Since we’re this close to Halloween, I thought it would be interesting to write about this reportedly haunted house in Aspen, CO.

This is the Henry Webber House, also called “Pioneer Park”. The home was built in the 1880’s during Aspen’s Silver Boom. The home is reportedly haunted by Henry’s wife Harriet, who died under suspicious circumstances.

According to Wikipedia; “In 1881 she died of an overdose of strychnine, then available over the counter as a tranquilizer. Her last words, “Henry will know”, led to rumors that her death was either a suicide or murder brought on by a rumored extramarital affair between him and her niece. In the end it was ruled accidental.” The home was built by Henry after Harriet’s death but she reportedly began haunting the home after Henry moved in.

Today the home is privately owned and is the only intact house in the Second Empire architectural style in Aspen.  It is located just 2 blocks from Aspen Mountain.During the boom of the 1880’s many affluent people were building Victorian style homes in the “West End”.  When the boom ended and prosperity declined many of these homes were abandoned and destroyed by fires through the years.

Henry and Harriet Webber ran a successful business selling and repairing shoes and clothing. The Webbers also began investing in local mines. After Harriet’s death Webber became the city treasurer, and he also served as the Mayor of Aspen.  Henry also built the Elks club building in downtown Aspen.