The Rosson House

The Rosson House is incredibly popular in Phoenix as it’s one of the oldest homes in the city. Constructed in 1895 to house the wealthy Rosson family, it has stood strong ever since and has been under the ownership of a vast array of owners. 

But not all who have moved out seem to have moved on to the afterlife. Discover the spooky happenings that stain the museum house’s history on tour with US Ghost Adventures. We show you the side of Phoenix most tour guides would rather sweep under the rug. 

Dr. Roland Rosson 

Dr. Roland Rosson was a surgeon for the US Army and relocated to Phoenix in 1875. After retiring from the armed forces, he married his wife, Flora Murray, who birthed seven children. To help house the large family, Dr. Rosson purchased the land of Block 14, where he built the famous Rosson House. 

From 1895 and onwards, the Victorian-style home was considered one of the most prestigious in Phoenix. While Phoenix was a relatively large hub at that time, not many individual families could afford properties of this magnitude. 

The Rosson home had hot and cold running water, electric lights, a telephone, and other modern features. It was and still is a magnificent structure. 

Dr. Rosson sold the home in 1897 and moved with his family to Los Angeles. 

The Rosson House Heritage Museum

The Rosson House earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. The listing solidified the property’s fame in Phoenix, as it drew in tourists from around the country. Phoenix turned the home into a museum and restored it to its original look. 

In 1980, the Phoenix Historical Square opened, using the Rosson House as the centerpiece attraction.

Murder at the Museum

From the time it was built until 1980, the Rosson House was nothing more than a famous historical landmark in Phoenix. However, all that took a turn when a museum employee was fatally shot right outside the home. Now, legend has it that the murdered museum still roams the Rosson House. 

Reports from both staff and guests state that they’ve seen a ghostly figure roaming the halls and making unsettling noises. Many stories involve a peculiar shadow appearing in their peripheral vision, where others have seen a fully-detailed spirit of the museum worker.  

All these sightings are why we had to make it one of our stops on our Phoenix Ghost Tour. 

Haunted Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix is a city known for its unique design, golf, and long sunny seasons. However, the Valley of the Sun has a more eerie side—if you dare to look. We’ll take you to some of the best haunted locations on our Phoenix ghost tour. 

See the Rosson House and other haunted and historical destinations with US Ghost Adventures.

About US Ghost Adventures 

Since 2013, US Ghost Adventures has offered entertaining, historic, and authentic ghost tours of America’s most haunted cities. We deliver fun yet honest accounts of hauntings across the nation for curious people of all ages. Our ghost stories are based on historical research, but that doesn’t mean they won’t send a chill down your spine.

This video gives you a small taste of what you might experience on your ghost tour — subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more.

US Ghost Adventures also offers virtual tours, a self-guided mobile app, and an Alexa voice app.