The haunted Atlas Theatre in Cheyenne, WY, is an eerie reminder of the bygone Wild West era. This era gave birth to the “Magic City of The Plains.” Numerous spirits lurk amongst the shadows of the 19th-century theatre. Adding an element of wonder and dread to those enjoying the theatre’s countless live performances.
Two spirits actively haunt the Atlas Theatre, with inclinations that others are alongside them. The “woman in white” stares out the top-floor windows longingly. Along with this spirit is a mischievous male entity.
Cold spots are common, electricity turns on and off, and phantom hands pull on hair and clothing. It is one of the most haunted places in Wyoming!
Quick Facts:
- Built in 1882, the building turned into a theatre in 1908.
- In 1894, a deadly murder/suicide took place on the top floor between an enraged minister and his wife
- 1966, after thirty years of silence, the theatre resumed its productions and plays. It later became a historical landmark in 1971.
Theatre and Entertainment In The Wild West
We’ve all seen the films glorifying the days of the old West. Saloons, brothels, and theatres entertained countless cowboys, outlaws, and salacious ladies of the night. All the while, just outside the swinging doors, danger lurked.
There was a real need for a distraction, with death lurking around every corner. The Atlas Theatre filled that void for the people of the newly settled Cheyenne, WY.
The Atlas Theatre of Cheyenne, WY
The Union Pacific railroad created Cheyenne. This feat of modern technology paved its way through the American frontier, creating cities and towns wherever it went. It formed in the middle of Dakota Native American territory in July 1867. By November, the railroad had made its way to the sparsely populated town.
Few believed it would survive for much longer than it took to build the railroad. But the next year, the “Magic City of the Plains” erupted into a city of 5,000. It became the capital of the Wyoming territory.
Established in 1907, the Atlas Theatre eased the hardships of frontier life. Built in 1882, the building was previously owned by Wyoming’s first governor Francis Warren. Shops held business on the first floor.
Referred to as Atlas Block, the second floor housed tenants and travelers.
Violence at The Atlas Theatre
A series of gruesome events unfolded here during this time. In 1888 a fire broke out in the second-floor offices of the candy shop below.
No one was hurt during this fire, as far as we know. Yet, this may explain some of the paranormal activity at the Atlas today.
In 1894 something far more terrible occurred on the second floor of the Atlas Theatre. The wife of a local minister had recently joined the workforce of the red-light district. After finding out this sordid information, the minister fell into a rage and violently murdered his beloved on the second floor. He then committed suicide, cementing a legend that still attracts spiritual enthusiasts to the theatre to this day.
Many believe the minister’s wife is the “Lady in White” seen staring out the window. While others claim that she was a victim of the aforementioned fire.