Nestled on the eastern side of Anderson County, Belton, South Carolina, boasts a rich history intertwined with the supernatural. Once a bustling hub for passenger and cargo trains, the town’s historic train depot now serves as a primary location for ghostly encounters. The late Greenville Ghost Hunter Jason Profit called the Belton Depot the most haunted building in the Upstate, with at least three ghosts reported regularly visiting the site.
The Belton Depot: A Hub of Hauntings
The Belton Depot, constructed in 1910, replaced an earlier depot whose origins remain shrouded in mystery. According to local legend, eight ghosts reside within the current building. In a video interview with the Anderson Observer, Abigail Burden, the executive director of the Belton Museum, revealed that at least seven different spirits have been recorded at the depot. Paranormal investigators, including Jason Profit’s Haunted Greenville team, have explored the site with specialized equipment, confirming multiple ghostly presences.
One of the eerier discoveries involved an audio recording of a disembodied voice mentioning “shock therapy.” While some of the ghosts exhibit playful behavior—like a porter whistling or bells jingling from luggage carts—others, such as a heartbroken spinster, evoke a more somber atmosphere.
One of the spirits frequently encountered at the Belton Museum is that of a young girl, known for her unique way of communicating by manipulating a flashlight. During an exhibit featuring an antique rope bed, staff often noticed impressions on the bed, as though someone had been lying there, despite it being off-limits to visitors. This strange phenomenon has repeated itself on multiple occasions, defying any logical explanation.
Another spirit, known as Hal, seems to have a strong dislike for modern technology, frequently causing disruptions during phone calls. His presence was notably captured during a presentation by Jason Profit when Hal clearly made his presence known by saying, “I’m here.”
Additionally, the ghost of an elderly African-American porter haunts the depot, with his whistling and the sound of his luggage bell often heard in the north-end gallery. This section of the depot was once used as a freight area during World War I, where the bodies of returning soldiers were stored. Many believe that this grim connection contributes to the numerous paranormal events reported in that part of the building.
Tragedy at the Belton Opera House
According to a ghost story shared on Anderson County, S.C.’s YouTube, “Ghost Story – Belton Opera House,” the old Belton Opera House was the setting for a heartbreaking tragedy in the 1940s that continues to haunt the town. Lash LaRue, a daring movie cowboy famed for his sharp-cracking bullwhip, was a matinee idol and a national sensation at the time. As LaRue traveled the country with his Wild West show, his charm reportedly left a trail of broken hearts in addition to the defeated villains he played on screen.
One such heart belonged to a young woman from Belton. She met LaRue when his show performed at the town’s opera house. Recently returned from serving in the U.S. Army and mourning the loss of her grandmother, her last living relative, the woman became infatuated with the Hollywood star. LaRue, in turn, promised to send for her once he returned to Hollywood and even sent her daily telegrams for a time, reaffirming his pledge.
But the letters stopped. Crushed by the sudden end of communication and rumored to be pregnant, the woman sank into despair. Late one foggy night, just after midnight, she climbed to the roof of the opera house, clutching the final telegram from LaRue, and plunged to her death.
Since that tragic night, some claim her spirit still lingers. Reports of her apparition appear in the shadows on the roof, and others say they’ve heard soft sobbing near the spot where she leaped.
Adding to the mystery, rumors spread that the young woman may have been a wartime spy. Her secretive nature, refusal to discuss her military service, and lack of close friends or employment fueled suspicions. Even her grandmother had been tight-lipped about their past. At her funeral, three unknown men in dark suits stood near a green Buick, with one of them taking photographs—an eerie detail that stirred further intrigue. No one ever discovered who the men were, and they never reappeared.
Belton, South Carolina, may be a small town, but its history is alive with stories that reach beyond the grave. From the haunted halls of the Belton Depot to the tragic love story at the opera house, these locations hold a unique place in the town’s legacy. Ghostly encounters, mysterious figures, and whispers from the past continue to captivate visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the stories of Belton’s haunted history invite you to explore the unknown and experience the lingering presence of those who may never have truly left. So, next time you find yourself wandering through downtown Belton, keep your ears open and your eyes sharp—because you never know what or who you might encounter.
