The Twilight Traveler

The Kansas City Massacre

On June 17, 1933, a routine prisoner transfer outside Kansas City’s Union Station turned into a deadly ambush that shook the nation. In this episode, we uncover the story behind the Kansas City Massacre — a violent shootout that claimed the lives of four law enforcement officers and led to major changes within the FBI. Then, we'll visit Union Station itself to explore how this beautiful landmark still bears the weight of its dark past.

The Island of the Dolls

This week, we drift through Mexico's Xochimilco canals to uncover the eerie legend of the Island of the Dolls. Once home to a recluse who decorated the trees with discarded dolls to ward off restless spirits, the island now draws curious travelers seeking both beauty and unease. 

Seneca Village

This week on The Twilight Traveler, we uncover the story of Seneca Village, the 19th-century Black community in Manhattan that was destroyed to make way for Central Park. We’ll explore the history, the displacement, and how the new Central Park exhibition works to honor what was lost.

The Haymarket Affair

In this episode, we journey to Chicago's Haymarket Square, where a labor rally in 1886 turned into one of the most infamous tragedies in U.S. history.

The Budapest Ghetto

In this episode, we uncover the history behind the Shoes on the Danube memorial, a chilling tribute to the Hungarian Jews executed along the river during World War II. We’ll explore the history, symbolism, and emotional weight of this memorial, reflecting on how public memory keeps the echoes of atrocity alive.

Night Parade of 100 Demons

In this episode, we explore the legend of the Hyakki Yagyō—the Night Parade of 100 Demons. Rooted in Japanese folklore, this eerie procession of yokai was once believed to roam the streets at night, punishing any human unlucky enough to witness it. Today, the myth is brought to life at the Kai Kai Festival in Toei Kyoto Studio Park, where costumed yokai wander the grounds in a theatrical reenactment of the parade. Visitors step into a dreamlike—sometimes nightmarish—world where folklore and fear collide, offering a hauntingly immersive experience.

Andersonville Prison

In today's episode, we journey to Andersonville, GA to visit the haunting site of the Andersonville Prison - one of the Civil War's most infamous POW camps. Known for its inhumane conditions and staggering death toll, Andersonville Prison stands as a grim reminder of wartime cruelty and human endurance. 

The LaLaurie Mansion

In this chilling episode, we explore the LaLaurie Mansion - a place steeped in mystery, horror, and legend. Once home to Madame Delphine LaLaurie, a socialite with a sinister secret, this grand Creole mansion holds stories of unspeakable cruelty and restless spirits. Join me as I uncover the twisted history, sift through fact and folklore, and confront the dark legacy that still haunts Royal Street today. For further reading and trip information, be sure to visit our show notes at thetwilighttraveler.com. And if you dig the episode, be sure to follow, rate, and leave a comment. 

The Great Fire of Chinatown

In the shadows of paradise, a deadly blaze tore through Honolulu’s Chinatown in 1900 — but was it truly an accident, or something far more sinister? This week, we unravel the haunting story behind the fire that consumed 38 acres, left thousands homeless, and exposed deep racial tensions and public health paranoia. Join me as I dig into the botched plague response, the controversial quarantines, and the chilling truth of how fear turned to flames. For further reading and tourist information, check out the show notes at thetwilighttraveler.com. And if you dig the episode, be sure to leave a review and give a follow. 

The Death of Jennie Wade

In this episode, we unravel the tragic story of Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. For further reading and links to tourist sites, visit our show notes at thetwilighttraveler.com. And if you dig the episode, be sure to follow and leave a review.