Kansas City’s Union Station is a historic landmark built in 1914. Spanning an impressive 850,000 square feet, it is the third largest railroad station in the world. At its peak, the station welcomed over 200 trains a day. However, behind its grandeur lies a dark and haunting history that continues to intrigue visitors.
Key points
The Kansas City Massacre
In 1933, a violent event known as the Kansas City Massacre took place at Union Station. This incident involved a gun battle between federal agents, local police, and three notorious gangsters. It is said that this tragic event left behind the spirit of a tormented soul.
On a warm summer morning in June, Frank Nash stepped off a train wearing handcuffs. He was accompanied by Federal Agent Lackey, Chief Reed, and Agent Smith. Nash had a long criminal history, having been imprisoned three times. In 1913, he received a life sentence in Oklahoma but was pardoned after five years.
In 1920, he was sentenced to another 25 years for burglary and using explosives. Once again, he was pardoned. Shortly after his release, he was arrested for assault and sentenced to another 25 years at the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. In 1930, Nash escaped, but the FBI quickly captured him in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
On the morning of June 17, 1933, Nash arrived at Union Station at 7:15 a.m. His friends, Charles Arthur “Pretty Boy” Floyd, Vernon Miller, and Adam Richetti, were waiting outside in a stolen car. They planned to help him escape once again.
The Attack
As Nash was escorted through the station’s lobby by seven armed men, including Special Agent Vetterli, Agent Lackey, and two police officers, they were unaware of the danger lurking nearby. A green Plymouth was parked close by, and as the officers prepared to leave, Miller and Floyd opened fire.
The chaos erupted quickly. Vetterli shouted, “Let them have it!” as the gangsters shot and killed Officers Grooms and Hermanson. Vetterli was wounded in the arm, and Caffrey was shot in the head before he could reach the driver’s seat. In the car, both Chief Reed and Nash were struck by bullets and died.
The entire attack lasted less than a minute. The gangsters fled the scene, leaving behind a trail of chaos and death. Agents Vetterli, Smith, and Lackey survived, but Lackey had been shot three times.
The Manhunt
The FBI launched a massive manhunt for the three killers. Miller’s body was later found mutilated in a ditch outside Newark, New Jersey. He had been killed by gangster Longie Zwillman, who was connected to the crime syndicate Murder Incorporated.
Floyd and Richetti were eventually caught in Ohio in 1934. After a gunfight, Richetti was apprehended, while Floyd managed to escape despite being wounded. Richetti was tried and executed for his role in the Kansas City Massacre in 1938. Floyd was captured later but died from a gunshot wound on the way to the hospital.
The Haunting Begins
After the massacre, the atmosphere in Union Station changed dramatically. Visitors and employees began to report feelings of agony and unease. Many claimed to see a strange, faceless male figure in various parts of the building. This figure is believed to be the restless spirit of Frank Nash.
Caffrey is on the ground lying between
the two cars.
Witnesses have described seeing old-fashioned male shoes that appear polished but have no body attached to them. Others have reported these shoes vanishing into thin air. Numerous people have encountered a male figure that simply disappears before their eyes.
Union Station Today
Today, Union Station’s west wing is home to the U.S. Postal Service. Other areas of this historic building feature high-end cafes, shops, and art displays. The station is also a popular venue for wedding receptions. Interestingly, several guests at these receptions have reported seeing the male figure that fades away.
The haunting stories of Union Station add to its charm and history. Visitors are drawn not only to its architectural beauty but also to the ghostly tales that linger in the air.
Conclusion
Kansas City’s Union Station is more than just a transportation hub; it is a place steeped in history and mystery. The tragic events of the Kansas City Massacre have left a lasting mark, and the spirit of Frank Nash is said to roam the halls. Whether you are a believer in the supernatural or simply curious about the past, a visit to Union Station promises to be an unforgettable experience.
If you find yourself in Kansas City, take a moment to explore this historic site. Who knows? You might just encounter the ghostly presence of Frank Nash or witness something truly unexplainable. The stories of Union Station continue to captivate and haunt, making it a must-see for anyone interested in ghost stories and history.
