Step into the Oxford Saloon in Snohomish, Washington, and you might feel a chill that’s not from the cold beer. This century-old bar, with its Wild West facade and creaky floors, is as famous for its ghosts as its live music. Locals swap stories of a mischievous policeman named Henry, a madam named Kathleen, and a tragic figure called Amelia, all said to haunt its halls. Built in 1900, the Oxford has worn many hats—grocery store, speakeasy, brothel—each leaving a mark on its soul. Ever wondered why some spirits can’t leave a place behind? The Oxford might hold the answer.
Nestled on 1st Street in downtown Snohomish, the saloon’s brick exterior and vintage charm draw crowds for burgers and bands. But after dark, the vibe shifts. Glasses clink on their own, footsteps echo from empty rooms, and some swear they’ve been pinched by an unseen hand. The Oxford doesn’t shy away from its haunted reputation—it embraces it, with a website form for patrons to share their spooky encounters. From paranormal investigations to tales of a decapitated madam, this bar is a magnet for ghost hunters and curious locals alike.
Why does the Oxford Saloon feel so alive with the dead? Its violent past, filled with bar fights and shadowy dealings, might explain the restless spirits. Ready to explore its haunted history? Let’s step inside and uncover the stories that make this saloon unforgettable.
Oxford Saloon History
The Oxford Saloon’s story begins in 1900, when it opened as Blackman’s Dry Goods Store, the largest grocery in Snohomish County. Founded by Arthur M. Blackman, a Maine native who settled in Snohomish after working as a logger, the store was a community hub until 1910. That year, new owners transformed it into the Oxford Saloon, a rowdy watering hole that quickly gained notoriety. During Prohibition, it operated as a speakeasy, with a rumored tunnel in the basement for secret deliveries. By World War II, it became a tavern, hosting card games, bar fights, and darker activities upstairs.
The second floor, remodeled in 1910, housed boarding rooms run by a businesswoman named Kathleen, who allegedly operated a brothel. These rooms saw their share of drama—passion, betrayal, and violence. Historical records note at least ten deaths in the building, including two murders. One well-documented tragedy was the 1910s killing of Henry, a policeman and possible bouncer, stabbed while breaking up a brawl. Another grim tale involves Kathleen, found decapitated in a clawfoot bathtub upstairs, her murder unsolved. The saloon’s rough past continued through the decades, with tales of shady dealings and untimely deaths.
After Prohibition, the Oxford settled into its role as a community staple, serving hearty meals and hosting live music. The upstairs rooms became offices, but the building’s dark history lingered. By 2005, the Washington State Ghost Society began investigating, cementing its status as a paranormal hotspot. Today, the saloon balances its lively atmosphere with an eerie undercurrent, its walls steeped in stories of a wilder time.
What keeps these spirits tethered to the Oxford? The answers may lie in the ghosts themselves, still wandering the bar’s shadowy corners. Let’s meet them.
The Ghosts of Oxford Saloon
Henry, the Mischievous Policeman
Henry, a policeman killed in a bar fight, is the saloon’s most active spirit. Often spotted near the basement stairs where he died, he’s known for playful pranks. Women report feeling pinched in the ladies’ restroom, only to find no one there. “He’s a flirt,” says manager Rebecca Caden, “but he vanishes when you call him out.” Paranormal teams have captured EVPs of a gruff male voice near the card room, adding to Henry’s legend.
Kathleen, the Madam in Purple
Kathleen, the brothel madam, is a striking figure in a purple dress adorned with bows. Her apparition haunts the second floor, where she was brutally murdered in a clawfoot bathtub. Visitors describe seeing her near the tub, sometimes with bloodstains that vanish on closer inspection. During a 2019 investigation, a spirit box picked up a woman’s voice saying, “I’m still here,” chilling the team. Kathleen’s presence feels protective, as if she’s still overseeing her domain.
Amelia, the Tragic Prostitute
Amelia, one of Kathleen’s girls, met a grim fate in room number 6. Her body was found curled in a closet, her neck broken—whether by suicide or murder remains unclear. A 2019 spirit box session suggested she was pushed down the stairs and staged in the closet. Her ghost, seen as a younger woman in tattered clothing, lingers upstairs, her energy heavy with sorrow. Investigators often feel a chill near her room.
The Man in the Bowler Hat
A mysterious man in a bowler hat rounds out the saloon’s spectral residents. Spotted on the second floor, his tall figure appears briefly before fading. Little is known about him, but his presence adds to the Oxford’s eerie vibe. Could he be a former patron or a figure from its speakeasy days? The mystery only deepens the intrigue.
These spirits, from playful to tragic, make the Oxford a paranormal playground. Skeptics might dismiss them as bar tales, but the consistency of sightings begs a closer look. Who are these ghosts, and what keeps them here? The next section holds some answers.
Ghostly Encounters People Have Had
The Oxford Saloon’s haunted reputation thrives on real stories from patrons and investigators. Here are some chilling accounts that keep the legend alive.
In 2005, the Washington State Ghost Society (WSGS) investigated the saloon, focusing on the second floor. Investigators Sandy and Russ turned on a tape recorder while climbing the stairs. Sandy said, “Russ, take some pictures.” On playback, a male voice echoed her words, followed by a child’s laugh—or cry—in the background. “We were alone,” Russ told Weird Washington, “or so we thought.” The team also captured distorted images, hinting at unseen presences.
In 2018, owner Brian Swanson shared a story with Seattle Refined. A band member, unaware of the saloon’s history, went to the basement to wash her hands at 2 a.m. She returned laughing, saying a friendly bartender had shared stories about Henry and Kathleen. “Sweetie, I’m the only one here,” Swanson replied. The musician turned pale, grabbed her guitar, and left without her check. She hasn’t returned since.
A 2019 investigation by FOG Paranormal picked up EVPs on the second floor. One recording captured a voice mocking the female investigator’s words, saying, “She’s talking again.” Another session near Amelia’s room yielded a faint, “Help me,” sending shivers through the team. The group also reported chairs moving slightly, with no explanation.
A patron named Sarah shared her experience on the Oxford’s website in 2022. While dining, she felt a tap on her shoulder but found no one behind her. “The air got cold, and my friend’s glass slid an inch across the table,” she wrote. “We laughed it off, but it felt like someone was watching.” Conversely, a Reddit user, Embarrassed-List7214, visited in 2025 and found the basement “not very haunted,” though they noted the chained-off stairs added to the mystique.
These encounters, from EVPs to physical touches, fuel the Oxford’s legend. Got a spooky story of your own? Share it at Reports@ParaRational.com!
Learn More About Haunted Locations
The Oxford Saloon Map
Located at 913 1st St, Snohomish, WA 98290 (47.8476, -122.0981), the Oxford Saloon is a historic bar with a haunted twist. Known for ghostly residents like Henry and Kathleen, this lively spot offers good food, live music, and eerie vibes.
Tips for Visiting Oxford Saloon
Ready to visit the haunted Oxford Saloon? Here’s how to make your trip unforgettable, whether you’re chasing ghosts or just a good burger.
Best Times to Visit: The saloon is family-friendly by day, perfect for lunch and history. Evening visits, especially during live music (Thursday–Sunday, 9 p.m.), amplify the spooky vibe. Halloween season brings extra ghost-themed events.
What to Bring: A camera or recorder can capture potential paranormal activity—many have caught orbs in photos. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the basement or upstairs (with permission). A light jacket helps, as the building can feel chilly.
Practical Advice: No cover charge for music, but arrive early for seats. The menu features burgers, sandwiches, and craft beers—try the Prosciutto Macaroni with Truffle Oil. Private tours or investigations require advance booking via oxfordsaloonsnohomish.com.
Safety Tips: Stick to public areas unless on a guided tour. The basement and upstairs offices aren’t always open, so ask staff for access. Respect the spirits—management says they’re happy and shouldn’t be provoked.
The Oxford welcomes paranormal enthusiasts but asks that you respect its rules. Want to investigate? Contact the saloon to arrange a session with a local ghost-hunting group.
FAQ Section
Is the Oxford Saloon really haunted?
Countless reports of apparitions, EVPs, and physical touches suggest it is. While skeptics point to old building quirks, investigators like the WSGS have recorded compelling evidence. Visit and decide for yourself.
Can I investigate the saloon myself?
Private investigations are allowed with permission. Contact oxfordsaloonsnohomish.com to arrange a session. Respect the spirits—management prefers they not be removed.
When’s the best time for ghost sightings?
Evening visits, especially during live music or Halloween events, seem to spark more activity. The basement and second floor are hotspots.
Is the saloon family-friendly?
Yes, the main floor is open to all ages during the day. After 9 p.m., it’s 21+ due to live music and bar activities.
What’s the food like?
The Oxford serves hearty pub fare—burgers, sandwiches, and signature dishes like Prosciutto Macaroni. Craft beers and cocktails complement the menu.
Can I see the haunted bathtub?
The clawfoot bathtub where Kathleen died is upstairs, now office space. Access requires special permission or a guided tour—ask staff for details.
Conclusion
The Oxford Saloon is more than a historic bar—it’s a portal to Snohomish’s haunted past. From Henry’s playful pinches to Kathleen’s spectral watch over the second floor, its ghosts add a chilling layer to its lively atmosphere. Whether you’re sipping a beer or chasing EVPs, the Oxford delivers an experience like no other. Ready for a spooky night out? Visit oxfordsaloonsnohomish.com to plan your trip or share your ghostly encounter at Reports@ParaRational.com.
What’s waiting in the saloon’s shadows? Only one way to find out.
