Henry Lambert, born in France on October 28th, 1838, was a culinary professional with an impressive track record. He first learned to cook in Havre and eventually made his way to the United States in 1861 on a French sailing vessel, landing in Portland, Maine. From there, he journeyed to New York and then to Washington D.C., where he spent two months cooking for the Fifth Army Corps, including a month as a personal chef for General Grant himself.
Following his time with the army, Lambert returned to North Carolina before ultimately settling in Petersburg, Virginia, where he opened and ran his own restaurant. There are even reports that he had the great privilege of serving as Chef for President Abraham Lincoln prior to the president’s untimely passing. Lambert’s long and varied career in the culinary arts make him a true master of his craft and a valuable asset to any town or village.
Mr. Lambert entered into matrimony with Miss Schmidt in Petersburg, Virginia, in 1868, unfortunately, she passed away in 1882. Later on, he married Miss Mary Davis in Liberty, Missouri, with whom he had five children: William, Frank, Fred, Eugene, and a son John, who sadly passed away at the age of two. Mr. Lambert eventually decided to venture westward and settled in Elizabethtown, New Mexico, where he spent six months in the mining industry with limited success.
Lucien Maxwell, a prominent figure and influential landowner in the territory, recognized Lambert’s exceptional culinary skills and encouraged him to open a new establishment in a more prosperous location along the Santa Fe trail in Cimarron NM. Driven by this enticing opportunity, Lambert began construction of what eventually became known as the Lambert Inn. Initial features of this establishment included a Saloon, Billiard hall, and restaurant, which were completed by 1872. Shortly thereafter, additional rooms were added to transform the Inn into a full-fledged hotel that catered to cowboys, traders, miners, and all sorts of travelers. The saloon became a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike and was instrumental in the Inn’s growing popularity. Under Lambert’s management, the Inn continued to thrive, with guest rooms eventually added in 1880 raising the Inn’s profile as one of the most upscale hotels in the Western United States.
Cimarron was a town with limited law and order, and the saloon was notorious for its violent reputation. It has been reported that 26 men lost their lives within the confines of its adobe walls. It was not uncommon for the town to discuss the events that occurred at Lambert’s the night before, with questions such as “Who was killed at Lambert’s last night?” and “Did Lamberts claim another victim?” becoming a regular occurrence.
The Lambert Inn has a rich history of hosting well-known figures, including both lawmen and outlaws. Among them were Buffalo Bill Cody and Annie Oakley who met at the hotel to begin planning and rehearsing their famous Wild West Show. Fred Lambert, son of the inn’s proprietor, was born during a blustery snow storm and was affectionally nicknamed “Cyclone Dick” by Buffalo Bill, who was also honored to be Fred’s godfather. As Fred grew up, he developed into an accomplished law enforcement officer, serving as both Cimarron’s sheriff, tribal police, and territory marshall, learning everything he knew from Buffalo Bill Cody. With the departure of Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley, they took with them an entire village of Indians from the Cimarron area to continue their show on the road.
The Lambert Inn has had the privilege of hosting many prominent guests, including General Sheridan, Governor Lew Wallace, and artist Frederick Remington. Notable figures like Bat Masterson and Doc Holliday have also frequented the Inn. Additionally, famous outlaws such as Jesse James have stayed in Room 14 under the pseudonym “Mr. Howard.” While the hotel boasts a rich history, there have been unfortunate incidents, such as the murder of Thomas James Wright in his room after winning ownership of the hotel in a card game. Or when Davy Crockett jr. a descendant of the original Davy Crockett killed three Buffalo soldiers inside the hotel’s bar room in 1876.
The arrival of the railroads marked a decline in the Santa Fe trail, subsequently resulting in a reduction of miners and the disappearance of gold from the vicinity. As a result, Cimarron’s population began to dwindle, and the Hotel fell into disrepair. In 1901, Henry Lambert’s sons, Fred and Gene, repaired the hotel’s roof, where they made an unexpected observation. Over 400 bullet holes were evident in the bar’s ceiling, and a dual layer of thick wood saved the lives of those sleeping upstairs from being killed. Presently, the dining room retains 22 visible bullet holes in its ceiling.
In 1913, Henri Lambert passed away and was laid to rest in the Cimarron cemetery. Following his death, the hotel changed ownership numerous times and ultimately fell into disrepair. However, in 1985 the St. James Hotel was beautifully restored to its previous opulence. It is worth noting that Mary Lambert, Henri’s beloved wife, also passed away in 1926. The rich history of this establishment is a testament to the enduring legacy of its founders and the dedication of those who helped to safeguard its future. Today, the ghosts of the past are proud to offer guests an unforgettable experience at the St. James Hotel, where they can enjoy the impeccable amenities and rich cultural heritage.
The St. James Hotel is known for its rich history, attracting visitors from all over the world. While some claim to have experienced paranormal occurrences, the hotel remains a popular destination for travelers. Psychics who have visited the hotel have identified three specific ghosts, and reports describe the second floor as the most active area, with accounts of chilling cold spots and the scent of cigar smoke lingering in the halls. The previous manager described feeling and hearing the presence of these ghosts, while a former owner reported seeing a ranch hand or cowboy in the bar’s mirror. The hotel’s spiritual activity has been featured on popular television shows such as “Unsolved Mysteries” and “A Current Affair.” Room 18 at the hotel is kept locked due to the presence of the spirit of Thomas James Wright, who unfortunately passed away in that room after being shot from behind. A prior manager said
“you never see them, but you do feel and hear them.”

The St. James hotel, located at 617 S. Collision Street in Cimarron, has a rich history that includes reports of strange occurrences experienced both by guests and staff. In January 2009, the hotel was acquired by the Express UU Bar Ranch, which oversaw renovations that merged the formal dining room and bar into a larger space. Additionally, the courtyard and patio were enclosed by a wall and included a fountain to enhance the ambiance. The hotel reopened on June 22, 2009, and has since maintained its haunted charm with the creaky staircase and tilted chandeliers. Interestingly, the hotel rooms are named after those who frequented the establishment in the late 1800s. The hotel remains operational today, and in the interest of guest safety and comfort, the use of Ouija boards is strictly prohibited.