The Spirits of Orcas Island: Haunted Hotels, Hidden History & the Mystery of Rosario

From a young man arriving in Seattle with just ten cents in his pocket to building Washington’s only battleship and one of the most extraordinary estates in the Pacific Northwest, Robert Moran’s story is incredible all on its own. But what happened after he built Rosario may be even more mysterious. In this episode, we will take you on a ferry ride through the San Juan Islands to uncover the fascinating history—and chilling legends—of Orcas Island. Explore the grand halls of Rosario Mansion, investigate the truth behind the infamous “Lady in Red,” spend a night in the haunted Orcas Hotel with the ghost of beloved innkeeper Octavia Van Moorhem, wander the historic Outlook Inn, visit the haunted Hotel de Haro, and hear the eerie tale of Cabin 10 at West Beach Resort. Using firsthand accounts, historical records, newspaper archives, and local folklore, this episode separates documented history from island legend while asking one lingering question: if Alice Rheem isn’t the ghost haunting Rosario… then who is? History, mystery, humor, and hauntings await on one of the most beautiful—and possibly most haunted—islands in the Pacific Northwest. **Episode Sources:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert\Moran\(shipbuilder) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle\Construction\and\Drydock\Company https://www.whatcommuseum.org/virtual\exhibit/universal\exhibit/vex9/index.htm https://seattleterrors.com/the-haunted-rosario-resort/ https://islandhistories.com/items/show/55 https://marlenepardopellicer.substack.com/p/alices-ghost https://saltwaterpeoplehistoricalsociety.blogspot.com/p/190.html?m=1 https://www.visitsanjuans.com/haunted-hotels-in-the-san-juan-islands https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20021031/hauntedhotels31/when-guest-meets-ghost-orcas-hotel-and-other-supernatural-sleeps https://ediblemontereybay.com/online-magazine/spring-2021/north-star/ https://orcashotel.com/history/ https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2007/oct/28/hauntingly-familiar/ https://northwestprimetime.com/news/2022/may/25/hotel-de-haro/ https://explorewashingtonstate.com/historical-haunts-worth-a-road-trip/ https://islandhistories.com/items/show/75 https://1889mag.com/explore/outlook-inn/ https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g58448-d292155-r34689940-West\Beach\Resort-Eastsound\Orcas\Island\San\Juan\Islands\Washington.html