chillicothe landmark of the week!

the building that houses the majestic theater first opened in 1853 as a masonic lodge. it was enlarged and bedecked with finery in 1876 and was named one of the finest theaters in the state. in 1918, nearby camp sherman was terrorized by the spanish influenza, resulting in the deaths of 1100 soldiers and personnel. it is said that during this time, the majestic served as a morgue. bodies were drained of blood in the alley behind the theater, earning the street the nickname "blood alley".

today, the majestic is still a cultural center in chillicothe. it is also purported to be haunted and puts in an appearance on the annual ghost tours, which occur every september and october.