The United States is home to numerous locations steeped in history and legend, often believed to be haunted. Here are ten of the most renowned haunted places across the country:
- Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Opened in 1829, this former prison is known for its imposing Gothic architecture and strict solitary confinement practices. Reports of eerie sounds and apparitions have been common since the 1940s.
- Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado: Famous for inspiring Stephen King’s “The Shining,” the Stanley Hotel is reputedly haunted by various spirits, including ghostly children.
- Myrtles Plantation – St. Francisville, Louisiana: Built in 1796, this antebellum plantation is said to be haunted by multiple spirits, including that of an enslaved woman named Chloe.
- Pennhurst Asylum – Spring City, Pennsylvania: Once a mental hospital, Pennhurst closed in 1986 amid reports of neglect and abuse. Visitors have reported hearing voices, experiencing cold spots, and seeing apparitions.
- The White House – Washington, D.C.: The residence of U.S. presidents is also known for its ghostly inhabitants, including former presidents and first ladies. Abraham Lincoln’s ghost has been reportedly seen by various individuals, including Winston Churchill.
- RMS Queen Mary – Long Beach, California: This retired ocean liner, now a hotel and museum, is known for paranormal activity, with reports of ghostly figures and unexplained noises.
- Gettysburg Battlefield – Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: The site of a pivotal Civil War battle, Gettysburg is believed to be haunted by the spirits of soldiers who perished there.
- Waverly Hills Sanatorium – Louisville, Kentucky: Originally a tuberculosis hospital, Waverly Hills is known for reports of paranormal activity, including voices and apparitions.
- Bell Witch Cave – Adams, Tennessee: Associated with the legend of the Bell Witch, this cave is believed to be haunted by the spirit of a witch who tormented the Bell family in the early 19th century.
- Lizzie Borden House – Fall River, Massachusetts: The site of the infamous 1892 axe murders, this house is now a bed and breakfast where guests report hearing footsteps and seeing apparitions.
These locations continue to captivate those interested in the paranormal, offering a glimpse into the eerie tales that are part of America’s history.