This location was said to be the site of a homicide and at least one suicide during World War II, when Farragut Naval Training Station was home to more than 300,000 servicemen. The former brig, which is the only original building remaining on what is now a state park and camping area, has been the scene of several apparitions, all described in detail by at least half a dozen state employees. These employees worked in the brig building, which was for many years used as a state parks maintenance building. All of the employees who encountered a ghostly visitor talked about a balding man who might have been in some kind of uniform - possibly prisoner's garb. Others, who did not see the apparition, talked about hair-raising experiences with large objects being mysteriously "relocated" or objects flying across the cells - which still exist in the building, bars and all.
History
Farragut State Park was created in response to the attack on Pearl Harbor. The U.S. built Farragut Naval Training Station inland, so that it would be protected from coastal invasion. Though that coastal attack never came, the world's second largest naval training station was built along the shore of Lake Pend Oreille. The station was named after the first Admiral of the Navy, David Glasgow Farragut, and operated from 1942 to 1946. 293,381 men from across the nation trained at Farragut. The Station was carved from the remote forests of North Idaho, and once built, became the largest city in Idaho with a population over 50,000. At the end of World War II, the station continued to provide services to sailors through its extensive hospital complex and as Farragut Junior college. By the end of the 1940's, most of the 776 buildings had been sold off or removed and the U.S. government initiated putting the land up for sale. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game bought parcels along the shoreline, and these acquisitions led to a larger agreement wherein the majority of the remaining land was given to the State of Idaho as the Farragut Wildlife Management Area. A 20 acre parcel was retained for an acoustic research detachment, which is still in operation today for the U.S. Navy.
Hauntings
The Brig is the only original structure remaining and is the site of several apparent hauntings. The spirit of a balding man still roams wearing his prisoners uniform. Other incidents include flying objects inside some of the cells, furniture and other larger objects being moved. Several employees of the facility have reported their experiences.
Additional Information
(208) 683-2425
Farragut State Park Wikipedia Entry
