In honor of this special time of the year, here are five stories of hauntings in the United States, from the northeast, southeast, southwest, northwest, and Midwest.
As the nights grow longer, the days grow shorter, and the fallen leaves can be felt underfoot, the collective often turns to tales of the otherworld, spooky histories, and ghosts from years past. As Samhain approaches, the veil between this world and the next world supports spirit communication, divination, and connecting with the ancestors. During the autumn months, many have gathered to swap stories of hauntings. So gather around for these hauntings retold, and always remember to honor the dead...
In the Northeast, The Lizzie Borden House
In Fall River, Massachusetts, the Lizzie Borden house witnessed one of the most famous unsolved murders in U.S. history. Andrew and Abby Borden were murdered by a hatchet upstairs while Abby cleaned and Andrew napped.
No one heard a sound, and the only other inhabitants of the house were Lizzie, her sister Emma, and the maid Bridget. Though originally charged with the murder, Lizzie was acquitted, and no one else was ever charged. Lizzie spent the rest of her life in Fall River, and the home now is a famous site for spectral stories and paranormal curiosities. People who have stayed the night in the home report terrifying tales of presences and report it to be heavily haunted.
In the Southeast, The Lalaurie Mansion
New Orleans is considered one of the most haunted cities in the U.S.. From the tomb of Marie Laveau, to the bayou, the whole city carries a haunted feeling. The Lalaurie Mansion is no exception. Now a private home, this mansion once belonged to Madame Delphine Lalaurie (you may remember this character portrayed by Kathy Bates in American Horror Story: Coven).
After a devastating fire in 1843, New Orleans neighbors discovered Madame Lalaurie’s horrifying crimes, where she had tortured the people that she had enslaved. The socialite used her wealth to flee from her crimes. Stories from people who have spent the night in the mansion are nothing short of horrifying. Legend has it that there is a single hired resident who has been required to sign an NDA and not speak to anyone about what happens within these extravagant and violent walls.
In the Southwest, The Star of India
San Diego is known for its many haunted spaces, and these tales extend to the waters just offshore. Originally named Euterpe (inspired by the Greek Muse of Music), now the Star of India, this iron-hulled sailing ship was one of the first of its kind. History reports that this special ship made 21 trips worldwide, and these journeys don’t come without their fair share of trouble.
As the story goes, in 1884, a young man stowed away on the ship and then was discovered. To not be thrown off the ship, the man began to work to earn his keep.
Sadly, he slipped and fell to the deck below the ship, breaking his legs, and within three days he was dead. Visitors to the ship now report a strange icy grip on their shoulders when they stand by the mast, perhaps trying to warn those that come after him of The Star of India’s dangers. Further reports come from the storage room and the crew’s quarter. Reports detailing strange presences and feelings of ominous spirits.
In the Northwest, The Pike Place Market District
In Seattle, in the Pike Place Market District, one might stumble into the famous Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub. Once a mortuary, this building has seen many bodies come and go. However, local legend says that the spirits stick around now for the good vibes and fun atmosphere. Folks say they see images in mirrors, glasses slide off the bar, and other mishaps that may be supernaturally attributed. If you’re in town, stop by and have a beer with the local haunts.
In the Midwest, Mackinac Island
One of the most active sites is the drowning pool. In the late 1800s, seven women on Mackinac Island were accused of witchcraft. To test if this was true, the villagers tied rocks to their feet and cast them into the water to see if they would float. If they sank, their names would be cleared. All seven women were thrown into a lagoon on the island, and all drowned. Visitors to the drowning pool and the island report seeing shadowy figures just off the shore.
Share your local hauntings with us!
