The story
The Hotel Congress opened in 1919 and became infamous on January 22, 1934, when a fire on the third floor led to the capture of John Dillinger, then the most wanted criminal in America. Dillinger's gang was on the run when they tipped off a firefighter who recognized them from wanted posters. FBI agents surrounded the hotel and arrested the entire gang. Staff and guests report encounters with a shadowy male figure believed to be Dillinger on the floors where he stayed, as well as a woman in 1930s dress seen near the hotel bar.
What's reported here
Guests and staff report sightings of a shadowy man believed by some to be John Dillinger, along with apparitions of a woman in 1930s clothing near the hotel bar. Unexplained footsteps, voices, cold spots and doors opening or closing on their own have also been reported.
History & background
Opened in 1919, Hotel Congress became part of American criminal history after a 1934 fire led to the capture of John Dillinger and members of his gang, who had been hiding at the hotel while on the run. Today, the restored hotel remains one of Tucson's best-known historic landmarks, celebrated for its preserved architecture, live music venue and colourful past.