SALT LAKE CITY — When it comes to the supernatural, Utahns have their own unique take on things. Nearly half of Americans say they believe in ghosts — and in Utah, that number climbs even higher. But when it comes to witches, vampires, or werewolves? Most residents aren’t buying it.
According to recent surveys, more than half of Utahns say they’re comfortable admitting they believe in ghosts or other supernatural beings. However, belief drops sharply when it comes to other mythical creatures:
- Witches: Fewer than 25% believe.
- Vampires: Fewer than 20% believe.
- Werewolves: Barely 10% believe.
Even so, many Utahns share an interest in the eerie stories woven into their state’s history — and one tale in particular continues to haunt the imagination of locals: the legend of the Purple Lady.
The Tragic Tale of the Purple Lady
According to accounts from LoveToKnow and various local historians, the story begins in the early 1900s at the Rio Grande Depot in downtown Salt Lake City.
The legend tells of a young woman, heartbroken after a fight with her lover on the train platform. Some say they were married; others claim they were engaged. During the argument, the man shouted that he no longer loved her and threw his ring — wedding or engagement — onto the railroad tracks.
In despair, the woman, dressed in an elegant purple dress and hat, climbed down onto the tracks to retrieve it. As she searched frantically for the ring, a train came barreling through, killing her instantly.
Since that day, she is said to have never left.
Sightings at the Rio Grande Depot
Employees and visitors have long reported ghostly encounters at the historic depot — now home to offices and cultural spaces. The Purple Lady is said to appear in the women’s restroom and sometimes in what used to be the depot café.
Witnesses describe her as a young woman in early 20th-century attire, her face angry or anguished, her presence accompanied by the faint scent of perfume or the soft sound of singing.
Security guards working overnight shifts have claimed to see her sitting calmly on a couch, only to vanish moments later. Others have reported footsteps echoing through empty hallways, flickering lights, and the feeling of being watched.
Eyewitnesses say she’s most active late at night — after the last employees have gone home.
Utah’s Complex Relationship with the Supernatural
Despite being a state known for its religious roots and logical-minded culture, Utah has long had a fascination with the paranormal.
From Ogden’s haunted Union Station to ghost towns scattered across the desert, ghost tours and paranormal investigations have become a staple of local lore and tourism.
Sociologists say this mix of belief and skepticism fits Utah’s cultural personality. While many residents view supernatural tales through a religious or moral lens, ghost stories like the Purple Lady’s provide a shared sense of mystery — a way to connect the living with the state’s storied past.
As one historian put it, “You don’t have to believe in ghosts to understand why these stories matter. They’re reminders of love, loss, and the people who built this place — even if they never truly left.”
A Haunting That Endures
Whether or not you believe in the supernatural, Utah’s fascination with the Purple Lady continues to grow. The Rio Grande Depot, now over a century old, remains one of the state’s most frequently cited paranormal hotspots.
Visitors still leave offerings — a flower, a purple ribbon, a note — hoping to comfort the restless spirit said to roam its halls.
And as long as her story continues to be told, it seems the Purple Lady will never fade into history.
