The Haunting of Whispers Estate in Indiana

Whispers Estate – Washington County, Mitchell, Indiana

Photo: Realtor.com

Built in the late 1800s, Whispers Estate has become one of Indiana’s most infamous haunted houses, its reputation steeped in tragedy, trauma, and unexplained phenomena. Originally purchased by Dr. John and Jessie Gibbons in 1894, the home served both as a family residence and the doctor’s medical practice. But what should have been a place of healing soon became known for heartbreak and eerie occurrences — beginning with the deaths of multiple children in the home, including the couple’s adopted daughter, Rachel, who reportedly died after sustaining severe burns in a mysterious fire.

Locals say Rachel’s presence still lingers, especially near the closet where she is said to have passed. Guests and investigators alike have reported hearing the giggle of a little girl echoing through the upstairs hallway, along with the faint smell of burnt flesh or smoke lingering where no fire exists. Others claim to have heard the pitter-patter of small footsteps running through the rooms late at night.

Dr. Gibbons himself is also said to haunt the home. Visitors report feeling phantom touches, sudden cold drafts, and even unseen hands gripping their arms or legs — particularly in the examination room where the doctor is believed to have conducted numerous procedures, some of which involved patients who never walked out. Disembodied voices, heavy breathing, and coughing have all been captured on EVP recordings within that room.

The master bedroom is home to its own legend — a dark entity known only as “The Man in the Closet.” Guests who’ve stayed in the room have fled in terror, reporting intense feelings of dread, sleep paralysis, and disturbing visions. Several have even claimed to hear raspy whispering from within the closet, giving the estate its eerie nickname.

Beyond its spectral inhabitants, the very structure of the house seems alive with energy. Doors creak open by themselves, lights flicker without cause, and furniture has been known to shift just out of sight. Psychic mediums who have visited the property have described portals throughout the house — areas where the veil between worlds seems paper thin.

Whispers Estate has become a pilgrimage site for paranormal enthusiasts from across the country. Ghost hunting teams, television crews, and curious travelers have all passed through its creaking halls — many leaving with more questions than answers, and a lingering sense of unease that clings like cobwebs.

If you’re looking for a night inside one of the most active haunted locations in the Midwest, Whispers Estate doesn’t disappoint — but be warned. Many guests report taking something home with them… something unseen… something that whispers.

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Address:
714 W. Warren Street
Mitchell, Indiana 47446
Phone: (812) 603-2432
Whispers Estate is privately owned and offers guided investigations, overnight stays, and events. Reservations required.
Visit their official website or Facebook page for bookings and guidelines.

Funny Fact:

While searching for a photo of Whispers Estate, I came across a listing on Realtor.com that read:

“Whispers Estate in Indiana for sale for $130K. Ghosts included.”

Now that’s what we call a spirited real estate deal. Lol

https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/whispers-estate-haunted-indiana-mansion-for-sale/

The Haunting of the Crown Point Sheriff's House

The Crown Point Sheriff's House – Lake County, Crown Point, Indiana

Photograph ©Crown Point.Net

I think the picture says a lot; from the building’s Second Empire architecture to the old eerie tree on the right, it just has that creepy and sinister look to it.

Constructed in the year 1882, the historic building served as the residence for elected sheriffs until the year 1958. A significant addition in the form of a two-story jail was made to the rear of the structure in 1926, aptly named the Lake County Jail.

One of the most notable incidents associated with this jail involved the infamous John Dillinger. On March 3rd, 1934, Dillinger orchestrated a legendary escape from what was considered an "escape-proof" jail in Crown Point. In a remarkable feat, he utilized a wooden gun cleverly coated in black shoe polish.

While Dillinger's criminal escapades continued, a notable interruption occurred on November 27, 1934, when authorities finally caught up with him. A fierce gun battle ensued between the Dillinger Gang and the police, resulting in all gang members managing to escape. During this confrontation, "Baby Face" Nelson sustained gunshot wounds that ultimately led to his demise. Despite being shot seventeen times, Nelson miraculously escaped but succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. In a display of loyalty, the Dillinger Gang left Nelson's body near a Cemetery in Skokie.

The pursuit of John Dillinger resumed on July 22, 1934, when FBI agents, armed with information from Dillinger's girlfriend, located him. The FBI, under the impression that Dillinger was to be shot on sight, fired three shots at him from behind. Dillinger met his end in front of the Biograph Theater, where he had just attended a film with his girlfriend.

The notoriety of the "escape-proof" Lake County Jail persisted, and today, the Crown Point Chamber of Commerce organizes tours of the old Sheriff's house, allowing visitors to delve into its rich history.

Beyond the historical tales, the building is believed to house lingering spirits. In the jail section, eerie phenomena have been reported, including the inexplicable opening and closing of cell doors. Witnesses have also attested to the rattling of bars in these cells when no living being is present. Adding to the mystique, phantom footsteps echo through the corridors, electrical appliances and lights exhibit spontaneous activation, and numerous individuals claim to have heard voices emanating from empty cells. The legacy of the Lake County Jail thus transcends its historical significance, captivating the imagination with tales of both daring escapes and supernatural occurrences.

 
Address:
226 South Main Street
Crown Point, Indiana 46307

The Haunting of the Willard Library

Willard Library – Vanderburgh County, Evansville, Indiana

Photograph ©Proof Paranormal.com

This beautiful Victorian-Gothic library was built in the early-to-mid eighteen-hundreds. Willard Carpenter, the same man that the library was named after, funded the project with freedom of education on his mind. Mr. Willard wanted a library where anyone could learn; regardless of age, sex, gender or social status. When Mr. Willard died, his last Will and Testament stated that the library was to remain free of charge for anyone who wished to gain knowledge there.

Soon after Mr. Willard’s passing, his daughter, Louise, sued the library trustees for her share of the holdings and property. Louise lost the court battle and remained bitter until she died.

Today, the library still stands in its admired grandeur and, as Mr. Willard desired, it is used by anyone who wishes to use it; including a spirit who has made it her permanent resting place.

Ghost sightings and phenomena have been reported at this library since it opened its doors to the public!

The “gray lady” is the library’s famed apparition and she has made her presence known on countless occasions. The first person to report seeing her was a janitor who worked for the library. The janitor came in one evening to ready the library for patrons who would visit the following morning. He made his way to the basement to stoke the fires and found the gray lady starring at him. The gray lady quickly vanished and so did the janitor; he left the building and never returned.

The gray lady has appeared to many people over the years. Usually she is described as being timid and kind. Children have even reported seeing her in their reading section and described her appearance to their parents.

The gray lady wears early nineteen-hundreds clothing and her hair is usually described as being parted and braided down her back. She is often seen floating throughout various parts of the building. In addition to her appearances, some have reported seeing water faucets turn themselves on and off, lights turn on and off, cold spots and the lingering scent of perfume.

Some say the gray lady is the spirit of Louise, the daughter of Mr. Willard. This is doubtful since the gray lady is described as being so friendly and Louise was so bitter and angry when she died.

Others claim that the gray lady is the spirit of a former librarian, however, how could that be; the hauntings started as soon as the library opened?

Whoever she is, she seems quite content with the home she’s made for herself and it seems that she has no intentions of leaving.

Address:
21 North First Avenue
Evansville, Indiana 47710
(812) 425-4309
Website

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Photos taken from the ghost cam in Willard Library