Haunted Locations in Rancho Cordova

Matthew Kilgore Cemetery (1874)

A hidden and often forgotten location is the nearly 150 year old Matthew Kilgore Cemetery in Rancho Cordova. Although the cemetery was established in 1874, and named after Matthew Kilgore in 1888, keen observers will note that, among plots like that of the pioneers of the region, like the Kilgore family, many headstones are marked as early as the mid 1800s.

Among its gripping past, Kilgore Cemetery saw many unfortunate years of vandalism and disrepair after the property was turned over to a mortician guilty of running a scam. What followed were years of vandals overturning headstones, tearing down the cemetery gate, leaving behind trash, cutting up trees for fire wood, and even stealing grave markers. One particularly unfortunate evening led to the grave of a Mr. Kennedy being vandalized and his skull being stolen. In some families desperation to protect their loved ones, they had entire plots covered in concrete pads. Today the cemetery is well manicured and cared for, but you will still notice many traces of the cemetery's darkest days. To read more about this fascinating story, click here!

Notable graves include those of the founding Kilgore Family (1800s), businessman William Deterding (1818-1879), miner and community figure Peter Haase (1830-1912), and builder of Mills Station, today known as the MACC, John Studarus (1824-1899). You can pay your respects and find their burial locations in Kilgore Cemetery here.

If you wish to visit Kilgore Cemetery, please do so respectfully during the daily hours of 8am - 6pm.

Click here to learn more about the fascinating history of Matthew Kilgore Cemetery

Mills Station House (1911)

The Mills Station House was built in 1911 by John Studarus. Legend has it that Mr. Studarus still walks the grounds caring for the home he built over 100 years ago.

Although the Mills Station House originally became known as a meeting place for farmers and a safe haven for travelers in the early 1900s, over the years, it's walls became home to a tavern, fire station, gas station, restaurant, and even a dance hall. During this time, the building was also moved...twice, from its original location, to the northeast corner of Folsom Boulevard and Mather Field Drive, to its final resting place, on the opposite corner of that bustling intersection, on the early morning of May 17, 1998.

Today, the Mills Station House has become a well known center in the Rancho Cordova community as the Mills Station Art & Culture Center (The MACC) which houses amazing art exhibits, theatrical plays, musical performances, and, true to its original form, a home for many welcoming community events.

To learn more about the Mills Station House, check out The Independent's article here and learn more about the art exhibits and upcoming events here

Kinney School (1871)

Kinney School was established in 1871 and became one of the largest rural schools in Sacramento County with 64 pupils enrolled in its very first year.

Unfortunately, Kinney School had many ups and downs as years passed which led to its eventual abandon in the early 1900s. In 1966, the old abandoned remains of Kinney School were resurrected and converted into a High School. By 1971, only 5 years later, the original building's disrepair led to it being torn down and rebuilt into the small Kinney High School you can find on those same grounds today.

Kinney School was a pivotal location and educational hub for many in the community with key figures like German immigrant and beloved leader in the community, Peter Haase (1830-1912), becoming known for his time on the board of trustees for the Kinney School District. You can pay your respects to Peter Haase in Row G, Block 4, Plot 2 at Kilgore Cemetery.

Click here to learn more about Kinney School and other historical schools in the area!

American River Grange Hall (1882)

The American River Grange was built in 1882 next door to Kinney School and still stands today in its original form as the oldest Grange Hall in the Sacramento region. For decades, the American River Grange Hall provided a forum for discussion and disputes on a variety of topics impacting farmers and the then agricultural community, such as high labor costs, dropping crop prices, high machinery costs, and fluctuating rail freight prices.

The shared land of Kinney School and the American River Grange is said to have once been the burial grounds for many community members before they were eventually transported to the nearby Kilgore cemetery. Because of this and the building's 140+ year history, many believe these grounds, along with Kinney School and Kilgore Cemetery, to be haunted.

To see this historical site for yourself or to host your own small events at the American River Grange Hall, just like those did over a century ago, click here.

Learn more about the history of the American River Grange here.

Underground Tours with the Sacramento History Museum (1854)

Plan ahead! The Paranormal Investigations tours sell out quickly and after TikTok fame expanded Sacramento History Museum's reach, make time for this Old Sacramento Waterfront classic. While there, check out the California Railroad Museum, Delta King for Lunch, and Underground Wine Tasting Room for local wine tastings.

El Dorado County

Visit El Dorado County offers a more complete list of haunted spots but be sure to check out the Coloma Pioneer Cemetery. Visages of a woman in burgundy, a man with a beard, and a young boy are said to visit this 1848 cemetery in El Dorado County. Known for the Gold Rush (take a day to pan for gold at Gold Bug Mine) and white water rafting, Coloma could also be where the spirits cross back over.

Calaveras County

In addition to several hotels to explore, Calaveras County, home to several Gold Rush mining towns and caverns, has its share of haunts for a day trip! Calaveras County has a number of fantastic wineries as well! Check out the Twisted Oak Winery Tasting Room located on the charming Main Street of Murphys to catch a glimpse of the ghost of Norene Troski, the building's former resident. Still exploring? Head to Angels Camp for the Gold Digger’s Saloon, a former brothel; now reportedly haunted.