The Haunting of The Conjuring House: Darkness at the Arnold Estate

Harrisville, Providence County, Rhode Island

Photo: Pinterest

Few places have captured the modern imagination quite like the infamous Conjuring House in Harrisville, Rhode Island. Known today as the Arnold Estate, this 18th-century farmhouse became the centerpiece of one of the most chilling hauntings in American history — and the inspiration for the blockbuster film The Conjuring. But behind the Hollywood lights lies a tangled web of history, trauma, and deeply personal experiences that continue to haunt those who’ve stepped inside.

History of the Arnold Estate

Built around 1736, the farmhouse originally belonged to the Arnold family — a name tied to generations of Rhode Island settlers. The land itself is steeped in colonial history, with records suggesting the property once spanned over 200 acres. Over time, ownership changed hands, but eerie legends remained. Tragedies, deaths, and local lore would weave into the foundation of the estate long before the Perron family ever arrived.

The Perron Family Haunting

In 1971, Roger and Carolyn Perron moved into the house with their five daughters, unaware of the supernatural storm that awaited them. From their first days, the family experienced disturbing phenomena: beds shaking, objects moving, and disembodied voices echoing through empty rooms. One daughter reported seeing a spirit with a crooked neck watching her sleep. Carolyn was physically attacked on more than one occasion — slapped, bruised, and even pushed.

The family eventually came to believe the most malevolent presence in the home was a spirit known as Bathsheba Sherman — a woman rumored to have lived on the property in the 1800s. Local legends accused Bathsheba of witchcraft, even claiming she had sacrificed her own child to the Devil. While no historical records confirm this, the story stuck — and Bathsheba’s name became infamous in paranormal lore.

The Warrens Step In

As the activity escalated, the Perrons turned to famed paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The Warrens conducted a series of investigations, claiming the house was plagued by multiple spirits — not just Bathsheba. During a séance conducted by Lorraine, Carolyn Perron reportedly became possessed, speaking in tongues and being thrown across the room. Terrified, Roger Perron ended the session and forbade the Warrens from returning.

The Perrons continued to live in the house for several years, enduring the haunting until they could afford to move out in 1980.

After the Perrons: Ongoing Activity

Since the Perrons’ departure, the house has changed hands many times. Each new owner brought renewed stories of whispers, shadow figures, slamming doors, and mysterious footsteps. Paranormal investigators, ghost hunting teams, and curious visitors have all documented activity — some mild, others terrifying. The home has drawn international attention and inspired countless documentaries and books.

In recent years, the house was opened to the public for overnight investigations, becoming a destination for paranormal tourism. Still, many believe that some energies within the home remain hostile — and that the house itself chooses who it will affect.

The Conjuring Legacy

In 2013, the story of the Perron family’s ordeal was adapted into The Conjuring, launching one of the most successful horror franchises in modern cinema. Though the film took creative liberties, it brought global attention to the Arnold Estate and immortalized the Perron family’s experience. Today, the house is forever linked to America’s paranormal history — both real and imagined.

Would You Dare?

Whether you believe the stories or not, there's no denying the Conjuring House has a dark energy that draws people in. Some call it cursed. Others believe it’s a portal. But one thing’s certain — visitors rarely leave unchanged.

© True Hauntings of America

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 Ladd School

The Ladd School – Washington County, Exeter, Rhode Island

Photograph ©ArtinRuins.com

Address:
Exeter, Rhode Island

Built on more than four hundred acres of farmland, the Ladd School opened its doors as a mental rehabilitation hospital in 1907. In the beginning the building was quite empty; only caring for eight patients after it had been open for two years.

By the year 1915 the population had expanded to some one hundred + patients. However, by 1923, they had more than three hundred patients and they were considered over crowded.

More buildings were later added and the patients kept rolling in. By 1950 the population reached nearly one thousand. At this point they were over crowded again and on top of that they were ill equipped to take care of their ever-growing populace. In fact, the school had no dental care, no morgue, no recreational facilities, no chapel and no “functional” hospital apparatus! Also, there was only ONE certified doctor on the staff; Dr. Joseph H. Ladd. The remainder of the staff was either uncertified to care for the patients or they had little training.

In 1956, Dr. Ladd gave up on the school and retired and Dr. John G. Smith took control of the facility. Two years after that an investigation was launched due to numerous allegations of patient abuse and neglect. The inquiry into the schools conduct and facilities showed that allegations were true, to a terrifying degree.

Due to the overcrowding factor, it was found that patients slept head to feet, side-by-side, on cots that were placed only nine inches apart. Many patients had been beaten routinely due to disruptive behavior. Many of the patients’ rooms were not equipped with a sink and toilet. The entire facility was infested with vermin; including the kitchen and dining areas. Patients were given incorrect prescriptions, wrong dosages and medications administered by unqualified personnel, causing many deaths.

One female patient was impregnated twice but it is unclear whether or not it was caused by another resident or hospital staff. A nine-year-old boy was found asphyxiated in one of the shower stalls after someone had stuffed him into a laundry sack. An elderly man died after being shoved down a stair well by another patient.

In 1983, after a lawsuit was brought against the state of Rhode Island and the Ladd School, Dr. George Gunther was brought in. Dr. Gunther tried his best to straighten out the mess, moving patients, demolishing old buildings but his efforts were lost when the Governor of Rhode Island decided to have the school shut down in 1993.

Today, locals and curious trespassers swear that the place is haunted. Many have reported hearing moaning, phantom footsteps or shuffling and crying throughout the main building and other surrounding buildings. Many have also claimed to hear disembodied voices murmuring, whispering or crying out. Doors have been seen opening or closing without explanation; these same doors also seem to lock at times even if there is no lock on the door itself. Also heard in patients’ former rooms is an eerie growling sound when no animals are present. Some visitors here have also claimed they were touched, shoved or they’ve had items knocked out of their hands by some unseen force.

Outside of the facility, visitors have claimed to see human-shaped shadows moving across the field and into the woods. Voices have been heard out there as well and many have photographed glowing orbs. Also, car radios are said to go haywire or stop working all together and a few people have claimed that their car alarms or horns have gone off for no reason.

All in all, the Ladd School was a living nightmare for its many patients. It is no wonder that many of these residents still roam the halls even after their death. Unfortunately, these poor restless souls will probably always remain here; wandering the desolate halls alone and crying out for help that will never come.