Haunted Cleveland

In the mid-19th century, all major US cities had their own volunteer militias with their own uniforms, flags, weapons, and bands. In Cleveland, this unit was called the "Cleveland Grays" after their gray uniforms. They were the first Cleveland group to leave to fight in the Civil War, and they fought bravely at Manassas and at Phillipi. Later, the "Cleveland Grays" rode with General Pershing in the Spanish American War and with the 145th Infantry in 1916 in World War I.

The group built a huge sandstone castle in 1893 as the "Grays" headquarters. This five-story fortress still stands in downtown Cleveland, near Erie Street Cemetery. It features a 10,000 square foot ballroom, a basement shooting range, a wood-paneled library, and walls and walls of military memorabilia.

Visitors and staff at the Armory have claimed to hear footsteps when no one was present as well as seeing Civil War era apparitions. By all accounts, the ghosts seem friendly.

Grays Armory was a social and community center as well as a military one. It was the site of the first Cleveland Orchestra concert as well as the first Metropolitan Opera performance in Cleveland. Today, Grays Armory is open only for private parties and special events, such as the annual book fair and classic auto show.

Grays Armory
1234 Bolivar Rd
Cleveland, OH 44115
216 621-5938