The Haunting of Sprague Mansion

Sprague Mansion – Providence County, Cranston, Rhode Island

Photograph ©Haunted - Devon

Address:
1351 Cranston Street
Cranston, Rhode Island 02920
(401) 944-9226

Constructed in 1790 by a man named William Sprague, the Sprague Mansion stands as a testament to his success in the textile industry, marking him as the pioneer in manufacturing cotton fabric with calico patterned prints.

Following William's passing, the mansion and family enterprise were bequeathed to his sons, Amasa and William II. Amasa assumed the role of overseeing the family business, while William II delved into a political career. Amasa, a key figure in Cranston, expanded and transformed the family home into the magnificent mansion we see today. Known for hosting influential guests, Amasa's name carried both recognition and respect.

Tragedy struck in December 1843 when Amasa embarked on a business trip, only to be discovered beaten to death the next morning near the Sprague estate. John Gordon, a man denied a liquor license by Amasa, emerged as the primary murder suspect and was hanged for the crime. However, later revelations suggested Gordon's innocence, leaving the true culprit undiscovered, shrouding the murder in perpetual mystery.

Since the early 1900s, reports of paranormal activity have permeated the mansion. The apparition of a man, likely Amasa Sprague, has been witnessed walking down the grand staircase and appearing in the wine cellar, often associated with cold gusts of air in that vicinity.

Other eerie occurrences include unexplained pulling of bedding off beds, even while occupied, in various parts of the house. The "Doll Room" witnesses lights flickering, phantom footsteps, and an unmistakable sense of presence. In 1968, a caretaker residing in the mansion conducted a séance, establishing contact with two spirits—Amasa Sprague and a former butler. The session concluded with the Ouija board spelling out the repetitive words "My land!" The caretaker's inquiry about what these restless spirits needed for peace elicited the response, "Tell my story."

Today, the Sprague Mansion continues to be a hotbed of paranormal reports, attracting investigators eager to explore its mysteries. The TAPS (Ghost Hunters) team conducted an investigation, sharing personal experiences and capturing EVPs within the historic house.

The Haunting of the Heceta House

The Heceta House – Lincoln County, Yachats, Oregon

Photograph ©Lighthousfriends.Com

Constructed in 1894, this charming abode, originally serving as the residence for lighthouse keepers, has undergone a delightful transformation. Today, it stands as both a bed and breakfast and an information center.

Within the historical confines of the Heceta House, a singular spectral presence is said to wander—the apparition believed to be none other than Mrs. Frank DeRay, the wife of a former innkeeper.

The ethereal Mrs. DeRay is notorious for orchestrating phantom footsteps ascending the stairs from the basement. Frequented auditory phenomena include the inexplicable toggling of light switches, the rattling of dishes inside cupboards, and the distinctive sound of cabinet doors being secured.

Beyond mere auditory manifestations, Mrs. DeRay's ghost is known to influence the ambient temperature within the house, and, in a memorable instance, interrupted a card game with an ear-splitting scream, showcasing her apparent disapproval.

On occasions, witnesses have physically encountered Mrs. DeRay's apparition. A carpenter, tasked with restoring the house, had a chilling encounter in the attic. Startled by a reflection in the window, he found himself face-to-face with the disgruntled apparition. Claiming she began to float toward him, the carpenter hastily retreated. Another eerie encounter transpired when he ascended a ladder to repair a window, only to discover Mrs. DeRay staring intently from within. This unnerving experience prompted the carpenter to abandon the job site, steadfastly refusing to return.

While reports of paranormal activity still echo within the house, their frequency has diminished from the intensity witnessed in bygone days.

Address:
92072 Highway 101 South
Yachats, Oregon 97498
(866) 547-3696
Website

The Haunting of the Myrtles Plantation

The Myrtles Plantation – West Feliciana County, St. Francisville, Louisiana

Photograph ©Stephen Wagner

Dating back to 1796, the plantation house, originally erected by General Bradford, harbors a dark history marked by at least ten recorded murders on its grounds and within its walls, offering a plausible explanation for the pervasive paranormal activity that lingers.

Among the restless spirits haunting the plantation, none claim more fame and activity than Chloe. Serving as the governess to the Woodruff children in the early 1800s, Chloe harbored a secret affair with Judge Woodruff, the son-in-law of General Bradford. The tale unfolds with Judge Woodruff ending the affair abruptly, leading to a gruesome incident where he severed Chloe's ear after catching her eavesdropping on a meeting. Seeking revenge, Chloe poisoned a cake presented at the Judge's daughter's birthday, resulting in the deaths of Mrs. Woodruff and two children. Chloe met her end hanging from a tree near the slave quarters.

Chloe's apparition has been glimpsed traversing the space between the main house and the slave quarters, with a tourist capturing a photo resembling a female slave in that area. Reports also recount Chloe awakening a former owner during the night, shaking her with apparent disappointment. Described as a lean woman in a flowing dress with a green turban, Chloe's spectral presence is vividly etched in the haunted lore.

Additionally, two apparitions of little girls, believed to be the poisoned daughters of Judge Woodruff, have been sighted around the house. These spectral siblings peer through windows, appear at the foot of beds, and engage in play on the porches. Guests have reported an unseen force jumping on beds, followed by the apparition of a maid straightening the bedcovers.

Mr. William Winter, husband of Sarah Sterling, who resided at the plantation from 1860 to 1871, met a tragic end when shot in the chest as he exited the front door. His apparition is said to manifest on the staircase, producing slow and agonizing phantom footsteps accompanied by thumps and bangs as he ascends.

Additional ghostly sightings include a Confederate soldier crossing the front veranda, a male apparition warning visitors not to enter the house, a voodoo priestess performing a healing ritual, a ballet dancer appearing in a tutu, and numerous apparitions of slaves engaged in daily chores. Notably, a young woman of Indian descent has been observed lounging naked in the backyard gazebo, adding to the eclectic array of spectral encounters at the Myrtles Plantation.

Address:
7747 US Highway 61
St. Francisville, Louisiana 70775
(225) 635-6277
Website

RELATED LINKS:
Myrtles Plantation Ghost Photo 1
Myrtles Plantation Ghost Photo 2
Myrtles Plantation Ghost Photo 3

The Haunting of the Morris – Jumel Mansion

Morris – Jumel Mansion – New York County, New York, New York

Photograph ©Morris-Jumel Mansion

During the Revolutionary War in 1776, this estate served as the headquarters for George Washington. Post-war, the mansion transitioned through various private owners until it fell into a state of dilapidation by 1810. At this juncture, a French merchant named Stephen Jumel discovered the neglected manor, embarking on a restoration project alongside his wife, returning the residence to its original splendor.

Presently, this historic mansion operates as a public museum, offering a glimpse into its storied past. Despite the undeniable passage of time and the demise of its former occupants, some ethereal residents seem reluctant to part with their cherished abode.

In 1964, a peculiar incident unfolded when a group of children on a school field trip eagerly awaited the museum's opening. Restless and likely making some commotion, they were surprised to witness a woman in a purple gown stepping onto the balcony above them. The mysterious figure, gesturing for silence, retreated through the balcony doors. Astonishingly, when the curator arrived to unlock the museum, the chaperones questioned why the woman upstairs hadn't granted them entry. To their bewilderment, the curator revealed that the premises had been securely locked since the previous day.

Another spectral presence within the mansion is that of a young servant girl who tragically took her own life by leaping from one of the windows in the servant's quarters.

In addition to these two female apparitions, numerous accounts detail transparent figures resembling Revolutionary War soldiers roaming the premises.

Even today, persistent claims persist of apparitions manifesting within the house, with some recounting sensations of various presences lingering throughout the historic abode.

Address:
65 Jumel Ter
New York, New York 10032
(212) 923-8008
Website

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 Phelps Mansion

Phelps Mansion – Fairfield County, Stratford, Connecticut

Photograph ©Haunted Houses.com

Address:
1738 Elm Street
Stratford, Connecticut 06615

Nestled in historical obscurity, the mansion was once the residence of Dr. Eliakim Phelps, a Presbyterian minister who, with his family, occupied the dwelling during the early 1900s. Little is known about the mansion itself, except that it became a stage for mysterious occurrences that left an indelible mark on its history.

The enigmatic Reverend Phelps, the former inhabitant of the mansion, is believed to be the catalyst for the paranormal phenomena within its walls. Rumors suggest that Reverend Phelps, drawn to the realms of spiritualism and the occult, engaged in numerous séances. During one such session, he purportedly summoned the spirit of Goody Bassett, a witch executed for practicing witchcraft in 1661.

The saga of paranormal activity commenced during the Phelps family's residency and is rumored to persist to this day. One particular Sunday, upon returning from church, the family was startled to discover the spectral form of Goody Bassett lying on their dining room table, only to witness its sudden disappearance.

In subsequent episodes, the family entered their bedrooms to find their clothing meticulously arranged on the beds, resembling the posture of a person lying in a coffin. At times, their garments were shaped to simulate life-sized bodies. Mysterious puppet dolls, possibly poppet or voodoo dolls, materialized throughout the house, adding an eerie layer to the inexplicable occurrences.

As time unfolded, the paranormal manifestations escalated into poltergeist activity – unexplained knocks, autonomously moving objects, levitating furniture, and items inexplicably colliding with walls. The haunting crescendoed with the children of the Phelps family being assailed at night, enduring beatings from an unseen entity. Furniture shifted across the floors, and objects were hurled out of windows, creating an atmosphere of terror.

The Phelps family's ordeal prompted them to send their children to boarding school, resulting in a cessation of the nightly torment. However, when the mansion transitioned into a Convalescent Hospital in 1947, the hauntings resurged. Over the subsequent two decades, hospital staff reported mysterious knocks, disembodied voices, and doors autonomously opening and closing.

By 1971, the mansion stood abandoned. A peculiar incident occurred when police officers, responding to a sighting, pursued a little girl within the mansion, only to witness her inexplicable vanishing act on the third floor.

Regrettably, the mansion has since been demolished, leaving behind only echoes of its mysterious past. The absence of a formal investigation perpetuates the enigma surrounding the mansion's spectral history.

The Haunting of the Hale Family Homestead

Hale House – Tolland County, Coventry, Connecticut

Photograph ©The Stone Wall Initiative

Address:
2299 South Street
Coventry, Connecticut 06238
(860) 742-9025

The historical tapestry of the Hale's family homestead, erected in the mid-1700s by the industrious Deacon Richard Hale, who traversed from Newburyport, Massachusetts to Coventry, unfolds with fascinating intricacies. A testament to the growth of the Hale family, the house expanded alongside the birth of twelve children to Deacon Hale and his wife, Elizabeth. Tragically, Elizabeth Hale's demise occurred shortly after the birth of their twelfth child. Among the progeny, one stands out prominently - the iconic Revolutionary War hero, Nathan Hale.

Captain Nathan Hale, a valiant officer in the Continental Army during the American War of Independence, etched his name in history as America's inaugural spy. In 1776, at the tender age of twenty-one, Nathan embarked on a mission for the Militia, only to be captured by the British and subsequently hanged. His poignant last words, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country," resonated and solidified his status as a Connecticut state hero and a revered American icon.

Following Elizabeth Hale's passing, Deacon Hale found companionship with another widow, Abigail Cobb, bringing seven more daughters into the fold. The household expanded to nineteen members, prompting Deacon Hale to augment living quarters and establish a dedicated schoolroom within the homestead.

As the Hale children matured and ventured into the world, the house assumed varied roles, accommodating family members for diverse reasons. Deacon Hale continued to reside there until his demise in 1802. Step-siblings John Hale and Sara Cobb Hale, wedded in the homestead, met their end in 1803. David Hale, the youngest offspring and a minister, assumed stewardship, transforming the residence into a school for local boys. Joseph Hale returned with his family, seeking refuge after contracting tuberculosis, and his widow and children continued to occupy the dwelling after his 1784 demise.

The year 1914 marked a transformative period for the homestead. George Dudley Seymour, a prosperous New Haven patent attorney, renowned antiquarian, and ardent admirer of Nathan Hale, acquired the dilapidated dwelling. Seymour undertook extensive restoration, resurrecting its former glory, and dedicated himself to immortalizing Nathan Hale's legacy. In addition to preserving Hale family narratives, Seymour meticulously documented paranormal encounters within the hallowed walls.

George Seymour's inaugural encounter with the paranormal transpired in 1914. Accompanied by a friend, Seymour visited the homestead, witnessing the spectral figure of Deacon Richard Hale at a schoolroom window. The apparition, startled by their arrival, retreated and dissipated into the ethereal realm.

Legends of spectral presence endure within the homestead. Lydia Carpenter, once a servant to the Hale family, purportedly lingers in the afterlife, sweeping the upper hall and engaging in kitchen duties. Her ghostly manifestations include eavesdropping in doorways and hallways. The cellar, haunted by the lingering spirit of Joseph Hale, echoes with the eerie sounds of chains clinking and clanking. Apparitions of John and Sara Hale reportedly roam the premises, with whispers of phantom footsteps echoing through staircases and hallways, adding an ethereal layer to the rich historical narrative encapsulated within the walls of the Hale family homestead.

The Haunting of the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown's House

Molly Brown House – Denver County, Denver, Colorado

Photograph ©Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau

Nestled in history, the enchanting Victorian residence that once belonged to Molly Brown and her husband, James Joseph Brown, stands as a testament to a bygone era. Acquired in 1894, this picturesque abode became the residence of the famed Molly Brown, affectionately known as the "unsinkable" Molly Brown for her miraculous survival of the Titanic tragedy in 1912.

Today, Molly's erstwhile home has metamorphosed into a museum, preserving the legacy of its illustrious occupants. The passage of time has seen various changes, owners, and occupants, each chapter contributing to the mystique that shrouds this historic dwelling. Unbeknownst to the living, some former inhabitants have chosen this home as their eternal roaming grounds, with the spectral presence of Molly and James Brown lingering within its walls.

The ethereal echoes of the past manifest in intriguing ways. Guests and employees, entering the hallowed halls, occasionally catch a whiff of the lingering scent of James's smoking pipe, a ghostly remnant of his earthly indulgence. Reports emanating from Molly's bedroom speak of inexplicable cold spots, accompanied by sightings of her ghostly apparition gracefully traversing the house.

Venturing into the room once occupied by Molly and James's daughter, Catherine Ellen, reveals another spectral phenomenon. Witnesses have attested to the eerie spectacle of window blinds lifting or lowering autonomously, as if guided by unseen hands.

Molly's mother, another resident of this historic home, continues to be a presence felt beyond the boundaries of mortality. Sightings of her apparition peering out of the window in her room evoke a poignant connection to the past.

A Victorian-clad female spirit, with a penchant for the dining room, has established her spectral domain at the table. Known to rearrange chairs and make her ethereal presence felt, she has even been captured on film by some living witnesses.

Adding to the spectral ensemble is the apparition believed to be a former male servant. Mirroring his past existence, this spectral figure materializes near the staircase, caught in the reflective surface of a mirror.

As the tapestry of time weaves through the corridors of Molly Brown's historic home, the ghostly imprints of former inhabitants persist, creating an immersive experience for those who dare to delve into the rich history and spectral tales that coalesce within its walls. The Victorian charm of the residence extends beyond the tangible, offering a glimpse into the ethereal realm that lingers in every corner of this enchanting museum.

 
Address:
1340 Pennsylvania Street
Denver, Colorado 80203
(303) 832-4092

The Haunting of the Grant-Humphreys Mansion

Grant-Humphreys Mansion –Denver County, Denver, Colorado

Photograph ©Dian McGown

Constructed in the opulent year of 1902, this majestic mansion stands as a testament to the grand vision of James Grant, a prosperous figure who held the prestigious position of the third governor of Colorado from 1883 to 1885. Beyond its architectural splendor, the mansion's history takes a fascinating turn with a series of events that have left an indelible mark on its halls and surrounding environs.

In 1911, tragedy struck when James Grant passed away, prompting his wife, Mary, to relinquish ownership of the estate to Albert Humphreys and his spouse, Alice. However, the narrative takes a mysterious turn when Mr. Humphreys met an untimely demise in what was described as a suspicious shooting accident on the mansion's third floor.

Adjacent to this splendid mansion lies Cheesman Park, a locale overshadowed by the haunting legacy of the Mount Prospect Graveyard. With over 2,000 interred souls, this cemetery, initially named City Cemetery in 1873, served as the final resting place for transients, criminals, and victims of devastating disease epidemics. In a rather unsettling turn of events, city officials, in 1893, declared their intent to repurpose the grounds, providing a mere 90 days for the relocation of all bodies.

This ambitious endeavor, however, resulted in a macabre spectacle. While church and temple members successfully moved sections designated for Catholic and Jewish burials, numerous bodies were left behind. The process of exhumation was marred by looting of graves, intentional breaking of bodies to fit into smaller containers, and the inadvertent mixing of body parts—a disheartening and disgraceful episode in the history of the cemetery.

The consequences of this tumultuous relocation reverberated throughout the surrounding homes and buildings, with apparitions making their presence known. In the Humphreys Mansion alone, at least five ghosts have been reported, casting a spectral veil over its storied halls.

Among the lingering spirits, Mr. Albert Humphreys himself is said to traverse the mansion's corridors, an unsurprising manifestation considering the tragic circumstances of his demise. The identities of the other apparitions remain shrouded in mystery, but conjecture suggests a connection to the chaotic events that unfolded in the ill-fated cemetery.

The Humphreys Mansion, standing as a silent witness to the intertwining of history and the supernatural, invites us to contemplate the lingering echoes of the past within its walls, where the stories of its former inhabitants continue to unfold in spectral whispers and ghostly apparitions.

 
Address:
770 Pennsylvania Street
Denver, Colorado 80203
(303) 894-2505

The Haunting of the Herlong Mansion

Herlong Mansion Bed & Breakfast– Alachua County, Micanopy, Florida

Photograph © John Bradley

This gorges, southern home was built in 1845 and was occupied by the Simonton family who were also one of the founding families of Micanopy, Florida.

In 1910 the house was sold to a Mr. and Mrs. Herlong who refurbished the home and turned it into a stately mansion. The Herlong’s had six children who spent their childhoods running and playing in the home and the surrounding property. When these children grew up and the Herlong parents died, the six siblings loved the house so much that they spent eighteen years fighting over ownership of it.

Finally, at the age of sixty-eight, one of the Herlong children, Inez, had saved up enough money to buy the house. Inez intended to renovate her childhood home but died shortly after purchasing the estate. Apparently Inez was a diabetic and must have gone into insulin shock. It is thought that she died in her childhood bedroom because quite a bit of paranormal activity seems to happen in this room.

After Inez’s death, her son took over the estate and he let it go down hill even further. The house was finally sold again in 1986 and after that it changed hands several times. Luckily, each person who bought it, did their share of renovating and remodeling and now the home is in pristine condition and just as lovely as it once was in the early 1900’s.

The Herlong Mansion, now a bed and breakfast, has six spacious guest rooms, three beautiful suites and three cozy little cottages for its many overnight guests.

Many believe that Inez is responsible for most of the oddities that go on in the mansion. She is said to haunt her old third floor bedroom and some have even seen her apparition in the mirror there, floating through the room behind them. When they turn from the mirror to look behind them, she is no where to be seen.

Many who have visited this home have also reported the door to Inez’s room, as well as other guestroom doors, opening and closing on their own.

Several people have reported hearing footsteps on the stairs and seeing a fast-moving mist going up or down the steps.

On the second story veranda, one guest was enjoying her coffee and watching the sun come up when suddenly she felt she was being watched. She turned to find a woman staring at her in the doorway. Within seconds the woman vanished into thin air!

Maybe Inez just decided that, after enduring an eighteen year battle for the home, she has the right to stay as long as she wants. Whatever the reason, she seems to be harmless and she doesn’t usually bother guests.

Address:
402 Northeast Cholokka Boulevard
Micanopy, Florida 32667
(800) 437-5664

The Haunting of the Villa Montezuma

Villa Montezuma – San Diego County, San Diego, California

Photograph ©San Diego Historical Society

The Villa Montezuma was built in 1887 by Jesse Shepard. Jesse was an opera singer, a musician, a composer and an author. It was also Jesse’s ideas that went into building this exquisite nineteen-hundreds, Queen Anne style, crown jewel.

Jesse Shepard, in addition to his many other talents, was also a spiritualist and was known to hold séances in a particular room in the house. Unfortunately, this type of behavior was frowned upon by San Diego’s high society and Jesse eventually decided to return to his homeland of Europe.

After Jesse’s departure, the Villa Montezuma changed hands many times and the structure, after several years, was in need of serious restoration. Then, in 1970, it became the property of the city and after much effort and funding; it was restored to its former Victorian beauty.

There are two apparitions haunting the Villa today. The first of these is, of course, Jesse Shepard. Jesse’s spirit is felt strongly by visitors in the séance room. Guests have even heard piano music coming from behind a locked door in the house.

The second apparition is that of a former servant of Jesses’, who was so hard struck by the death of his wife, that he hung himself in the manors tower. This mans apparition has been seen starring, sorrowfully out one of the mansion windows.

Address:
1925 K Street
San Diego, California 92102
(619) 239-2211
Website

The Haunting of Madrona Manor

Madrona Manor –Sonoma County, Healdsburg, California

Photograph ©DuVine Adventures

Madrona Manor was built in 1880 by John Alexander Paxtron, for his wife, Hannah, and their two boys, Blitz and Charles.

After John’s death, seven years later, his wife Hannah is said to have kept his dead corpse in a glass coffin, inside of the mansion until her death in 1902. It was then that the boys, Blitz and Charles inherited the handsome estate. Later on, Charles committed suicide in the manor after his bride left him for another.

The manor house changed hands many times after that until it was purchased by the Muir couple in the 1980’s.

Mr. and Mrs. Muir dedicated themselves to refurbishing the old home and turning into a bed and breakfast.

During the renovations, several workers complained to the Muir couple about the strange sense that they were being watched by some unseen presence. These complaints went on even after the inn was opened, by several of the employees.

The guests of the Madrona Manor have has some complaints of their own. One of these patrons was awakened by a tea cup, turning on top of its saucer, with no help from the living! Others have found their possessions in some of the oddest places, moved and hidden by some unseen entity.

Another guest was in room 101 and awoke during the night to the apparition of a woman dressed in black, standing next to her bed! The ghost floated over to a chair by the window and then vanished into thin air!

One guest, after finishing her dinner, saw the apparition of an older woman. The ghost opened up a French door and made her way into the dining room where the living guest was still seated! The ghost came right to the side of this guest and spoke to her! The apparition told this poor startled guest, “I’m glad you can see me. I feel so bad that no one else can. This was my house once and I like what’s been done to it! I’d like to tell someone that. Now, you can tell them.”


Address:
1001 Westside Road
Healdsburg, California 95448
(707) 433-4231

The Haunting of the Kehoe House

Kehoe House – Chatham County, Savannah, Georgia

Photograph ©Kehoe House.Com

Address:
123 Habersham Street
Savannah, Georgia 31401
(912) 232-1020
Website

The historic William Kehoe Inn has been renovated and restored to make it into the four story grandeur that it is today. This classic Victorian was turned into a bed and breakfast in 1992, and then renovated and remodeled further to make it into a four-star luxury inn that stands proudly on Habersham Street today.

The inn was named after Mr. William Kehoe, who migrated here from Ireland when he was ten years old. William came from a poor, but God-fearing family. However, when William grew up he flourished in the iron business and became quite wealthy.

William married a woman named Annie and together they had ten children. No one really knows for sure how many children Annie birthed; it is thought that a few may have died of birthing complications or disease. The only certain deaths among the Kehoe children was a set of twins who apparently were playing and had some sort of fatal accident in the chimney, killing both children.

Many who have visited this inn have reported hearing children’s voices and the sounds of children running and playing on the second and third floors. One guest in particular claimed that she was awakened in the middle of the night by someone gently stroking her hair and cheek. When she opened her eyes she was face to face with a child who quickly disappeared right before her eyes.

William spent a lot of time on the fourth floor where he had made himself a little retreat. This was his quiet spot to relax and enjoy some peace and solitude. William’s apparition has been said to use this same room in the evening hours and many have reported the lights being on there, when no living person was responsible.

One of the desk clerks also assumed it was William who rang the doorbell three times one night only to have the clerk open the door to an empty terrace. After the third time, the clerk sat back down and suddenly all of the doors on the first floor opened on their own!

Annie spent quite a bit of time with her children and at night she would routinely tuck all of the children into bed on the second and third floors. It is said that Annie still looks after those who are sleeping on these floors. Annie’s apparition has been seen sitting on the bed next to awakened guests and once she was reported to have kissed one of the former owners on the cheek. The strong scent of roses has been associated with Annie’s apparition and her presence has been reportedly felt by many on the second and third floors.

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.

The Haunting of Sturtivant Hall Mansion

Sturtivant Hall - Dallas County, Selma, Alabama

Photograph © Selma Dallas County Historic Preservation Society, 2002

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Address:
713 Mabry Street
Selma, Alabama 36701
(334) 872-5626

The Sturtivant Hall Mansion was built in 1853 by a plantation owner. In 1864 the home was purchased by John Parkman, who was president of the First National Bank of Selma.

Mr. Parkman and his family occupied the home for two years and owned it for six years. Mr. Parkman was thrown in prison for illegal use of bank funds and he died in 1867.

In 1870, three years after John Parkman died, the mansion was sold to another family and the apparition of Mr. Parkman began appearing in the mansion, as well as, around the grounds.

In 1957 the mansion was sold again and turned into a museum.

The ghost of Mr. Parkman has been seen reclining against a side porch or on top of the mansion itself! The presence of Mr. Parkman has been felt in the parlor and the bedroom at the top of the stairs.

Several tour guides have reported hearing footsteps on the second floor that stopped at the top of the steps then continued down the hallway and into bedrooms. When these footsteps were investigated, there was no seen force behind them.

One day an unassuming pest exterminator went upstairs to finish his job. Shortly after, he came running down the steps and claimed that some unseen person had almost pushed him down.

Two more apparitions have been reported in the home and are believed to be the daughters of Mr. Parkman. The transparent figures of the young girls have been spotted looking out the windows of the second floor!

At night, the museum windows and shutters are checked to be sure they are all closed and locked. In the morning, all of the shutters are open. To unlock the shutters, you must first unlock and open the windows, however, the windows are still closed and locked tight each morning.

A door in back of the museum is said to open and close by itself quite frequently, setting off the security alarm each time!

In the building behind the museum, used as a kitchen for the mansion in the 1800’s, has had reports of footsteps, pictures on the walls being tilted on purpose and objects being moved.

The Haunting of the McCune Mansion

McCune Mansion – Salt Lake County, Salt Lake City, Utah

Photograph ©Cathy

Alfred W. McCune built the McCune Mansion in 1900, after amassing a fortune in the railroad business. The total cost to build the home was over $1 Million dollars; quite a large amount of money in that day. After Mr. McCune and his wife raised their children, they donated the home to the Church of Latter Day Saints who then turned it into the “McCune School of Music.”

In the early 1950’s the mansion went on to become the Brigham Young University Salt Lake City Center and then twenty years later it became the Virginia Tanner Modern Dance School. Then in 1999 Mr. Phil McCarthy and his family purchased the home and worked excessively to restore it to its former beauty. These restorations were completed in 2001.

Though it is unclear why it began, the paranormal activity started directly after the McCunes’ moved out. Since that day the strange reports have continued to grow. Here are a few of the claims:

Under the main staircase, many have reported hearing the sounds of instrumental music being played. When the house was a music school, this room was used for such a purpose, however, that room is no longer in use.

Two apparitions have also been seen roaming about the old home. The first apparition is a man who wears a black cape. Apparently he shows up anywhere in the house and observes the living. The second apparition is that of a little girl who is said to resemble one of the paintings that hangs in the house. This little girl has been seen walking into and out of a mirror that is located in the West end of the house.

Another odd report here is spectral footprints that begin and end in the center of rooms. This phenomenon is thought to be caused by the young girls apparition.

Other claims in the mansion include: items being rearranged or moved during the night, lights turning themselves on during the night, doors being unlocked after they were locked and checked, interior doors being locked even when they have no locking mechanism and furniture being rearranged when no one is around.

Today the reports are still coming in, though it is unclear as to who these entities were in life or why they stay on in the McCune mansion.

Address:
200 North Main Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84103
Website

The Haunting of the LaLaurie House

The LaLaurie House – Orleans County, New Orleans, Louisiana

Photograph ©Alexey Sergeev

WARNING: The following story is nothing short of horrific. This material is not suitable for children! Also, if you are faint of heart or if you are sensitive to grisly acts please skip this post….I am not kidding! The events that took place in this house are unsettling and horrifying! Please be advised.

History of the House:
In 1832, Dr. Louis LaLaurie and his wife Delphine moved into the mansion located in the French Quarter. Despite Madam LaLaurie’s beauty, intelligence and charm, she was later to become known as one of the most brutal, heartless and insane women of New Orleans. The insanity of this French Creole woman is terrifying, even by today’s standards. In my opinion, the atrocious acts committed by Madame LaLaurie pale in comparison to even the notorious Jack-the-Ripper.

Rumors about the couple started early on when neighbors, friends and visitors noticed that the LaLaurie’s were always replacing slaves. When questioned, they would claim that the old slave had escaped or ran off. Many questioned these claims and talked amongst themselves; all in agreement that they had not heard of any slaves escaping, nor had they seen any leave the house.

Not long after, a neighbor witnessed Madame LaLaurie chasing one of her slave girls with a whip. She pursued the girl to the third floor where the chase ended. To escape the wrath of Madame LaLaurie, the slave girl ran right through a window and fell to her death onto the street below. Madame LaLaurie buried the girl’s body in her yard and sealed the broken window up with concrete.

In 1834, fire broke out in the kitchen of the LaLaurie mansion. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze and then they inspected the remainder of the home. I cannot even imagine what went through their minds when they opened the barred door to the attic; the sight must have been atrocious…

Walking into the LaLaurie attic, the firefighters discovered more than a dozen slaves, some dead and some begging for death. The scene was so gruesome that the firefighters fled and doctors were sent in.

Inside Madame LaLauries torture chamber, many slaves were found chained to the walls; one such man was found with a hole drilled into his forehead with a stick inserted into the hole. Others were kept in cages and one of these poor souls was hideously disfigured after Madame LaLaurie had broken her limbs to fit her inside. The slave girl’s limbs were then set at odd angles for Madame LaLaurie’s amusement. Another slaves appendages were completely cut off to fit her in the dog sized cages.

Other atrocities found in the room were body parts strewn about, women who had been cut open and their organs wrapped around their waists and the remains of dismembered slaves.

Another slave woman in the attic was found to have her mouth stuffed full of animal droppings and her lips sewn shut. Others were found with their fingernails ripped off, eyes poked out or private parts cut off. Still others were found with their hands sewn to various parts of their bodies, mouths pinned shut, and some strapped to operating tables whose inner parts had been removed.

When the people of New Orleans heard about the findings, they gathered with torches and ropes and set out to lynch the LaLauries. Unfortunately, Louis and Delphine LaLaurie escaped the crowd and were never seen or heard from again.

The house changed hands over and over throughout the years. At one point, one of the owners had pulled up floor boards to have them replaced and found the remains of seventy-five people who had been buried alive. It is rumored that the home is now owned by Nicholas Cage, who purchased it in 2007.

There are quite a few details I have left out of this story. If you would like more information pertaining to the murders or the previous owners and their experiences with the building, click here.

Paranormal Activities Reported:

It is no surprise that this house has been labeled haunted. Many have purchased the place, only to put it back on the market shortly after.

Many of the tenants have made reports of ghostly apparitions, including Madame LaLaurie herself. Many have heard what sounds like a chain being dragged down the stairs when no one was there. The screams and cries of human pain have been heard coming from the attic. Even the casual passerby has experienced feelings of foreboding and dread from the street below.

* Please be advised: The La Laurie House is now a privately owned. No tours are given and trespassers are not tolerated.

Address:
1140 Royal Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70116

RELATED LINKS:
LaLaurie House Apparition

The Haunting of Lemp Mansion

Lemp Mansion Inn and Restaurant–Jackson County, Saint Louis, Missouri

Photograph ©Rhonda Tucker

Address:
3322 DeMenil Place
Saint Louis, Missouri 63118
(314) 664-8024
Website

The Lemp family’s reputation (and their money) started with Johann Adam Lemp; a self-made success in the beer brewing industry.

Johann Lemp, originally from Germany, immigrated to the states in 1838, settling in the city of Saint Louis, Missouri. A short time after his arrival, Johann opened up a merchant store, serving up homemade, lager beer which became very popular with the locals. Eventually, he turned his growing merchant business into Lemp’s Western Brewing Company, using nearby caves for the lagering process. Johann Lemp died in 1862, a wealthy man.

After Johann’s death, the family fortune and business was inherited by his son, William J. Lemp. William, having a business sense like his father, expanded the family business and successfully began distributing nationally.

In 1864, William Lemp began erecting new plants for his product and soon the empire grew over a range of five city blocks.

In 1868, William’s father-in-law, Jacob Feickert, built the Lemp Mansion with the assistance of the Lemp family fortune. The mansion was built very close to the Lemp brewery and in 1876, William Lemp bought the manor from his father-in-law. William then began tunneling through the lagering caves and connected the entire Lemp industry underground. In 1892, the brewery was incorporated as the William J. Lemp Brewing Company. Soon afterward, William’s daughter married Gustav Pabst, part of the Milwaukee brewing family; later to become the Anheuser and Busche Company thanks to the Lemp family.

The Lemp family tragedies began in 1901 when William’s oldest son, Fredrick Lemp, died of heart failure at the age of twenty-eight. After his sons death, William began to withdrawal and spent less and less time in public. A few years later in 1904, William’s best friend, Fredrick Pabst died, causing William’s mental health to further decline. On February 13, 1904, just one month later, William put a .38 caliber, Smith and Wesson to his head and ended his emotional torment.

In November 1904, William Lemp, Jr., took over the Lemp family business. William, Jr. and his wife, Lillian, then began spending the family fortune, sparing no expense on the good life and wasting most of the inheritance. At some point after that, William, Jr. was said to have given his wife $1,000.00 a day and telling her if she didn’t spend it she wouldn’t get anymore. Apparently he did this to keep her out of the home most of the time. With his wife out, William, Jr. Spent most of his time hosting elaborate parties down in the tunnels; hiring prostitutes, drinking beer and enjoying the pool and bowling alley with his friends.

Quite eccentric herself, Lillian was known as the “Lavender Lady” because of her love for the color. Lillian is said to have worn lavender clothing, hats and jewelry all the time. She even went as far as to have her carriage horses dyed that color!

Soon, after many parties and prostitutes, William’s irresponsible behavior caught up to him; he was said to have fathered an illegitimate child with another woman. This child was said to have been born with Downs Syndrome and was an embarrassment to the family. The child was cruelly nicknamed “The Monkey-Faced Boy” and was locked in the attic of the Lemp Mansion his entire life.

In 1909, William Lemp filed for divorce. In this day and age it would’ve been the other way around but unfortunately women had no rights in the early nineteen-hundreds.

The Lemp divorce proceedings was the biggest scandal to hit St. Louis at that time and it drew in crowds who were shocked an awed by the tales of atheism, wild parties and drama. During the proceedings, Lillian almost lost custody of her son, William Lemp III, due to a photograph that was taken of her holding a cigarette! Then, during the last day of the proceedings, Lillian Lemp shocked everyone by walking into the courtroom wearing nothing but black.

In 1906, several breweries in Saint Louis formed into one and gave the Lemp Brewery a run for its money. It was also during this year that William’s mother died of cancer.

In 1911, despite the ever declining finances being brought in by the Lemp Brewery, William decided to remodel the family mansion. Slowly William’s business began to deteriorate, financially, as well as, physically. By the end of the first World War, the Lemp Brewery was barley staying afloat.

Around this same time, William built himself a country retreat on the Meramec River and began spending more and more of his time there. Then in 1915, William remarried to widowed, Ellie Limberg, daughter of another brewer, Casper Koehler.

In 1919, with the prohibition laws passed in the US, Will closed the doors to the Lemp brewery. The plant workers were given no notice or the close until they showed up in the morning and found the doors locked.

In 1920, Elsa Lemp Wright, sister to William, followed in her father’s footsteps by pulling the trigger on herself. Apparently Elsa was distraught over her rocky marriage and perhaps to avoid the shame of divorce, ended her life quickly.

Soon afterward, all of the assets pertaining to the family business were sold. William was said to have sold the family dynasty for a little more than $500,000.00 when it was actually worth more than 7 million! Soon after that, William sank into a deep depression and, like his father, he began to withdrawal from everyone around him. Finally, in December 1922, William took his own life by shooting himself in the heart with a .38.

Adding to the Lemp family tragedies, William Lemp III died of a heart attack in 1943, at the age of forty-two years old.

Charles Lemp, brother to William, Jr., moved back into the Lemp mansion and did some remodeling. Charles soon began acting erratically and also had an obsessive compulsion with germs. During this same time, William, Jr.s illegitimate, Down Syndrome stricken, son, died in the mansion.

Soon after this, Charles Lemp snapped; he took his beloved dog to the basement and shot it and then went up stairs and shot himself with a .38 revolver. When the body was found he was still holding the gun in his hand and the dog was found halfway up the stairs.

At this point there was only one Lemp family member left; Edwin Lemp who had lived his life in Kirkwood, Missouri, away from the madness of his family. In 1970, Edwin died at the age of ninety, ending the Lemp family line.

Reports of the Paranormal:

After the death of Charles Lemp, the mansion was sold and used as a boarding house but that didn’t last too long. Rumors and first hand accounts from residents spread quickly through the city. Many residents who lived here reported phantom footsteps throughout the house, as well as, strange and unexplainable knocking sounds on the walls, doors and windows.

In 1975 the mansion was sold again, this time it was renovated and transformed into an inn and restaurant. During the renovations, the new owners had problems keeping workers; often times these men would leave and never return. The workers were reporting odd events on a daily basis; sightings of apparitions, tools unexplainably vanishing, the intense feeling of being watched by unseen eyes and strange noises throughout the house.

Once the new restaurant was finally opened, staff members began making some reports of their own: fleeting apparitions, odd sounds, dishes being thrown through the air by unseen hands, disembodied voices, lights turning on and off on their own, doors locking and unlocking themselves and the piano suddenly playing on its own!

Today claims of the paranormal are still made here. In the attic, many have reported the feeling of being watched, moving shadows on the wall, a disembodied voice saying “help me” or “play with me”, toys being moved, hair being gently tugged at and several people have seen the face of a child with Down Syndrome, peering out of windows.

On the main staircase, people have claimed to hear the sounds of someone running up the stairs and banging and kicking on the former bedroom door of William Sr.

On the back staircase, many have heard the sounds of a dog panting heavily, and some have even claimed to hear the dog’s nails on the wooden steps.

On the second floor, a solid apparition of a middle-aged man has been seen sitting by a window. This apparition has also been spotted on the main staircase and in the upstairs hallway. He is usually described as an older gentleman with a beard and wearing a white shirt and black pants.

Also on the second floor, the smell of lavender perfume has been detected by many, shadowy figures have been seen and doors open and close on their own.

On the first floor, many have reported seeing drinks stir themselves, glasses move, shatter or fly through the air, the piano plays on its own at times, people have been touched or shoved, an apparition has been seen sitting at the dining room table, and another solid apparition has been seen peering over the stalls in the ladies room.

In the basement dining area, many have reported seeing a floating, misty apparition that quickly vanishes into thin air, table clothes being taken off of tables by unseen hands, tables and chairs being moved around when no living person was down there and the feeling of someone looking over your shoulder.

At the entrance of the sealed off tunnels below, many have witnessed a shadowy figure passing back and forth in front of the gate.

Other paranormal activity witnessed throughout the house includes: doors opening, closing, locking and unlocking on their own, lights flickering or going on and off and the sounds of horses in the parking lot where horses were once tethered.

Perhaps the most haunted house in Missouri, paranormal activity is still reported at the mansion frequently; given the history of the place, it’s really no surprise.

RELATED LINKS:
Lemp Mansion Ghost Photo

The Haunting of the Oak Alley Plantation

The Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant & Inn – Saint James County, Vacherie, Louisiana

Photograph ©Oak Alley Plantation Website

A quarter mile walkway lined in three-hundred year old oak trees which leads to the two-story, perfectly symmetrical, Doric columned plantation house….this is the mansion that we all envision when we think of sugarcane and cotton fields, southern bells and the phrase “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn”!

When I saw photos of this house I was speechless! What a beautiful and impressive home! Honestly, what hopeless romantic wouldn’t be blown away by this eighteen-hundreds mansion? And, who would ever guess that this peaceful looking, picturesque house could be haunted by so many restless spirits?

History of the House:

The home itself was built in the mid eighteen-hundreds by George Swainey, an extremely wealthy sugarcane farmer, Jacques Telesphore Roman III, and his wife Josephine Pile Roman, the daughter of a New Orleans architect who designed the house.

In 1848, Jacques died of the dreaded tuberculosis disease and his son, Henry, took over the plantation. In 1866, the entire estate was sold by auction to John Armstrong due to financial hardship during the Civil War.

The plantation house changed hands several times after that until it was sold to Andrew and Josephine Stewart. The Stewarts began renovating the house and restoring it to its former beauty. The Stewarts spent the rest of their lives on this restoration project and Oak Alley was the first antebellum restoration recorded in the south.

Josephine Stewart died in 1972, leaving the estate to the Oak Alley Foundation, a non-profit organization that Josephine had founded.

In 1998 the plantation house was opened as a bed and breakfast, also providing tours to the public.

Paranormal Activities Reported:

The apparition of Josephine Pile Roman has been seen throughout the home. Once, a visitor and guest of the house caught Josephine’s image on film! Josephine has also been seen by many, riding her horse around the estate.

Jacques Telesphore Roman III has been seen in an old mirror in the attic. Jacques has also been witnessed to hang around the back of the mansion in his grey riding suit and riding boots.

The apparition of Josephine Stewart has been seen in her old bedroom, “the lavender room” and she has been spotted looking out of the windows in this room or just sitting on the bed.

A tour guide and their entourage of visitors were taken by surprise one day when a candlestick flew across the room and landed in the center of the group!

A frightened maintenance man reported being touched when he was trying to go about his duties.

The Louisianan Spirits Investigators found quite a bit of paranormal activity in the attic of the house. They reported seeing shadows on the walls, mists, and a face in the mirror. The crew also recorded some interesting EVP’s and one of the crew members claimed that they were grabbed while shooting pictures and that they felt as if an electrical charge went through them.

Reports of paranormal activity are still made at the house today.

Address:
3645 Highway 18 (Great River Road)
Vacherie, Louisiana 70090
(225) 265-2151
(800) 44ALLEY
Website

The Haunting of Anchuca Mansion

Anchuca Mansion – Warren County, Vicksburg, Mississippi

Photograph ©Anchuca Mansion Website

This lovely Greek-Revival style mansion was built in 1830 by J.W. Mauldin. Over the years the mansion changed hands quite a few times; each owner adding their own touches to it. Today the Anchuca Mansion is a bed and breakfast, a restaurant and tours are also given here.

The most well known apparition in this mansion is that of a woman dressed in period clothing. This entity has been seen by home owners and guests since 1966 and she is usually spotted in the parlor or the dining room.

Many guests at the Anchuca Mansion have also felt the presence of this female spirit, as well as, the presence of an unknown entity in the slave quarters.

During the Civil War, this home was converted into a make shift hospital and some of the men who suffered and died here are still hanging around. The apparitions of Civil War soldiers have also been seen roaming about this house, accompanied by flickering lights and footsteps.

Address:
1010 First East Street
Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183
(888) 686-0111
Website