As New York is such an ancient metropolis, it comes as no surprise that so much history lies tucked into one dense area. Due to this fact, New York City features many haunted spots – both residential and commercial spaces alike.
Here are a few of the scariest spots where ghostly figures have been sighted throughout time.
The Campbell Apartment
The Campbell Apartment was not technically an apartment but served as railroad magnate John W. Campbell’s office and salon from 1923 until 1957, hosting parties and entertaining at this opulent space. Following Campbell’s death, it served as jail/signalman office until it was bought and renovated into a cocktail bar.
At Grand Central Terminal, The Campbell Apartment epitomizes old-school opulence. With dark wood-paneled walls and ceilings reminiscent of classic luxury hotels, its dark interior echoes this mysterious atmosphere perfectly. Since renovations took place, staffers have reported hearing laughter coming from within this room as well as feeling their hair or clothing being tugged upon by unknown entities.
This museum-quality house, once home to former owner Gertrude Tredwell, is said to be haunted by her ghost. Visitors have reported smelling ash, hearing door slams and footsteps, as well as seeing toy dolls move of their own accord.
Kings Park Psychiatric Facility
Kings Park Psychiatric Facility has all of the elements needed for urban legend status: creepy history, abandoned buildings and ghost stories galore. This abandoned asylum has even been featured on paranormal shows – making it a magnet for thrill-seeking thrill-seekers!
The hospital was constructed during the 19th century as part of a popular farm colony model at that time, housing thousands of patients at once and many being interred at its grounds. A man known as Levi Weeks murdered Elma before disposing of her body into this well as part of an attempt to cover up his crime and hide any evidence against himself. Ghostly reports linked with this site indicate a possible link to Levi Weeks who strangled Elma before disposing of her remains here as part of an elaborate cover up attempt.
Home of a merchant family, this home is said to be haunted by Gertrude Tredwell who lived and died there, often seen by visitors as an older woman. Stony Brook University alum Leita Fallon once took photos of this property and noticed what appeared as a dark figure moving across walls in her photos.
The Dakota
The Dakota has long been associated with ghostly tales. Perhaps its gothic visual anachronism stands out amid modern structures; perhaps John Lennon lived and was killed here; perhaps its role as filming location for Roman Polanski’s Rosemary’s Baby film has attracted those seeking supernatural experiences; either way the Dakota continues to draw those seeking a haunted experience.
One of the more well-known reports of ghost activity at The Dakota was in the 1960s when construction workers witnessed a sighting of an apparition consisting of a male body with the face of a young boy. Other ghost sightings at this building have included seeing an image of a little girl dressed in turn-of-the-century attire waving to residents from lower floor windows.
The basement of the Dakota is said to be haunted by a poltergeist who moves objects, including heavy furniture. A porter once invited one of their tenants down there in an effort to show him this phenomenon but, due to fear-inducing movements from items moving all on their own, this particular visitor ran out quickly before it could even occur!
The House of Death
New York City has long been associated with hauntings and supernatural stories. Many streets were once cemeteries, as were some buildings built over old poorhouses; these factors could lend credence to ghostly tales circulating the city. Furthermore, New York boasts some of the creepiest architecture in existence which may create the ideal conditions for hauntings to occur.
Merchant’s House Museum in Manhattan is said to be haunted by one of its former residents, Gertrude Tredwell. Her family lived there for over one hundred years and her ghost has been seen both as an older woman and as a young girl.
Utica State Hospital in upstate New York is another haunted location with a dark history. Once used as a poorhouse, orphanage and tuberculosis hospital by staff performing inhumane treatments such as lobotomies on patients. It is thought that more than 1700 bodies lie unmarked graves on this property.
