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 Race Rock Lighthouse

Race Rock Lighthouse – Race Rock, New York

Photograph ©Light House Friends.Com

Race Rock, a notorious site plagued by paranormal occurrences, has a history steeped in maritime tragedy that predates the construction of its lighthouse. The perilous rocks constituting this tiny islet lie submerged in murky waters, some areas only reaching a depth of three feet, making it a maritime hazard.

While the exact death toll at Race Rock remains uncertain, numerous vessels have met their demise, taking their crews down with them. The twin currents surrounding the islet are renowned for their ability to pull individuals under. One ill-fated ship, carrying more than forty-five passengers, succumbed to the treacherous waters, resulting in the loss of all lives on board.

In 1871, in response to the escalating maritime disasters, the government allocated a substantial sum, exceeding a quarter of a million dollars, for the construction of the Race Rock Lighthouse. Neil Martin, the inaugural lighthouse keeper, is believed to be the last casualty at Race Rock. By 1978, after years of operation and numerous incidents, the lighthouse transitioned to automation.

Over centuries, tales of ghosts and spectral phenomena at Race Rock have circulated widely. The sheer number of fatalities prompts contemplation on the existence of lingering spirits. Coast Guard members, who have spent time in the lighthouse, recount eerie experiences, from whispers and laughter to disembodied voices calling their names. Some, having encountered unsettling physical contact, refuse to return to the rock.

In addition to auditory encounters, reports include the unnerving sounds of phantom footsteps when alone. Witnesses claim to have heard the inexplicable rush of running water and observed wet footprints leading from the former shower area, despite the absence of water flow for years and the removal of the shower.

Passing mariners on boats have reported glimpsing shadowy figures in the lighthouse tower during the night, despite the absence of any living occupants. The mystery deepens, raising questions about the source of these inexplicable sightings.

Race Rock Lighthouse has earned its place among infamous haunted locations. Unfortunately, visiting is impractical, as tour boats avoid the treacherous waters, and setting foot on the islet amounts to trespassing on government property. For those undeterred by these warnings, the added deterrent is the knowledge that the site serves as the final resting place for numerous seasoned seafarers.

Address:
Race Rock, New York
Website

The Haunting of the Chelsea Hotel

Chelsea Hotel – New York County, New York, New York

Photograph ©Sam Rohn ~Location Scout, NewYorkLocations.Com

Address:
222 West 23rd Street
New York, New York 10011
(212) 243-3700
Website

Built in 1884, the Chelsea Hotel was originally an apartment complex. The owners of the complex filed bankruptcy in 1905 and then the building was sold and soon afterward it became the Hotel that it is today.

In the early nineteenth century, the Chelsea had a tendency to attract low income clientele, as well as, those who conducted illegal businesses within its sound proof walls.

By the 1950’s, the Chelsea started attracting artistic types and over the years since, it has given creativity to such names as Jack Kerouac, Bob Dylan, Frank Zappa, Andy Warhol, Jimi Hendrix and Dylan Thomas. Dylan Thomas actually died in room 206 in 1953 after going on a bender that led to alcohol poisoning. Dylan’s last words are said to have been, “I’ve had eighteen straight whiskeys, and I think that’s a record!”

Another death to take place in the building was in 1978. Former musician for the Sex Pistols, Sid Vicious, and his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen, were living at the hotel after Sid’s career took a plunge. One morning Sid called the police, requesting that they come to his apartment right away. When officers arrived, they found Nancy lying in a pool of her own blood with a knife protruding from her side. Sid was arrested for murder but died of a heroin overdose before he ever served jail time.

Over the last century, the Chelsea has seen its share of drugs, alcohol, immoral behavior, death and despair. All of these events have seemed to leave their mark on the hotels very walls, causing many to claim that the hotel is haunted.

Many who have stayed in the hotel have claimed to see the apparition of Sid Vicious near the elevator. The apparitions of Dylan Thomas, Eugene O’Neil and Thomas Wolfe have also been seen in their transparent forms in various parts of the building.

Some of the other reports here consist of cold spots or gust of cold air that come out of nowhere. Many have claimed that they were followed by phantom footsteps, touched, tapped or pushed while in their rooms or walking in the hallways. Others have stated that their personal items were thrown across the rooms or moved during the night. Lights and televisions are said to turn on and off at will. Water from the showers and sinks come on for no plausible reason. And, many have also claimed to hear whispers or muted conversations right in the room with them when no one present could have been responsible.

Today, the Chelsea Hotel continues to thrive and still seems to magically attract famous writers, actors, poets and musicians. Patrons still report paranormal activity. Apparitions still walk the hallow hallways. And many unsuspecting guests are still known to experience the hair on the back of their necks standing on end. The Chelsea is and may always be a safe haven for, not only the living, but also the dead.