White Eagle Pub and Hotel

Built in 1905 by Polish immigrants Barney Soboleski and William Hryszko, the White Eagle gained a reputation as one of Portland’s roughest waterfront bars during the early 20th century. Its basement allegedly harbored dark secrets, serving as a temporary prison for men who were drugged and kidnapped through underground tunnels to be sold as crew members to ships desperate for sailors – a practice known as shanghaiing.

The most frequently encountered spirit is that of Rose, a prostitute who reportedly met a violent end in one of the upstairs hotel rooms. Guests staying in Room 2 often report the overwhelming scent of rose perfume, unexplained sobs in the middle of the night, and the sensation of being watched. Some have awakened to find their belongings mysteriously rearranged or personal items moved to different locations.

The basement remains a hotbed of paranormal activity, likely due to its grim history. Current staff members refuse to go down alone, reporting cold spots, disembodied voices speaking in Polish, and the sound of chains dragging across the floor. Ghost hunters have captured numerous EVP recordings in this area, many containing what appear to be desperate pleas for help in various languages.

One of the most chilling aspects of the White Eagle’s haunting involves the original tunnels that once connected the basement to Portland’s infamous Shanghai tunnels. Though most of these passages have been sealed, visitors near the old tunnel entrances report feeling sudden dizziness and nausea – sensations similar to those experienced by victims who were drugged before being kidnapped.

The main bar area hosts its own supernatural residents. Bartenders have reported glasses sliding off shelves on their own, money disappearing from the register only to reappear in odd places, and the sounds of raucous laughter and music long after closing time. Some believe these manifestations are tied to Sam Warrick, a former owner who lived and died in the building and apparently never left.

Modern-day visitors often report encounters on the hotel’s narrow staircase, where the apparition of a tall man in early 1900s clothing has been seen ascending to the second floor. Others describe hearing heavy boots climbing the stairs when no one is there, accompanied by the smell of stale beer and cigarette smoke – perhaps echoes of the countless sailors who once frequented the establishment.

The second floor, which still functions as a hotel, generates numerous reports of paranormal activity. Guests have documented unexplained footsteps in empty hallways, doors opening and closing on their own, and strange knocking sounds coming from inside the walls. Room 3 is particularly active, with multiple guests reporting the sensation of being tucked into bed by invisible hands.

Today, the White Eagle operates as a McMenamins establishment, offering food, drinks, live music, and lodging to those brave enough to spend the night. The building’s original features have been carefully preserved, from the ornate bar to the vintage photographs that line the walls – each element seemingly holding onto its own piece of the building’s complex history.

Despite its dark past, the White Eagle has transformed into a beloved Portland landmark, where history buffs, ghost hunters, and curious visitors can experience a slice of the city’s haunted history. Whether you’re enjoying a drink at the historic bar, attending a concert in the main room, or spending a night in one of the haunted hotel rooms, you might find yourself sharing space with some of Portland’s most permanent – and ethereal – residents.