In the small town of Granbury, nestled just outside the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, life is quieter. With an historic town square boasting no less than twenty-eight historical structures, a lake that sparkles in the sunrise, restaurants, wineries, distilleries, and bed-and-breakfasts abounding, Granbury, Texas is nothing short of idyllic.

It’s no wonder I live here. But for all the years I’ve been here, I must confess it took me far too long to discover one of its best attractions: the Granbury Ghosts and Legends Tour.

I’ve seen it; every time I walk around the square (which is quite often), I see the unassuming sandwich sign on the sidewalk (complete with vintage, Old West fonts, no less):

Granbury Ghosts and Legends Tour
Friday and Saturday
7:00 and 9:15
$10

I had seen the sign a thousand times and never thought much of it. Until one day it hit me: why haven’t I gone on the ghost tour in my own town? (Ridiculous, I know.) So my husband and I, along with a few friends, headed to the square recently to remedy the situation. I’m so glad we did.

Where Texas History Never Left

If you’re familiar with small towns in Texas, then you probably know that they are rife with ghostly tales and lore that is equally as fascinating as it is far-fetched. Many towns fight over the claim of being the final resting home of outlaws such as Billy the Kidd and even John Wilkes Booth. Granbury is no exception to our own tall-tales–many of which you will learn about if you take the tour.

Without spoiling it for you, I will simply say that the Granbury Ghosts and Legends Tour is much more than some arbitrary hunting-for-ghosts farce. (I’ve watched enough ghost hunting tv shows to know that most of what they think is paranormal activity is nothing more than wishful thinking.) I am proud to say that our humble tour is nothing of the sort. Rife with history and architecture, it centers on the legends surrounding the Historic Granbury Square. And considering Granbury was founded in 1866, there are plenty of legends and tall tales to go around. My favorite stop on the tour is probably the Hood County Jail. Founded in 1885, the jail is a treasure trove of spooky stories and legends. As a devout lover of all things historical, strange, and unusual, this tour did not disappoint.

A Famous Ghost?

Along with the historic architecture of Granbury, you’ll learn about the Lady in Red, the Faceless Girl, and Indian Joe. You might even learn a Granbury legend about the infamous John Wilkes Booth, who many believe escaped to Texas after assassinating President Lincoln. *cue ominous music*

Whatever the case, one thing is for certain: the Ghosts and Legends Tour is worth every penny. I highly recommend that you make it a part of your Granbury weekend experience next time you visit. Stop at Bull Lion, get yourself a glass of Texas wine, and find out why history never left Granbury, Texas!

~Morgan
Co-Founder, Minor 5 Emporium

For more information or to schedule a tour, visit the Granbury Ghosts and Legends Tour website! » https://www.granburytours.com/

Photo Credit: Historic Granbury Square, courtesy City of Granbury archives