THE GHOST OF THE GAGE HOTEL


My travel companion and I recently stayed at the Gage Hotel in Marathon on our way to Big Bend.  We were drawn to the old hotel because of its rich history. 

Rancher Alfred Gage built the Gage Hotel in 1927 as an opulent place for those visiting the area. It fell into disrepair for a long time but was restored by J.P. Bryan in the late 1970s, then again in the 1990s. Bryan’s vision was to revitalize the town as a tourist attraction. The hotel features beautiful rooms, inviting outdoor areas, and an upscale restaurant. The Gage stays booked for months in advance. Couples wanting a romantic place to stay in a remote area of the state often choose The Gage. Backpackers, motorcyclists, and regular tourists on the way to Big Bend enjoy stopping at The Gage.

After checking in, we headed for the hotel bar, where we joined two art dealers from Arkansas. They regaled us with stories of The Gage Hotel’s ghosts and spirits, particularly in rooms 10 and 39. They were convinced the rumors were true and seemed somewhat apprehensive about what the night might bring, as they were staying in room 40. Many who have reported seeing a ghost believe it is Alfred Gage. Mr. Gage died a year after the hotel opened. It is thought that he is haunting the hotel, not maliciously, but to “check up” on things. Guests have reported spirits roaming the halls and the courtyard.

We enjoyed a gourmet dinner in the hotel restaurant. Afterward, we joined ten guests around a large fire pit in the hotel’s courtyard. The art dealers eventually joined us and told stories about the spirits inhabiting the hotel.

I captured an eerie picture of the fire in the pit while the ghost stories were being told. We called it the “burning man,” but it could have been Mr. Gage. Who knows?

We did not hear or see any apparitions during our stay. The following day, my companion passed room 10 when the door opened, and the occupant walked into the hall. My friend asked him if he had seen or heard anything strange during the night. The guest was surprised and answered that he slept well and never saw anything unusual. When he was told that his room was supposedly haunted, he laughed yet seemed disappointed that he didn’t get to meet Mr. Gage.


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