The Thomas House Hotel

Posted: 05.13.2025 | Updated: 05.13.2025

A small town sits 90 miles south of the Kentucky Border: Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee — a small town known for its mineral springs that have made it a hit tourist destination since the 1800s. It holds the same appeal today, but in a different light, thanks to the stories that circulate around its most historic hotel: the Thomas House Hotel. 

It holds an architectural appeal to guests as it pays homage to its early days when it was opened in the late 19th century. However, for every guest room at the Thomas House, there is one that holds a story of murder, suicide, or even playing home to a cult. Read on and see why this hotel is not only one of Tennessee’s most historic but also one of its most haunted. 

The fright doesn’t stop here. Looking for a place to plan your next adventure? Come to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where history, outdoors, and all-around fun await. And why not add a little frightening chill to your stay with Gatlinburg Haunts! 

Take a ghost tour past some of this quaint, historic town’s most chilling sites, and hear about the ghosts lurking within. Visit our site today! Be sure to also read our blog for more stories surrounding the most terrifying spots across the Volunteer State. 

Is the Thomas House Hotel Haunted?

The Thomas House Hotel is filled with spirits, where it’s caught the attention of paranormal TV shows: Paranormal State, Portals to Hell, and Ghost Hunters. Read on and find out more about this hotel’s dark past. 

History of the Thomas House Hotel

Much of Red Boiling Springs’ early history, even its name, is wrapped in local legends. A local citizen’s chronic eye infection was cured after repeatedly rinsing his eyes in the land’s natural springs. News spread, and people came in droves, hearing about the reddish-hued healing springs.  

Several of them ran through 400 acres of land owned by the town’s postmaster’s son, Jesse Jones, who noticed something: the springs would bubble up every morning at the same time. 

Businessman Samuel E. Hare saw a business opportunity here. He purchased Jones’ land and had a hotel built in 1849 to attract tourists. More of which continued to come in the 1850s as the town developed roads. 

Red Boiling Springs quickly became divided and dangerous at the onset of the Civil War. Guerilla warfare was a daily risk with its close proximity to the Kentucky state line, and further tourism development stalled. Business gradually picked up afterwards with railroad development and a local stage line. 

A new hotel was built in 1890: the Thomas House Hotel, built by local hardware store owners and brothers, William Clay Cloyd, Zechariah Wheat Cloyd, and Thomas Tyler Cloyd. Originally named “Cloyd Place Hotel,” it flourished along with the town’s booming industry.

A fire destroyed the hotel in 1924. It was rebuilt in 1927 and continued to operate under constantly changing ownership. Another fire damaged a wing of the hotel in the 90s before it was rebuilt. 

The Cole family purchased and renamed what is now the Thomas House Hotel in 1993;  today, it is known as one of Red Boiling Springs’ most historical hotels, offering first-class service. However, there are stories that breathe within its walls that may have left something ominous behind, including once being home to a cult. 

Hotel Hauntings 

Fires and once being home to a cult are only the tip of the spooky iceberg when it comes to the Thomas House Hotel’s past. Some believe the location of the hotel itself may have made it a conduit for spirits. An intersection of creeks runs underneath the property that marks the path of a former Native American trail. 

There’s also the hotel’s darker moments, such as the story of Edwin Rush, a seven-year-old who drowned in the hotel’s swimming pool in 1961. His ghost has since been seen by some, wandering in the swimming pool area. The pool was designated for demolition in 2024. 

Additionally, several murders and suicides were committed within its walls that may have made it vulnerable to either ghostly or, one might argue, demonic phenomena. 

Guests and staff have walked through cold spots and have seen doors open and close on their own. Disembodied voices have also been heard in the hallway, among them is the distinct sound of an eerie tune being whistled. Some believe it’s the ghost of one of the Cloyd brothers who originally owned the hotel. 

There have also been instances where people have heard the blood-chilling sound of innocent children’s laughter. If that’s not enough to make you check out sooner than expected, then what comes next may. 

Guests have also complained of seeing strange ‘shadow figures’ in their rooms. Some have even felt their beds being moved during the night. 

Sarah’s Favorite Room

The most haunted room in the hotel is room 37, believed to be frequented by the ghostly apparition of a little girl named Sarah, who also roams the White Hallway. Not much is known about her or how she died, except that she was the daughter of one of the Cloyd brothers. 

Now that she’s dead, she has had some time to turn frightening the wits out of someone into an art form. Should you, unfortunately, find yourself fast asleep in room 37, you may feel as though someone is watching you. Rest assured, it’s a common, yet terrifying age-old fear, and it is indeed Sarah’s ghost looking right at you. 

Everyone who has been startled out of their sleep by her presence has seen her vanish into thin air, but not without uttering one word, “play.” It’s not known if it’s a question or a command, but then again, would you even want to find out? 

Haunted Gatlinburg 

Tennessee is filled with as many mysterious destination treasures as it is ghost stories. From the mountains of Gatlinburg to the lit-up honkey tonk streets of Nashville, a ghoulish layer of chills runs through every corner of the state; tales of the dead filled with violence, tragedy and trauma so powerful, it brings forth the ghosts of the past. 

However, there’s one place that stands out more mysterious than others: the town of Red Boiling Springs, known for its healing waters, whose origin remains shrouded in legend. It also happens to be home to one of the most haunted hotels in America, holding decades worth of anger waiting to be unleashed. 

Be sure to visit our blog to read more stories about some of Tennessee’s most haunted destinations. Better yet, why not explore one yourself with Gatlinburg Haunts! Join us on a ghost tour through Tennessee’s historical mountain-side town, where you can take in the rich history and spine-tingling ghost stories that pulsate in Gatlinburg. Visit our website today to book your spot! Be sure to also stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Sources:

• https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/stays/tennessee/thomas-house-hotel-haunting-tn
• https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1244&context=dlsc_kl_non_mat
• https://thomashousehotel.com/history.html
• https://www.wsmv.com/2024/11/12/demolition-hotels-haunted-pool-underway-red-boiling-springs/
• https://www.shackelfordfuneraldirectors.com/2021/03/the-great-mystery