Most Haunted Places in America: Luna Mansion

A historic landmarks in New Mexico, the Luna Mansion is not only remarkable for its rich history and great food, it’s also known for the spirits that were left behind. The Luna family came to New Mexico in the late 1600′s on a grant from the king of Spain. A few years later a grant was also given to the Otero family to travel to what is now New Mexico. Both families became very prominent throughout the territory and were involved in politics.

The families united, which became the Luna-Otero Dynasty when Solomon Luna married Adeladia Otero and Manuel Otero married Eloisa Luna during the late 1800′s. The Luna family is also known as the namesake of the city of Los Lunas New Mexico.

A second mansion was built during 1880, when the Santa Fe railroad wanted to place a set of tracks through the middle of the original home. The Luna-Otero’s requested that the spacious mansion was built with local Adobe materials and had to match the specifications that the families had. Completion of the home was done in 1881, which was the same year that Antonio Jose passed away.

Tranquilino, Antonio Jose’s oldest son, took over the mansion that very same year. The Luna Mansion was passed on to Solomon in the late 1800′s and then to his nephew Eduardo and his wife Josefita, who to this day is said to haunt the 128 year old mansion. They made several renovations, including a front portico, ironwork, and a solarium. Josefita was said to be responsible for remodeling the home, her beautiful canvas painting, and caring for their beautiful gardens.
People who remember her have spoken very fondly about the lady of the house.

After the death of Josefita, there were several exchanges of ownership to the Luna Mansion, until the 1970′s when it was turned into a fine dining establishment and became a historic landmark. It was during this time, that employees noticed strange things happening in the home.

Some have witnessed an apparition of Josefita walking up and down the stairs. One employee has approached her sitting in a rocking chair at the top of the stairway. When he tried to approach her, she stood up and disappeared. Others have seen her in several of the upstairs bedrooms and storage attic which is now the restaurant’s bar. As time went on, most of the employees would notice strange happenings inside the historic building.

Another ghostly figure that had been witnessed by patrons and employees alike was the grounds keeper named Cruz. A server once saw an apparition of him sitting on the sofa. The waiter who saw him thought that he had not been served yet, and when she asked another staff member why, the response of the staff member was what man. She looked around again, and saw that the mysterious man had disappeared. There have also been suggestions that other spirits roam the historic mansion. Cruz is also known for playing pranks on patrons and employees alike, and he has a fondness for women and children.

The Luna Mansion may be known to have great food and drinks. However, it holds a piece of history that should never be forgotten. Often, such buildings are destined toward one of three fates; they are either replaced, become a museum, or can be turned into a place where patrons can enjoy the historic beauty of the structure. The Luna Mansion was kept to preserve a piece of New Mexico history and most likely is one of the most haunted places in America.

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1. The Lemp Family Mansion
2. Ghosts of Baleroy Mansion
3. The Magnolia Mansion Haunts
4. Ghosts at Phillips Mansion
5. Stickney Mansion Hauntings