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

Haunted Castles in America

There are several haunted castles in America. Most everyone is attracted to castles. These immense structures are typically constructed in such a way that they naturally appeal to anyone who lays eyes on them. In addition to this, they usually stem from a long, rich history that is filled with intrigue and mystery. This is especially true when it comes to the haunted castles that are located throughout the United States of America. In this guide, you will be introduced to several of the many haunted castles in America.

The Preston Castle

The Preston Castle is located in the city of Ione, in California. In the year of 1890, the construction on this majestic building started. It was created to reflect the architectural style which is commonly referred to as "Romanesque Revival". Originally, this was referred to as the "Preston School of Industry". At the time in which the building was created, the community saw a need to have a place where juvenile offenders to the law could be placed, with the purpose and intent of rehabilitation. Construction completed in the year of 1894. It was at this time that the first young offenders entered the doors of the immense structure for the first time.

When it comes to schools that aim to reform, the Preston Castle is one of the most well known in all of America. It was considered to be the very first of its type at the time. As a matter of fact, when it opened, electricity was not even present. This luxury came a year later through the means of a massive water wheel that was used to produce minimal, but substantive lighting to the residents of the facility. As time progressed, the faculty and staff who operated the structure determined that it was time to move from the castle itself as it had started to deteriorate tremendously. This occurred around the year of 1960.

Throughout the years, several different types of hauntings have been said to have occurred at this castle. In one instance, there is a special type of cemetery that was created in an effort to hold those who passed away while living in the Preston Castle. While this cemetery is said to only house approximately twenty three individual graves, many claim that there are spirits lingering in this area of the grounds. Individuals who have visited this area often sense areas of intense coldness. In addition to this, several have felt strong, uncomfortable emotions on the grounds.

There are several strange and unusual events that seem to occur in this haunted castle in America. Events such as strange noises, unusual smells, voices, intense emotional states, and even full body apparitions have been spotted in this haunted American castle. While it appears that most hauntings seem to be residual based, it is also believed that many of the spirits that linger on the grounds and within the walls of the structure are intelligent, making this one of the scariest places on Earth - especially at night!

Thornwood Castle

The Thornwood Castle is located in Washington, in the city of Lakewood. Today, this structure serves as a popular "Bed and Breakfast", particularly for couples looking for a romantic getaway. Original construction of the immense home began in the year of 1908 and continued until completion in the year of 1911. Most of the unique architecture emerged from England, as the owner, Chester Thorne, wanted to ensure that the home was built to withstand weatherization and time. As time progressed in the history of this home, many who came to know it - both inside and out - have determined that this seems to be a gateway to the spiritual world.

Most individuals who visit this haunted American castle state that there is a sense of peace and calm that seems to generate out of the walls themselves - as if the building is a fortress of spirit and positive life energy. No matter where you go in the structure - there does not seem to be any sort of evil presence that lurks in the castle. Many claimed that they have experienced intelligent hauntings that seem to want to communicate with the living, for one reason or another. Then, there seem to be even angelic presences as accounted by many witnesses that appear to want to protect the building, as well as all those that enter the property and the building itself. If you are seeking to emerge yourself into a place of spiritual life, the haunted Thornwood Castle in Washington is sure to be a place that you will want to be!

The Beardslee Castle

The Beardslee Castle is located in New York in the city of Little Falls. This has been considered to be one of the most haunted castles in America for some time now. Today, you can visit this unique structure easily as it is a restaurant that is open to the public. If you go to the hill that is located in what is referred to as "Mohawk Valley", you will discover this castle, standing in all of its majesty. Constructed in the year of 1860 by the infamous Augustus Beardslee, this building has a long history that contributes to the belief that spirits reside in and around the brick and mortar used to construct it.

There are two very popular hauntings that seem to occur in this haunted American castle. The first is a lady that is dressed in all white. Naturally, she is even called the "lady in white". Then, there is the story of a man who seems to be consumed by shadows lingering in and around the structure on a consistent basis. The identities of these two individuals are not known, but many who have studied the history of the structure are under the impression that these are actual Beardslee family members that linger on even after death in the physical body. Naturally, there are your typical noises, shadows, moving objects, and electrical interference in this particular haunted castle as well!

Conclusion

This is just a sample of the many haunted castles in America today. If you have a fascination with castles, history, and paranormal stories and legends, visiting one of these haunted places to go would be in your best interest! There are several other haunted castles in America today apart from the ones mentioned here, however, these seem to be the most popular among those who are in search of haunted castles that have a long tale when it comes to actual history.

By Jodi Roberts

How To Hunt Ghosts - A No-nonsense Paranormal Guide To Get You Quickly Started On Your First Ghost Hunt Or To Help Improve Your Next One. Click Here to learn more!
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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.