Fort Belle Fontaine in St. Louis is widely considered one of Missouri's most haunted sites, with paranormal activity attributed to its long and often violent history. The location was the first U.S. military installation west of the Mississippi River, and conflicts between soldiers and Native Americans are believed to have left a lasting spiritual imprint. The most common reports involve apparitions of soldiers, with some visitors claiming to see and hear them walking and talking on the grounds. People have reported hearing phantom musket shots and disembodied screams echoing across the site. A recurring apparition is that of a woman in a white dress who is said to float up and down the grand staircase. Due to the conflicts that occurred on the land, some visitors have reported hearing what they believe to be Native American chants or signing. Strange lights and luminous orbs have been seen by visitors, particularly in photographs taken on the property. Many people who visit the historic grounds report feeling a heavy sense of sadness or a general eerie feeling, especially near the historical sections of the park.