The Bijou was first built in 1817 as the Lamar House, and the theater was not added until 1908. It began as a place where the Knoxville Opera and Symphony played. During the Civil War the Bijou was used as a hospitial. When General Ambrose Burnside was taking Knoxville for the Union, a Union Colonel named William Sanders was injured and brought to the Bijou to be treated. He died there the next day. A century later, during the 1960s, the the theater became known as the Bijou Art Theater, and was well known as an X-rated movie house. The Lamar House, which is attached to the theater, was known for being even more sexually gratifying than the theater. Prostitution ran rampant in the area.

The more conservative elements of the community began to rally against it, and the owner, and elderly woman, apparently did not know what was going on. When she learned, she donated the building to a church, which immediatley sold it. The theater remained closed for a long time, until it reopened in the 1970s, this time as a much more reputable establishment. It is now known as one of Knoxville's most proud cultural centers.

The origins of most of the ghosts which haunt the old theater are not clear. The only identified one is that of the aforementioned Col. Sanders. He died in the Lamar House in the Bridal Suite. When that part was torn down in 1908, the Colonel's ghost is said to have migrated to the theater. Other ghosts said to haunt the place are the ghosts of actors which graced the stage. These actors, such as Al Jolson, where very well known in their day. The ghosts of the prostitutes are also said to inhabit the area.

The ghosts make their presence known by making noises. Sometimes apparitions are seen floating in the theater or on the stage, especially if no one else is around. These ghosts are said to be generally happy (perhaps it has something to do with the prostitutes) and harmless.

So don't be surprised to hear laughter and movements coming from the Bijou late at night. It might be a Civil War Colonel, former movie stars, or even prostitutes from beyond the grave.

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