The Ghosts of the Milligan House

• The Milligan House was built in 1904 by architect James M. Creighton, one of Flagstaff's most prominent early designers.
• The house features more than 4,000 square feet of living space—a mansion by Flagstaff standards.
• Mabel, a teacher by profession, died suddenly in the upstairs bedroom in 1923.
• The building now serves as the Flagstaff Convention and Visitors' Bureau.

In the early 1900s, Flagstaff was a rapidly growing railroad town. Timber, tourism, and trade brought new residents—many of whom wanted to leave their mark. Among them was John C. Milligan, a businessman with deep pockets and a vision of the future. In 1904, he commissioned the construction of what would become one of Flagstaff's grandest homes.

Built of locally quarried red sandstone and brick, the Milligan House was modern for its time—complete with indoor plumbing, electric wiring, and a full kitchen setup. The Milligan family took great pride in the home, hosting gatherings and community events. But tragedy would soon stain the home's legacy.

Mabel Milligan was a schoolteacher—beloved by her students, respected by colleagues, and known around town for her warmth and dedication. In her thirties, she still lived in the family home, assisting with day-to-day tasks and caring for her aging parents.

But in 1923, tragedy struck. Mabel fell ill suddenly. It started with fatigue and fever, but within days she had taken to her bed in the upstairs bedroom. Doctors visited, but nothing could be done. She passed away in that very room, leaving the family and community in shock.

What followed was not just grief—it was something stranger. Family members and visitors began to report odd occurrences. Footsteps in the hallway when no one was there. The faint sound of humming. And most chillingly, the upstairs bedroom—where Mabel had died—was always colder than the rest of the house, even in summer.

Today, staff and visitors to the Milligan House report ongoing paranormal activity, much of which is attributed to Mabel. The most common phenomena include:

Unexplained Cold Spots: The upstairs area, particularly near the former bedroom, is often noticeably colder—even when heating is on and windows are closed.

Phantom Footsteps: Staff members working late have reported hearing soft footsteps on the upper floor. When they investigate, no one is there.

The Scent of Perfume: A faint, old-fashioned floral scent sometimes wafts through the building, despite no modern perfumes or air fresheners being present.

Doors That Won't Stay Closed: Certain doors, especially upstairs, have a habit of swinging open on their own—even when latched.

Some say Mabel's spirit lingers because she loved the house so much. Others believe she remains attached to the building itself, unwilling or unable to move on. Whatever the reason, there's no denying the Milligan House carries an energy that can't easily be explained.

One of the more lighthearted—if not slightly unnerving—stories involves the kitchen coffee maker. On multiple occasions, staff arriving early in the morning have found the coffee pot already brewing, even though the building had been locked and no one had come in yet.

At first, it was chalked up to someone forgetting to turn the machine off the night before. But then it happened on a Monday, after the building had been closed all weekend. Employees began joking that Mabel was making coffee for the team—after all, she had been known for her hospitality in life. Why not in death?

Some mornings, staff swear the coffee smells different—richer, older, like something out of the 1920s. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, there's something undeniably eerie about walking into an empty building and finding fresh coffee waiting.

In 2016, the Milligan House underwent a much-needed facelift. During the restoration, workers uncovered something remarkable: original murals painted directly onto the walls, hidden beneath layers of wallpaper and plaster for decades.

The artwork, believed to date back to the early 20th century, depicted pastoral scenes—rolling hills, trees, and wildlife—evoking the Arizona landscape in a romanticized, almost dreamlike style. Restoration experts carefully preserved and restored the murals, and they remain on display today.

Interestingly, during the restoration, several workers reported feeling uneasy in certain rooms. One crew member claimed to see a woman in period clothing standing in the hallway, only for her to vanish when he turned to call out. Others refused to work alone in the upstairs rooms, citing an overwhelming sense of being watched.

Could it be that Mabel was keeping an eye on the renovations, making sure her beloved home was treated with respect?

Today, the Milligan House serves as the Flagstaff Convention and Visitors' Bureau, welcoming travelers from around the world. The staff is friendly, the building is beautifully maintained, and the atmosphere is warm—most of the time.

If you visit, take a moment to soak in the architecture. Notice the craftsmanship in the woodwork, the vintage light fixtures, and the lovingly restored murals. And if you feel a sudden chill or catch the scent of perfume where none should be, don't be alarmed.

You might just be sharing the space with Mabel.

The Milligan House is more than a visitor center—it's a time capsule, a community landmark, and, for some, a portal into Flagstaff's storied past. Whether you're a skeptic, a believer, or just someone who appreciates history, this charming house offers something special.

And who knows? Maybe Mabel will make an appearance during your visit. Just don't be surprised if the coffee's already brewing.