From haunted battlefields to creepy mansions, the United States is full of tales of ghostly encounters and paranormal activity. Bloody battles, dubious shanghaiing practices, and built-over burial grounds have left numerous paranormal hotspots across its landscape – providing paranormal tourists with plenty of places to explore!
The White House, for instance, is said to be haunted by Abraham Lincoln and other past presidents’ ghosts – in particular Winston Churchill who claimed he found them while staying in Lincoln Bedroom.
1. Waverly Hills Sanatorium
Waverly Hills Sanatorium is an eerie building with a long and dark past dating back to when it operated as a Tuberculosis facility, making it one of the most haunted places in America. People claim poltergeist activity, full-bodied apparitions and mysterious voices among other phenomena at this renownedly terrifying locale.
From 1910 to 1960, The Sanatorium served as a tuberculosis hospital and it wasn’t uncommon for patients to die as a result of either disease or treatment. There were claims of mistreatment and questionable experimental procedures on patients during this time.
Charles and Tina Mattingly own and reside in the building today, hosting ghost tours to raise funds for its restoration. Visitors have reported hearing noises like doors slamming shut, footsteps echoing through corridors, voices echoing throughout, etc.
2. The Mercer House
At 429 Bull Street in Savannah lies Mercer House – an iconic structure often linked to paranormal energies and unsolved crimes. Originally designed by New York architect John Norris in 1860 but construction halted during the Civil War; completed by its subsequent owner in 1868 it eventually became home to Shriners Alee Temple of Savannah.
Since Mercer House’s renaming to Mercer Williams House Museum, public tours are offered. Dorothy Kingery (William’s sister), currently owns it and prefers not to discuss its haunted past too extensively during tours; instead focusing on its exquisite antiques and architectural details instead.
However, tourists visiting the Mercer House leave with more than just great photographs: many visitors have reported sightings of Hansford’s ghost as well as hearing footsteps or having the feeling they are being watched.
3. Bonaventure Cemetery
Bonaventure Cemetery was long renowned as a tourist destination due to its lush oak trees, ornate statuary and colorful blooms even before Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil put it on the map in 1994. Following publication, however, its famous Bird Girl statue made headlines around the world; she has since been moved for safekeeping to Telfair Academy; however, the rest of Bonaventure Cemetery still looks beautiful with camellias blooming during December and January and then pink and purple azaleas and creamy white magnolias blooming during spring.
As you explore Bonaventure Cemetery, you may also come across “bathtub” graves – these cradles held infants who died early due to high infant mortality rates in the 1800s. One such bathtub grave at Bonaventure is that of Gracie Watkins; visitors frequently leave toys and trinkets on her iron fence gravesite.
4. Mount Hope Cemetery
Mount Hope Cemetery, home to many of Rochester’s most notable figures and believed to be haunted, also provides opportunities for ghost tours which often sell out quickly during summer months.
Visitors have reported hearing haunting screams, seeing images in the distance, and encountering ghost-like figures in historic mausoleums. Dowsing rods have detected spirits present on these grounds.
Established in 1838, this cemetery features the burials of prominent individuals like Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass among 350,000 others buried across its 196 acres. Victorian funerary art abounds, from towering Egyptian obelisks to stone chapels, Moorish gazebos and endlessly varied tombstones – each boasting their own style of Victorian funerary art.
5. The Omni Parker House
Ask any Boston local about the most haunted hotel and they’re likely to say “The Omni Parker House.” Known for numerous paranormal sightings, including Harvey Parker himself being seen roaming around in spirit form! One story associated with this hotel involves Harvey Parker appearing as his ghost has haunted it as well.
Hotel guests have reported seeing a ghostly figure dressed in colonial clothing wandering the hallways and checking on rooms, including Room 1012. He has even been reported as appearing there when someone awakes to find someone standing at her bed’s foot asking her how she was enjoying her stay.
Kilachand Hall Hotel was once a favorite among performers such as Sarah Bernhardt and Edwin Booth, with even Mark Twain himself spending some time there! The fourth-floor location where Twain lived has long been associated with strange happenings – like flickering lights or mysterious knocks at nighttime!
