storm devastate the city took its toll on Mary, who succumbed to pneumonia in early 1920.
Since her passing, it is believed that her spirit never left the home she had fought to safeguard during that terrible night.
Mary’s Ghostly Presence
After Mary’s death, the house changed hands, passing to her eldest son, William Ward, and eventually a cousin. Yet, the spirit of Mary is believed to have stayed behind. Visitors and staff have reported strange occurrences for decades, all of which they attribute to her.
Unexplainable Experiences
Tour guides recount eerie moments when doors mysteriously lock by themselves, especially on the second-floor patio where Mary had once sought refuge from the hurricane.
Guests who venture onto the patio have found themselves locked out by an unseen force, forced to call for help from outside, as though Mary herself was sending a message: this is still my home.
Ghostly Sites and Sounds
Noises echo through the hallways, often during tours, as if Mary is determined to disrupt any disturbances in her once-quiet home. The paranormal activity doesn’t stop there.
Mary’s apparition has been seen on rare occasions, a fleeting glimpse of the widow who seems bound to the home where she spent her final days.
Paranormal Investigations: Confirming the Haunted Legacy
In 2006, a paranormal investigation team, Spook Central, was granted access to the Ward-McCampbell House. Over the course of several hours, the team reported unsettling phenomena.
Though no definitive photos were captured, they recorded four instances of strange audio activity (EVPs) and six video anomalies, suggesting that something unexplained lingers in the house.
An Undeniable Atmosphere
Temperature fluctuations, commonly associated with paranormal presence, were notably absent, but the eerie atmosphere left a lasting impression on the investigators.
The stories of doors locking on their own, unexplained noises, and ghostly disruptions seemed to align with the team’s findings.
Despite the lack of concrete photographic evidence, the investigators concluded that the house showed signs of paranormal activity—strong enough to leave even seasoned ghost hunters unsettled.
A Lasting Presence
Today, the Ward-McCampbell House serves as offices and meeting rooms for the Irish Cultural House, Inc., but the spirit of Mary Ward McCampbell has not moved on.
The house’s haunted reputation has only grown over time, drawing curious visitors and ghost hunters alike.
Some Owners Never Leave
Whether it’s the strange sounds echoing through the halls or the unexplained locking of doors, the house seems determined to remind anyone who enters that it is still home to Mary’s ghostly presence.
Mary’s story, entwined with the house’s history, ensures that this home remains one of the city’s most mysterious and fascinating landmarks.
Conclusion
As the sun sets over Corpus Christi Bay and the shadows stretch long across Heritage Park, the Merriman-Bobys and Ward-McCampbell Houses remain as more than relics of history—they are living (and haunted) reminders of the people who once called them home.
Their ghostly inhabitants seem determined to never fully leave, ensuring that these historic homes will continue to intrigue and unsettle all who visit.
Join us for the next installment of Haunted Corpus Christ when we’ll explore more of the places that make Corpus Christi a hotspot for those living and those beyond!
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