The Alma Nightwalker

Source: 2 Chadron Journal 3/28/1902

Alma, Nebraska (RG3831.PH000001-000007) (above).

 

Alma, Nebraska, population about 1,100, is found near the Harlan Reservoir south of Hastings and just north of the Kansas border. Back on March 28, 1902, a most unusual story was being told. The “Alma Nightwalker,” as she was called by some, was not considered a ghost in the classic sense. Instead of illuminating as a white vaporous apparition, this specter was said to be dark, and dressed in black.

Most everyone in town had claimed to have seen this woman, who was believed to present no danger or seek harm of another. She also appeared determined to be seen, but elusive in her flight. Several well-known and respected citizens of the area reported seeing the apparition passing their place of business, or running in front of onlookers from the shadows of alleys, only to vanish like the wind or a fleeting shadow.

 

Alma, Nebraska (RG3831.PH000001-000004) (above).

 

The woman’s face was always veiled and unidentifiable, but a few possible suspects have been thrown around over the years. One was that of an Alma woman’s unquiet spirit who had passed away. In life she had suffered from a painful illness and some believed she was still suffering in spirit after death had taken the body. Another suspected answer came in the form of a deathbed promise made by the husband of a dying Alma resident. She made him promise not to remarry after her death, a promise made, but not kept. Some believed that revenge was the motive.

Whatever the origin of the story, she was a popular tale being told around the Alma area. The story was eventually picked up by newspapers across the country and the tale became national. The “Alma Nightwalker” made no uncanny sounds, no moans or cries. Instead, it moved with incredible swiftness and disappeared into thin air before disbelieving eyes. The people of the town came to generally accept this event as being an actual disembodied spirit.

-Dale Bacon Assistant Curator

Become a Member!

Our members make history happen.

Join Now

You May Also Enjoy

Nebraska History Spotlight: the Pennsylvania Colony Historical Society of Nebrsaka

Nebraska History Spotlight: the Pennsylvania Colony Historical Society of Nebrsaka

Philander DeForest Thompson: A Legacy at Neligh Mill

Philander DeForest Thompson: A Legacy at Neligh Mill

Marker Monday: Catherland

Marker Monday: Catherland

About NSHS

The Nebraska State Historical Society was founded in 1878 by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed NSHS from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Interim Director Cindy Drake. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for NSHS.

Explore Nebraska

Discover the real places and people of our past at these NSHS sites.

Upcoming Events

View our new and upcoming events to see how you can get involved.

Become a Member

The work we do to discover, preserve, and share Nebraska's history wouldn't be possible without the support of NSHS members.

NSHS Education

Learn more about the educational programs provided at our museums, sites, and online.

Education Digital Learning Resources

Find games, lists, and more to enhance your history education curriculum.

Latest Hall of Fame Inductee

The Nebraska Hall of Fame was established in 1961 to officially recognize prominent Nebraskans.

Listen to our Podcast

Listen to the articles and authors published in the Nebraska History Magazine with our new Nebraska History Podcast!

Nebraska Collections

NSHS's mission is to collect, preserve, and open our shared history to all Nebraskans.

Our YouTube Video Collection

Get a closer look at Nebraska's history through your own eyes, with our extensive video collections.

Additional Research Resources

NSHS's Research and Reference Services help connect you to the material we collect and preserve.

NSHS Services

Digital Resources

Find all of our digital resources, files, videos, and more, all in one easy-to-search page!

Support The Historical Society

Make a cash donation to help us acquire, preserve, and interpret Nebraska’s history. Gifts to the Nebraska State Historical Society help leave a legacy and may help your taxes, too! Support the work of NSHS.

Volunteers are the heroes of NSHS. So much history, so little time! Your work helps us share access to Nebraska’s stories at our museums and sites, the reference room, and online.