From historic hotels and battlefields haunted by the spirits of the past to eerie asylums and abandoned prisons, the allegedly haunted places on this list have one thing in common: a long history of unexplained occurrences and chilling legends. While skepticism may prevail, the allure of these sites is undeniable, drawing visitors and paranormal enthusiasts seeking to explore the mysteries that shroud them.
It’s important to remember that the claims of haunting are often based on folklore, urban legends, and personal experiences, and scientific evidence is typically lacking. However, for those who dare to explore the shadows and seek a brush with the unknown, these places offer an opportunity to take a look into the eerie side of American history and folklore. Join us on a journey across the country as we uncover the most haunted places in each of the 50 U.S. states.
Alabama – Sloss Furnaces, Birmingham
One of the most haunted places in Alabama is the Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham. Originally an iron-producing factory built in 1881, Sloss Furnaces is said to be haunted by the spirits of workers who died in the dangerous, brutal conditions there. The most infamous ghostly figure is “Slag,” a foreman who allegedly forced workers into hazardous situations and was ultimately pushed—or fell—into a molten iron vat himself.
Workers and visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices, screams, and footsteps. There have even been reports of physical contact, like being pushed or grabbed.
Alaska – The Red Onion Saloon in Skagway
The Red Onion Saloon in Skagway is considered one of the most haunted places in Alaska. Originally built in 1898 as a brothel during the Klondike Gold Rush, it has since become a popular bar and tourist attraction. The building is said to be haunted by Lydia, a former madam or one of the workers who reportedly stayed after death.
Visitors and staff report strange occurrences like cold drafts, footsteps in empty rooms, mysterious perfume scents, and even the feeling of an unseen presence. Lydia’s ghost is said to linger upstairs, and some claim to have seen her apparitions or heard her moving around the rooms. The saloon embraces its haunted reputation, and ghost tours often feature it as a highlight of Skagway’s eerie history.
Arizona – Bird Cage Theatre, Tombstone
This former theater and saloon witnessed numerous violent incidents during the Wild West era. Visitors and staff have reported hearing ghostly laughter, and gunshots, and seeing apparitions of cowboys and ladies of the night.
Arkansas – Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs
The Crescent Hotel is said to be haunted by several spirits, including a ghostly nurse who tends to patients, a stone-throwing poltergeist, and a gentleman in Victorian attire. The hotel’s history as a hospital for cancer patients adds to its eerie reputation.
California – The Queen Mary, Long Beach
Once a luxurious ocean liner, the Queen Mary is believed to be haunted by various spirits. Guests and staff have reported ghostly apparitions, unexplained sounds, and encounters with a lady in white and a sailor.
Colorado – Stanley Hotel, Estes Park
The Stanley Hotel inspired Stephen King’s novel “The Shining.” Visitors have reported paranormal activity in many areas, including the sound of piano music when no one is playing, apparitions, and ghostly children playing in the hallways.
Connecticut – Union Cemetery, Easton
Union Cemetery is known for its “White Lady” legend. People claim to have seen a ghostly woman in a white dress wandering the cemetery. There have also been reports of orbs and mysterious lights.
Delaware – Fort Delaware, Delaware City
This Civil War-era fort is believed to be haunted by the spirits of soldiers and prisoners. Visitors have reported hearing footsteps, ghostly apparitions, and feeling sudden drops in temperature.
Florida – Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine
This historic fort has a long history of battles and imprisonment. Visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices, and footsteps, and seeing ghostly apparitions of soldiers and prisoners.
Georgia – Moon River Brewing Company, Savannah
The brewery is located in a historic building with a history of violence and duels. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly figures, experiencing unexplained cold spots, and witnessing objects move on their own.
Hawaii – ‘Iolani Palace, Honolulu
‘Iolani Palace is said to be haunted by the spirit of Queen Liliuokalani, the last reigning monarch of Hawaii. Visitors and staff have reported hearing her voice and witnessing unexplained phenomena.
Idaho – Old Idaho State Penitentiary, Boise
This former prison saw its share of violence and death. Visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices, seeing shadowy figures, and experiencing eerie feelings throughout the site.
Illinois – Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery, Midlothian
Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery is known for its eerie reputation. Visitors have reported ghostly apparitions, mysterious lights, and unexplained phenomena, including phantom vehicles.
Indiana – Hannah House, Indianapolis
The Hannah House is believed to be haunted by the ghost of a former owner’s daughter who tragically died in a fire. Visitors have reported hearing her cries and witnessing paranormal activity.
Iowa – Villisca Axe Murder House, Villisca
This house is infamous for a gruesome murder in 1912. People claim to have encountered the spirits of the murder victims and hearing children’s voices and footsteps.
Kansas – The Brown Grand Theatre, Concordia
The Brown Grand Theatre is believed to be haunted by the spirit of its founder, Colonel Napoleon Bonaparte Brown. Guests have reported hearing unexplained noises and seeing apparitions.
Kentucky – Perryville Battlefield, Perryville
As the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, Perryville Battlefield is said to be haunted by the spirits of soldiers who died there. Visitors have reported hearing ghostly voices and seeing apparitions.
Louisiana – Myrtles Plantation, St. Francisville
The Myrtles Plantation is known for its ghostly tales, including the famous story of Chloe, a slave girl believed to haunt the premises. Guests have reported ghostly apparitions and strange occurrences.
Maine – Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth
This iconic lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former keeper named Joseph Wilson, who died under mysterious circumstances. Visitors and staff have reported hearing unexplained footsteps and experiencing strange occurrences.
Maryland – Antietam Battlefield, Sharpsburg
Antietam Battlefield is believed to be haunted by the spirits of soldiers who perished during the Battle of Antietam. Visitors have reported hearing cannon fire, seeing apparitions, and sensing a heavy presence.
Massachusetts – The Lizzie Borden House, Fall River
The Lizzie Borden House is infamous for the unsolved axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden. Guests have reported experiencing paranormal activity and hearing voices in the house.
Michigan – Mackinac Island
This picturesque island is known for its Victorian charm and history, but it’s also said to be home to numerous ghosts. Locations like the Mission Point Resort and the Island House Hotel are said to have ghostly inhabitants.
Minnesota -Wabasha Street Caves, St. Paul
These caves have a history dating back to the Prohibition era when they were used for illegal activities. Many believe the spirits of gangsters and their victims still haunt the caves. There have been reports of ghostly figures, strange sounds, and eerie encounters.
Mississippi – Longwood Mansion, Natchez
Longwood is a stunning, unfinished mansion that was abandoned during the Civil War. It’s said to be haunted by the ghost of its builder, Dr. Haller Nutt, who died before its completion.
Missouri – Missouri State Penitentiary, Jefferson City
The Lemp Mansion is believed to be haunted by members of the Lemp family, who faced tragedy and misfortune. Guests have reported ghostly sightings, footsteps, and eerie experiences.
Montana – The Copper King Mansion, Butte
This historic mansion is believed to be haunted by its former owner, William A. Clark. Visitors have reported hearing footsteps and experiencing paranormal activity in the mansion.
Nebraska – Nebraska State Capitol, Lincoln
The Nebraska State Capitol building is said to be haunted by the ghost of a construction worker who fell to his death during the building’s construction. Workers and visitors have reported hearing strange noises and witnessing ghostly apparitions.
Nevada – Goldfield Hotel, Goldfield
The Goldfield Hotel is believed to be haunted by various spirits. Visitors have reported ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and encounters with the ghost of a young girl.
New Hampshire – The Pine Hill Cemetery, Hollis
Pine Hill Cemetery is known for the “Blue Lady” legend. People claim to have seen the apparition of a woman in a blue dress and experienced eerie phenomena in the cemetery.
New Jersey – The Spy House, Port Monmouth
The Spy House, also known as the Seabrook-Wilson House, is believed to be haunted by the spirits of British spies and Revolutionary War soldiers. Visitors have reported paranormal activity.
New Mexico – St. James Hotel, Cimarron
The St. James Hotel is known for its Wild West history and ghostly tales. Guests have reported ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and encounters with famous historical figures’ spirits.
New York – The Amityville Horror House, Amityville
The Amityville Horror House is a famous residence located at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, USA. It gained notoriety due to a series of supernatural events and alleged hauntings that were reported by the Lutz family, who lived in the house in 1975. These events became the basis for the book “The Amityville Horror” by Jay Anson, which was later adapted into a popular film series.
North Carolina – Brown Mountain Lights, Morganton
The Brown Mountain Lights are unexplained lights that appear over Brown Mountain. The phenomenon has been witnessed for centuries and remains a mystery. There are several legends and theories about the origin of the lights. Some believe they are the spirits of Cherokee maidens or the ghosts of ancient warriors, while others attribute them to more natural causes like atmospheric conditions or gases.
North Dakota – Chateau de Mores, Medora
Chateau de Mores is believed to be haunted by its original owner, Marquis de Mores, and his wife. Visitors have reported ghostly encounters and strange occurrences in the mansion.
Ohio – Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield
This former prison is known for its oppressive atmosphere and history of violence. Visitors have reported paranormal activity, including ghostly apparitions and unexplained sounds. The reformatory gained international recognition as a filming location for the 1994 movie “The Shawshank Redemption.”
Oklahoma – Skirvin Hotel, Oklahoma City
The Skirvin Hotel is believed to be haunted by the ghost of a maid named “Effie.” Guests have reported encountering Effie and experiencing paranormal activity in their rooms.
Oregon – The Geiser Grand Hotel, Baker City
This grand hotel is known for its opulence and its share of ghostly guests. Guests have reported seeing a lady in white, hearing footsteps in empty hallways, and other eerie experiences.
Pennsylvania – Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia
Eastern State Penitentiary is famous for its haunting reputation. Visitors and investigators have reported ghostly sightings, footsteps, and eerie experiences in the abandoned prison.
Rhode Island – The White Horse Tavern, Newport
This historic tavern, which dates back to 1673, is one of the oldest operating inns in the United States. It is rumored to be haunted by various spirits, including a former owner named Anne who allegedly roams the building.
South Carolina – Old Charleston Jail, Charleston
The Old Charleston Jail is known for its harsh conditions and the spirits of former inmates. Visitors have reported paranormal activity, including ghostly apparitions and unexplained noises.
South Dakota – Bullock Hotel, Deadwood
The Bullock Hotel in Deadwood is believed to be haunted by its former owner, Seth Bullock. Guests have reported encountering Bullock’s spirit and experiencing paranormal phenomena.
Tennessee – The Bell Witch Cave, Adams
The Bell Witch Cave is associated with the famous Bell Witch legend. Visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices, witnessing objects move, and experiencing other eerie occurrences.
Texas – The Alamo, San Antonio
The Alamo is a historic site known for its pivotal role in Texas history. Some visitors have reported hearing ghostly sounds and encountering spirits of those who perished in the battle.
Utah – Rio Grande Depot, Salt Lake City
The Rio Grande Depot is believed to be haunted by the spirits of former railroad workers. Employees and visitors have reported paranormal activity, including ghostly apparitions.
Vermont – Emily’s Bridge, Stowe
Emily’s Bridge, also known as Gold Brook Covered Bridge, is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a jilted bride named Emily. People claim to have heard her sobbing and experienced eerie phenomena.
Virginia – St. Albans Sanatorium, Radford
St. Albans Sanatorium is a former mental hospital known for its paranormal activity. Visitors have reported ghostly apparitions, unexplained sounds, and eerie encounters.
Washington – Northern State Hospital, Sedro-Woolley
This former mental hospital in Sedro-Woolley is known for its haunting history. While the hospital is no longer in operation, visitors have reported seeing apparitions, hearing cries, and feeling a sense of unease.
West Virginia – Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Weston
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is known for its dark history and reports of paranormal activity. Visitors have reported ghostly sightings, footsteps, and eerie feelings.
Wisconsin – Pabst Mansion, Milwaukee
This historic mansion was once home to the Pabst family, of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer fame. Some claim that the ghost of Captain Frederick Pabst himself haunts the mansion, as well as other apparitions. Visitors can arrange tours of this mansion in Milwaukee.
Wyoming – Wyoming Frontier Prison, Rawlins
The Wyoming Frontier Prison is believed to be haunted by former inmates and staff members. Visitors have reported hearing ghostly sounds and witnessing apparitions.
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