The Haunting of the Bellevue Hall Mansion

Bellevue Hall Mansion – New Castle County, Wilmington, Delaware

Photograph ©Carol Kelly

Nestled within the enchanting landscape, this historic mansion, now under the auspices of the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation, holds more than just architectural beauty within its walls. Emanating an air of mystery and intrigue, the mansion has become a hub for paranormal phenomena, leaving employees with spine-tingling tales to share.

Among the eerie occurrences reported by numerous staff members are the resonating echoes of disembodied laughter and piercing screams, seemingly emanating from the depths of the second and third floors. These unsettling sounds have left many pondering the spectral origins that linger within the mansion's storied confines.

The enigma extends beyond auditory sensations to the realm of the tangible. The dining room, a space of communal gathering and shared meals, becomes a stage for peculiar events. Employees have recounted discovering the chairs in unconventional arrangements, defying the norms of everyday placements. These seemingly spontaneous reconfigurations add an extra layer of intrigue to the mansion's already mysterious ambiance.

While much of the mansion remains shrouded in the secrecy of the unknown, the first floor beckons to curious visitors, offering a glimpse into the historical richness and architectural grandeur of this storied estate. The Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation invites the public to explore the accessible areas, encouraging a firsthand experience of the mansion's captivating narrative.

For those intrigued by the paranormal tales woven into the mansion's tapestry, a virtual tour awaits on the division's website. While the second and third floors may remain elusive, the digital realm allows enthusiasts to navigate through the immersive online tour, delving into the history and potential mysteries concealed within the walls of this captivating mansion. Whether through a physical visit or a virtual exploration, the mansion's allure persists, leaving guests with an indelible imprint of its enigmatic presence.

Address:
800 Carr Road
Wilmington, Delaware 19809
302-761-6963

The Haunting of the Dead President’s Pub

Dead President’s Pub – New Castle County, Wilmington, Delaware

Photographer Unknown

The buildings where the “Dead President’s Pub” resides is over two hundred years old. These buildings were originally private homes when they were built but then were made into one large building. The basement of the pub was, at one time, a family chapel and a large carving of Jesus that was found there is still there among all of the bubbly refreshments.

The building itself and its neighboring businesses seemed to have no troubles at all with spirits or paranormal happenings until the 1960’s. Back then, the building was occupied by another bar with rowdy customers and loud music. It was then that a regular patron of the bar, “Lemonade” Mullery, met his untimely end in the men’s restroom. Apparently, Mr. Mullery was extremely intoxicated and he swaggered up the stairs to the bathroom. Once inside, Mr. Mullery slipped and broke his neck, killing him instantly.

The Dead President’s Pub has resided here since 1997 and has experienced paranormal activities ever since. Apparently the specter is the most active after closing time, which is probably good for the businesses sake.

The unruly spirit has been said to make himself known by throwing dishes at the wait staff! Many waiters and waitresses have claimed to hear unexplainable, hysterical laughing coming from behind them, on the stairs or in the restrooms! Glasses in the bar are known to clink and rattle for no reason at all. Some have even claimed to see the dominoes from the game room, float across the room as if some unseen person were carrying them.


Address:
618 North Union Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19805
(302) 652-7737
Website

The Haunting of the Woodburn Governor’s Mansion

Woodburn Mansion – Kent County, Dover, Delaware

Photograph ©Greg Hughes'

Address:
151 King’s Highway
Dover, Delaware 19901

Built in 1790, the Woodburn Mansion has served as the Governor’s mansion since the mid nineteen-hundreds. As with many of these old houses, it has seen its share of good and bad and has become the eternal play ground of many spirits.

The first apparition spotted in the house was in the year of 1824. Apparently the Bates family, who resided here, had an overnight guest named Lorenzo Dow. Mr. Dow was coming down the stair case, on his way to dinner, when he past an older gentlemen on the steps. He made is way into the dining room and sat down with the others. When everyone at the table began eating their meal, Mr. Dow asked why they were not waiting for the older gentlemen to join them. Everyone at the table became silent; knowing there should’ve been no one else in the house. Mr. Dow described the man’s clothing as knee breeches, a ruffled blouse and he wore a white wig. He said the apparition appeared to be a solid person. It turned out that this apparition was the long dead father of Mr. Bates!

Another owner claimed that the ghosts in the house loved to drink up his wine during the midnight hours. He reported seeing a man in a white wig (I’m assuming the departed Mr. Bates), drinking his wine in the dining room. Apparently Mr. Bates also liked to help himself to the expensive wines that were kept in the cellar, as well.

A third well known apparition in this home is that of a little girl. This departed little lady has been seen outside, as well as, inside and she has as much spunk in death as she probably had in life. The little girl has been known to tug at peoples skirts or sleeves during parties in the house and she has been seen in several rooms or by the garden pool playing.

The fourth ghost is said to have been a Southern Slave Raider who hid in a tree on the property and accidentally slipped and caught his head in a hole in the tree trunk. Apparently this freak accident is what killed the man and his apparition has been seen hanging from that same tree in the late evening hours. This ghost likes to rattle chains inside and outside of the house and many have heard him moaning.

A fifth apparition that has been spotted in this house is that of a man dressed in Revolutionary War clothing. No one seems to know the identity of the man but he has been spotted in several areas of the house.