America is home to a rich tapestry of history and folklore, and it's no surprise that it boasts some of the most haunted places in the world. From historic battlefields to eerie hotels, the United States offers a plethora of spine-tingling destinations for those brave enough to explore the supernatural. Join us on a journey through the most haunted places in America as we delve into the chilling legends, ghostly encounters, and mysterious histories that define these locations.
To curate the ultimate guide to the most haunted places in America, careful consideration of criteria was essential. The places mentioned were not chosen merely for their eerie ambience or chilling tales, but are based on:
Historical Significance: Every location has a story deeply rooted in America's past, ensuring that each site offers not just a ghostly encounter but also a history lesson.
Frequency of Reported Hauntings: Places with consistent reports of paranormal activity over the years were given preference. These frequent encounters lend credibility to the legends and signify a stronger presence of the otherworldly.
Whether you're a believer in the supernatural or a curious sceptic, prepare to delve deep into the realms of the unknown!
The Most Haunted Houses
Nestled in the heart of San Jose, the Winchester Mystery House stands as a testament to one woman's obsession with the supernatural. Originally owned by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the gun magnate William Wirt Winchester, this sprawling mansion is a maze of oddities—staircases leading to nowhere, doors that open into walls, and windows overlooking other rooms. Legend has it that Sarah, ridden with guilt over the deaths caused by the firearms her husband's company manufactured, continuously built the house to appease the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles. She believed that by doing so, she would be safe from their vengeful wrath. To this day, visitors and staff report unexplained cold spots, mysterious footsteps, and apparitions, suggesting that Sarah may still be wandering the halls, accompanied by the very spirits she tried to appease. Situated in San Diego's Old Town, the Whaley House wears its history with a touch of eerie elegance. Built in 1857 by Thomas Whaley on the site of a former public gallows, this historic home has witnessed its fair share of tragedies. From the hangings that took place before its construction to the untimely deaths of some Whaley family members, it's no wonder that the house is said to be rife with paranormal activity. Visitors and experts alike have reported seeing apparitions, including that of Thomas Whaley himself, a young girl believed to be one of the Whaley children, and even the ghost of "Yankee Jim" Robinson, who was hanged on the site before the house was built. The weight of its tragic past and the consistent reports of ghostly sightings have solidified the Whaley House's reputation as one of America's most haunted homes. On a quiet morning in June 1912, the town of Villisca, Iowa, awoke to a gruesome discovery: the entire Moore family and two overnight guests had been brutally murdered with an axe, a crime that remains unsolved to this day. The house where the chilling event took place stands as a grim reminder of the atrocity, drawing in visitors and paranormal enthusiasts from all over. Those brave enough to venture inside have reported hearing children's voices, seeing moving shadows, and experiencing an overwhelming sense of dread. The traumatic history and consistent paranormal claims have turned the Villisca Axe Murder House into a hotspot for those seeking a genuine haunted experience. The Lemp Mansion (St. Louis, Missouri): Known for its tragic history, with several members of the Lemp family committing suicide within its walls. The mansion is now a restaurant and inn, where guests frequently report ghostly encounters. The Amityville Horror House (Amityville, New York): Though its tale is well-known thanks to books and movies, the house's haunting origins—centered on the DeFeo family murders—remain a topic of debate and fascination. The LaLaurie Mansion (New Orleans, Louisiana): Once owned by the infamous Delphine LaLaurie, this mansion is notorious for cruel torture and experimentation on slaves. Many believe their anguished spirits still haunt the property. Ghostly Battlefields
Few places in America can claim as much historical and paranormal significance as the rolling fields of Gettysburg. As the site of a pivotal battle during the American Civil War, the Gettysburg Battlefield witnessed three harrowing days in July 1863 that resulted in approximately 51,000 casualties. The battle was a turning point in the war, with the Union Army emerging victorious over the Confederate forces. Today, the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg resonate with the memories of the fallen. Visitors and locals alike have recounted eerie encounters that transport them back to the turmoil of 1863. Phantom regiments marching in formation, ghostly soldiers asking for the whereabouts of their units, and the mournful sounds of a harmonica playing in the distance are just some of the reported paranormal activities. The spirit of a barefooted Confederate soldier, known to some as the "Tennessee Hillbilly," is said to approach visitors seeking shoes. The profound weight of history combined with consistent reports of supernatural occurrences has cemented Gettysburg Battlefield's reputation as one of the most haunted places in America.
On September 17, 1862, the Antietam Creek banks in Maryland ran red with the blood of 23,000 soldiers, making it the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. Union and Confederate forces clashed in a fierce battle that, although tactically inconclusive, had significant strategic implications, halting the Confederacy's advancement into Northern territory.
The intensity of the fighting and the sheer number of casualties at Antietam have left a paranormal imprint on the landscape. The infamous "Bloody Lane," where nearly 5,000 soldiers from both sides were killed or wounded in just a few hours, is a hotspot for ghostly sightings. Visitors often speak of an oppressive silence in the area, punctuated only by the faint echoes of musket fire or distant drumming. There are accounts of ghostly apparitions rising from the ground, mists taking the shape of soldiers, and eerie blue orbs floating through the fields. Some have even claimed to witness entire phantom regiments, reenacting their last moments on the battlefield.
Perryville Battlefield (Perryville, Kentucky): This Civil War battlefield, relatively preserved in its original state, often echoes with phantom gunshots and cries from unseen entities. Spotsylvania Court House Battlefield (Spotsylvania, Virginia): Known for the intense hand-to-hand combat during the Civil War, visitors today speak of ghostly soldiers, unexplained sounds, and an unsettling feeling of being watched. These battlefields stand as somber reminders of the nation's tumultuous past, bearing the scars of war and the imprints of those who never left. As sites of extreme human emotion, passion, and tragedy, it's no wonder that they continue to resonate with echoes from the beyond.
Haunted Hotels
Perched amidst the scenic beauty of the Rocky Mountains, The Stanley Hotel is an elegant blend of Edwardian opulence and modern luxury. But beyond its grand facade, the hotel harbors a rich tapestry of ghostly tales. Most famously, it served as the inspiration for Stephen King's chilling novel, "The Shining," after the author himself experienced a series of unsettling events during his stay. Guests and staff have reported a plethora of paranormal occurrences: pianos playing themselves, laughter echoing through empty halls, and apparitions wandering the corridors—including that of F.O. Stanley, the hotel's original owner, and his wife, Flora. The fourth floor, in particular, is believed to be a hotspot for ghostly children who can often be heard running and giggling. The pristine beaches of Coronado Island are home to the iconic Hotel del Coronado—a living relic of Victorian grandeur. Yet, beneath its red-roofed charm lies the tragic story of Kate Morgan. In 1892, this young woman checked into room 3327 and was found dead days later on an exterior staircase, leading to widespread speculation and mystery. Deemed a suicide, her spirit, however, is believed to have never left. Guests staying in the room have recounted inexplicable cold breezes, flickering lights, and even sightings of a ghostly figure resembling Kate. Beyond her room, Kate's presence is often felt in the hotel's hallways and the beachfront where she's seen gazing out into the ocean. Originally built in 1796, the Myrtles Plantation has witnessed centuries of history, and with it, a fair share of tragedies. Touted as "one of America's most haunted homes," The Myrtles is reportedly home to at least 12 ghosts. The most famous apparition is that of Chloe, a former enslaved woman who, as legend has it, had her ear cut off as punishment and wears a green turban to hide it. She's often seen wandering the grounds or peering through the windows. Guests have also reported sightings of ghostly children, phantom footsteps, and even the chilling sensation of an unseen presence brushing past them. The Queen Mary (Long Beach, California): This retired ocean liner has seen its fair share of history—from wartime service to luxury transatlantic crossings. Now a hotel, guests frequently report spectral sailors, ghostly children, and unexplained noises. The Omni Parker House (Boston, Massachusetts): Considered the oldest continuously operating hotel in the US, it boasts of ghostly encounters with its founder Harvey Parker and the apparition of Charles Dickens. Hotel Jerome (Aspen, Colorado): Nestled in the ski town of Aspen, guests at this hotel have reported seeing the apparition of a young boy who drowned in a hotel pool, and a maid from the 1930s. Whether they're landmarks of luxury or relics of history, these hotels offer guests more than just a place to rest. They serve as gateways to the past, where the line between the living and the departed seems hauntingly thin.
Haunted Hospitals and Asylums
Atop a wooded hill in Louisville, the Waverly Hills Sanatorium casts an imposing shadow—both literally and historically. Built in 1910, it primarily served as a tuberculosis hospital at a time when the disease was sweeping the nation. Due to the severity of the outbreak and the limited understanding of the disease, thousands met their end within the sanatorium's walls. Paranormal enthusiasts consider Waverly Hills one of the most haunted places on Earth. Tales of shadowy figures, disembodied voices, and apparitions are frequent. One of the most infamous spots in the sanatorium is the "death tunnel" or "body chute," where the deceased were discreetly transported away from the hospital to avoid alarming other patients. Visitors often report cold spots and eerie sensations when passing through this tunnel. Additionally, the spirit of a nurse who allegedly died by suicide in Room 502 is said to wander the halls, adding to the location's chilling legacy.
With its towering Gothic spires, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is an architectural marvel with a dark past. Constructed between 1858 and 1881, it was intended as a place of healing and refuge for the mentally ill. However, overcrowding, dubious medical practices, and poor conditions eventually tainted its mission. The immense size of the building, once housing thousands of patients beyond its capacity, has given rise to numerous ghostly tales. Reports range from apparitions of former patients, echoing cries in the night, to unexplained phenomena like objects moving of their own accord. Areas like Ward R, where the most dangerous men were housed, and the lobotomy recovery area, are said to be especially active. Tours today often include stories of sightings of a ghost named "Lily," believed to be a young patient who still clings to the place where she once lived.
Rolling Hills Asylum (East Bethany, New York): Once a poorhouse, this location is now famous for its plethora of reported ghostly occurrences, from shadowy figures to disembodied screams. Pennhurst Asylum (Spring City, Pennsylvania): Operational from 1908 to 1987, Pennhurst was notorious for its mistreatment of patients. Today, it is believed to be haunted by those who suffered within its walls. St. Albans Sanatorium (Radford, Virginia): Originally a boys' school turned into a sanatorium, this location has witnessed numerous tragedies over the years. Paranormal investigations frequently reveal electronic voice phenomena (EVPs) and apparitions. The histories of these asylums and hospitals are imbued with tales of suffering, pain, and, in many instances, a desperate cry for help. It's perhaps no surprise that many believe the souls who lived and died under such conditions might still wander these places.
Spooky Cemeteries
Set within the vibrant heart of New Orleans, the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is a labyrinth of aged crypts and sun-bleached tombs. Established in 1789, it's the city's oldest active cemetery and carries with it centuries of stories, folklore, and legends.
Perhaps the most famous resident of this cemetery is Marie Laveau, the renowned Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. For decades, visitors have left offerings, drawn triple X's, and performed rituals at her tomb in hopes of gaining her favor or blessings from the beyond. Many claim to have seen her ghostly figure wandering between the tombs, accompanied by whispers of incantations or the distant beat of ceremonial drums.
Beyond the tales of Marie Laveau, the cemetery is also home to various other apparitions. Visitors have reported sightings of spectral figures dressed in 19th-century attire, ghostly funeral processions, and even the occasional touch of an unseen hand.
A stretch of Archer Avenue in Justice, Illinois, leads you to Resurrection Cemetery, known widely for the haunting tale of "Resurrection Mary." As legend has it, Mary was a young woman who died in a car crash while returning from a dance in the 1930s. Since then, many drivers have reported picking up a young, blonde hitchhiker in a white dress along that stretch, only for her to vanish when reaching the cemetery's gates. But Mary isn't the sole spirit said to haunt this resting place. Others have mentioned ghostly figures appearing between the tombstones or crying out in the stillness of the night. Some even speak of cold spots and eerie sensations when passing by certain graves.
Boot Hill Cemetery (Tombstone, Arizona): Once the final resting place for many outlaws and gunslingers, visitors to this iconic Wild West cemetery often speak of phantom gunshots and apparitions of cowboys. Hollywood Forever Cemetery (Los Angeles, California): Resting place to many of Hollywood's bygone stars, this cemetery boasts tales of ghostly apparitions resembling famous celebrities and unexplained music echoing through the grounds. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery (Sleepy Hollow, New York): Immortalized by Washington Irving's tale "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," this cemetery is believed to be haunted by various spirits, including the infamous Headless Horseman. In these sacred grounds, where time seems to stand still, the line between the living and the departed blurs. Each tombstone contains stories of lives once lived, and perhaps, spirits that refuse to rest.
Paranormal Hotspots
Nestled within the chilly waters of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, often dubbed "The Rock," looms as an icon of isolation. Originally used as a military prison, it later became a federal penitentiary housing some of America's most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz." While Alcatraz's history is tinged with tales of escape attempts, brutality, and isolation, its legacy as a paranormal hotspot is just as gripping. Staff, inmates, and now visitors have reported a series of unexplained phenomena. The Cellhouse, especially D-Block and the solitary confinement cells, are said to be rife with cold spots, disembodied screams, and apparitions of former inmates. There have also been reports of ghostly figures, believed to be guards from times past, patrolling the corridors and prison grounds.
With its cobblestone streets and centuries-old homes, Salem stands as a town forever marked by its tumultuous past. The Salem witch trials of 1692 saw a frenzy of fear and superstition grip the community, leading to the execution of 20 individuals—mostly women—accused of practicing witchcraft.
Today, Salem's rich history is palpable at every corner, with many believing that the spirits of those wrongfully executed still linger. The Old Burying Point Cemetery, where some involved in the trials are buried, is a noted spot for ghostly encounters. Meanwhile, locations like the Witch House (the former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin) and the Joshua Ward House are also famed for their paranormal activity, from shadowy figures to ghostly touches.
The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast (Fall River, Massachusetts): The site of the infamous 1892 double axe murders, many believe that the spirits of the Borden family still haunt this home, now a bed and breakfast. The Skinwalker Ranch (Uintah County, Utah): This ranch is legendary for a wide range of reported paranormal and unexplained phenomena, from UFO sightings to large wolf-like creatures and poltergeist activity. The Amityville Horror House (Amityville, New York): The location of a real-life murder in 1974, the house later became infamous due to tales of its haunting, leading to a series of books and movies. Ghost Tours: A Unique Way to Experience the Haunted History
Ghost tours have surged in popularity over the past few decades, offering intrepid souls a chance to walk in the footsteps of the departed and learn about a location's eerie past. Whether you're a staunch believer in the paranormal or simply enjoy a spine-chilling tale, these tours provide a unique perspective on history that traditional tours can't match.
Popular Ghost Tours Across the Country:
Ghosts & Gravestones of Boston: Dive into the haunted history of one of America's oldest cities, exploring graveyards, haunted sites, and the places where the restless spirits of Revolutionary heroes might still linger. Savannah Ghost Walks (Savannah, Georgia): With its cobblestone streets and antebellum homes, Savannah is often dubbed "America's Most Haunted City." The city's ghost tours take visitors on a journey through its haunted squares and mansions. Final Thoughts
Thom Shackleford
10/6/2023
