The Oliver House

Posted: 04.03.2025 | Updated: 04.03.2025

Sitting atop a hill overlooking the historic mining town of Bisbee, Arizona, the Oliver House stands as a testament to the area’s rich past. The lesser-known bed and breakfast has been a part of Bisee’s landscape since 1908. However, beneath its charming facade lies a dark history, a legacy of tragedy and mystery that has captivated visitors for decades. 

The Oliver House is famously known for its ghostly encounters, bringing people interested in unraveling the secrets of its haunted halls. For an even deeper dive into the ghostly tales surrounding other haunted sites in the area, consider joining a Tombstone Terrors ghost tour. 

Who Haunts the Oliver House?

The Oliver House is rumored to be haunted by a wide variety of spirits with ties to its tumultuous history. With an astounding 26 documented deaths occurring within its walls, including murders, suicides, and mysterious accidents, the building has turned into a hotspot for ghostly activity. 

Both guests and staff have reported hearing phantom footsteps, disembodied voices, and doors closing on their own. Arguably the most infamous spirit is believed to be Nathaniel “Nat” Anderson, who died in Room 13. 

History of the Oliver House

The Oliver House was built in 1908 by Edith Ann Oliver, the wife of mining tycoon Henry Oliver.  The home was built as a residence for executives of the Calumet & Arizona Mining Company. 

The house transitioned into a boarding house for miners and eventually became a private residence prior to being converted into a bed and breakfast in 1986. 

The Hauntings of the Oliver House

The building’s history is steeped in both prosperity and tragedy. As Bisbee thrived during its mining boom, so too did incidents of violence and loss within its walls. 

The Tragic Tale of Nat Anderson

Room 13 is widely regarded as the epicenter of ghostly activity at the Oliver House. The room was once occupied by Nathaniel “Nat” Anderson, a mining resident who was shot by a debtor during an argument. Nat was reportedly having an affair with the wife of the person he owed the money to. 

Nat was killed on February 22nd, 1920 after he was shot in the back and forehead at the top of the stairs outside his room. Despite many believing the moneylender committed the murder in rage, the crime remained unsolved. 

This sudden and violent death left an undeniable mark on the building, with many guests and staff believing his spirit remains trapped there. Guests staying in the unlucky Room 13 report feeling an oppressive presence or waking up to see their belongings mysteriously moved. 

Others have heard faint whispers or experienced random cold drafts despite the warm Arizona climate. Ghost hunters frequently visit this room hoping to capture evidence of Nat’s lingering presence, usually through electronic voice phenomena (EVPs), and unexplained shadowy figures were commonly found. 

In addition to ghost hunters, one striking account involved a local DJ, who went there on a $100 bet to spend the night in the mysterious room. The DJ claims he came face-to-face with Nat’s ghost, forcing him to immediately flee the room, forfeiting the bet. 

Mischievous Spirit of Billy

In addition to the tales of Nat, Billy is another spirit said to haunt the Oliver House. Billy is believed to be an 8-year-old boy who drowned in the San Pedro River. Billy was the son of a hotel worker, who was constantly in the hotel and beloved by both guests and staff. 

Billy’s presence is typically described as playful and mischievous. Guests have reported hearing laughter echoing throughout the halls that are seemingly empty. 

He is also known for harmless pranks on visitors, such as pulling on clothing or moving small objects like stuffed animals or room keys. Children staying at the bed and breakfast have reported having an “imaginary friend” who is believed to be Billy. 

A Dangerous Affair

Oliver House’s dark history is further compounded by another tale involving infidelity and murder. In 1932, a policeman’s wife carried out an affair in “The Blue Room” with a mining employee. 

After the husband discovered the affair, he killed both his wife and her lover in the bed they shared. The husband reportedly went on a rampage throughout the house, killing others and eventually committing suicide. 

The Blue Room is tied to a plethora of residual hauntings. Guests have reported heated arguments echoing through empty hallways late into the night. They have even seen furniture move on its own. Others describe hearing footsteps pacing back and forth near the room. It’s as though the spirit is reliving the tense moments leading up to the murders. 

The violent legacy of this tragedy has left an undeniable imprint on The Blue Room. This makes it one of the Oliver House’s most unsettling locations.

The Miner’s Spirits Residing

The Oliver House was built thanks to the economic boom from the copper mining explosion in the town. The house served as a boarding house for miners who were working long hours in chaotic conditions. 

Unfortunately, many workers died from workplace accidents or illnesses during their tenure in the home. Guests have reported hearing heavy boots stomping down hallways throughout the night or doors opening and closing without explanation. 

Other guests have claimed to see apparitions dressed in period mining attire wandering through the building. The spirits are ultimately tied to their daily routines of life, going about their work after death. 

Unexplained Phenomena Throughout the Home

In addition to the specific hauntings related to the tragic events that occurred in the home, the Oliver House is said to be full of unexplained phenomena occurring throughout its halls and rooms. Many guests have reported hearing phantom footsteps throughout the corridors, slamming doors, or even doors slowly opening on their own.

Voices may be heard throughout the building, sometimes a faint whisper or distant cries coming from unoccupied rooms. Cold spots may be found throughout the home in the height of summer. Multiple guests have described a feeling of being watched or followed as they are touring the spooky house. 

Other guests have reported seeing shadowy figures near windows or staircases, then disappearing quickly. The furniture has been known to move or shift entirely on its own. These occurrences add to an already unsettling atmosphere, which is found throughout the entirety of the historic bed and breakfast. 

Each of these unexplained phenomena helps make every visit to the Oliver House a completely unpredictable experience. This leaves guests wondering what they could encounter on their next visit to the building. 

Haunted Tombstone

As the sun sets over Bisbee, casting an impeccable glow over the Oliver House, the shadows within its walls grow longer and darker. The Oliver House hosts whispers of the past and unexplained occurrences that have become part of its lore. Its whispers from the past bring the haunted bed and breakfast to life. 

Whether you are drawn to the tragic tale of Nat Anderson, or the presence of miners who once called the place their home, the Oliver House offers a unique glimpse into Bisbee’s eerie past. 

For those intrigued by the mysteries of the American Southwest and its haunted landscapes, a journey with Tombstone Terrors provides an unforgettable experience. Book your ghost tour today to immerse yourself in the chilling tales that have captivated travelers for generations!  Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and keep reading our blog for more real California hauntings.

Sources:

1. https://tombstoneterrors.com/
2. https://oliverhousebisbee.com/
3. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn95060905/1920-02-29/ed-1/seq-3/;words=Anderson+ANDERSON+Nat+NAT?date1=1920&rows=20&searchType=basic&state=Arizona&date2=1920&proxtext=Nat+Anderson&y=14&x=16&dateFilterType=yearRange&index=0
4. https://paranormalstories.blogspot.com/2015/01/oliver-house.html
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMmrrNSK5qc