Tucked away in northwestern Oklahoma, The Cherokee Strip Museum, located in Alva, Oklahoma, is recognized as one of the state's most haunted locations. Established in 1961, the museum originated as a civic and social club and has since evolved into an educational space showcasing the history of Oklahoma's Cherokee Strip. Alva, a city with a rich history dating back to its establishment during the 1893 land run, played a significant role in the development of the region, particularly due to its strategic position on the railway. The museum houses numerous exhibits, including Native American artifacts, a World War II display, and several historical vehicles. Notably, it occupies the former Alva General Hospital, which operated from 1932 until 1972 and is believed to be a focal point of paranormal activity.
Visitors and paranormal investigators report numerous ghostly encounters within the museum, particularly on the upper floors where the hospital's surgical suites remain intact. Accounts include unexplained voices, cold spots, moving objects, and sightings of apparitions, including a little girl and a figure with red hair. The presence of spirits is thought to stem from both former patients and items related to World War II prisoners of war, further enriching the museum's haunted reputation. The Cherokee Strip Museum embraces this ghostly lore, welcoming paranormal investigations and providing a unique blend of history and mystery for its guests.
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