IN THE SPIRIT OF SPOOKY, PT. II: GATEWAY TO HELL

In the spirit of Halloween and all things spooky during the month of October, I am  starting a series about strange conspiracy theories and legends that exist 'til this day. Or, at least, are said to exist 'til this day.

While it felt a little early to jump into Halloween-centered legends last week, this week we will inch closer to the holiday with the tale of a small town's secret staircase to Hell. 

GATEWAY TO HELL

The small town town of Stull, Kansas doesn't see too many residents over the years, but there is one in particular they wish would just go away. A 1974 issue of  University Daily Kansan first "reported" Lucifer appears twice a year: Halloween and the spring equinox. This story leads to the investigation of a nearby cemetery, which supposedly holds one of the seven gateways to hell. 

​Story goes the Evangelical Emmanuel Church was possessed by Lucifer himself even when it became nothing more that rubble. Some said rain could never penetrate the church, even when its roof was torn off during a fierce thunderstorm. 
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And just further out from the church  are said to be a set of steps you must never enter at risk of never returning. These steps lead you through the gateway of hell. 

Although the story behind the gateway to hell was debunked and determined to be nothing more than the creative brilliance of some college students, visitors still flock to Stull, especially around Halloween, in hopes of crossing paths with the paranormal.

The visits over the years have left behind footprints on the entire town, unfortunately, and many parts of the cemetery were often vandalized, or tombstones were stolen. There was once an old tree the town allegedly removed to deter tourist. Many other attractions were also removed to keep people from hurting themselves and the cemetery. While the some of the Stull locals may advise you to stay away from the town altogether -- it's a not a tourist stop -- just remember if you're going ghost hunting on someone else's turf, don't be a dick. 

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