Lawton’s Haunted Past: Ghost Stories From Downtown’s Dark History

If you’ve lived in Lawton or spent any time around Fort Sill, you’ve probably heard a few ghost stories. Turns out, we’ve got more than our fair share of them.

Every Halloween season, Oklahoma towns love to share their haunted histories, but few can compete with the tales that come out of Lawton’s downtown. It’s easily one of the most haunted spots in the state.

In my almost 20 years, I’ve heard just about every ghost story this town can tell. From flickering lights in old buildings to mysterious footsteps echoing down empty hallways, downtown Lawton has a vibe all its own.

Why Ghosts Love Lawton’s Downtown

So what makes it such a magnet for the paranormal? Most people say it’s the past. Downtown Lawton didn’t always look the way it does now. Long before the original downtown area came down to build the mall, this was the wild part of town. Tons of cool dive bars and a little on the dangerous side.

Old-timers still talk about it like it was Oklahoma’s own little Wild West. There were shootouts, murders, and more than a few untimely deaths. And even in modern times, downtown has seen its share of violence and tragedy.

Maybe that’s why folks still hear whispers in the dark or catch a shadow where no one should be standing. Some say it’s just the wind. Others swear it’s the ghosts of Lawton’s past, still hanging around downtown.

Take a look through the gallery below and see some of the stories that keep Lawton’s haunted reputation alive.