Is it haunted? Historic downtown Louisville hotel has storied life of spooky encounters

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Have you ever wondered if that famous Louisville landmark is haunted? There have been whispers that something spooky is going on at the Brown Hotel downtown.

Legend has it that the spirit of the hotel its proud owner, J. Graham Brown, still lingers.

"Mr. Brown lived here every day of his life," said Marc Salmon, the hotel's historian. "J. Graham Brown would frequently walk this Mezzanine area."

It's been 100 years since J. Graham Brown, an ambitious businessman, opened the hotel. Hotel staff said he poured his heart into every corner of this Louisville landmark.

Known for his innovative spirit, Brown's presence there was more than just an owner. The hotel was his life's passion. And some say his attachment lives on today with staff and guests sharing stories that he still keeps a watchful eye here.

In fact, Salmon said there's a popular phrase used by many in the hotel: "Thank you, Mr. Brown."

"'Thank you, Mr. Brown' comes from any time someone misplaces something, and it was just exactly where they placed it," Salmon said. "A lot of times, people would get into an elevator, and a floor would be pressed for them."

Guests have reported the faint scent of a cigar, a cool breeze or even flickering lights. Some have even claimed to glimpse the outline of a man in a suit — believed to be Brown himself, watching over the place he loved.

"I've been here 22 years and never had a ghost encounter," Salmon said. "But, occasionally, maybe I'll find something not exactly where I put it. And I'll say 'Thank you, Mr. Brown.'"

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