I have a fascination with hauntings, if you haven't noticed yet. I've had some of the most interesting experiences, believe me or not; I wouldn't lie about it. I find nothing more thrilling than to take a picture and find some sort of anomaly that can't be explained, or to feel a chill go up my spine and the hair on my arms stand straight up with no explanation. So, it is my pleasure to present to you some of the most haunted places across the United States.
1. The Amityville House - New York
I'm sure we've all heard of this house. Who hasn't seen one of the many movies made about it? But did you know that 112 Ocean Avenue actually exists? Known for the gruesome murder that took place there, this house has a very dark history. According to the Lutz family, who moved in in 1975, the house had many cold spots, "eerie vibes," and sounds that would wake them in the middle of the night. They also said that it had an effect on their personalities. George, the man of the house, began to isolate himself and became obsessed with the fireplace that never seemed to get him warm enough. Even the children's behavior changed, they acted out resulting in horrible beatings from their parents. The youngest spoke to an "angel" who could change shape and the parents reported seeing red, glowing eyes in the upstairs bedroom window.
2. Hotel Monte Vista - Arizona
With several guests of the not-so-living kind, Monte Vista is a great place to visit if you're on a haunted road trip across the U.S.. One ghost, while alive, would hang meat from the chandelier in room 210. Two prostitutes, who were thrown from the third floor, will try to asphyxiate male guests in their sleep. Then there's the baby who cries at all hours of the night bringing the staff running from the basement.
3. Pine Barrens - New Jersey
Spanning over one million acres, this dense forest area was once thriving with mills and industries. However, people began moving out when coal was discovered leaving behind nothing more than ghost towns and a few haunting stories. This also happens to be the home of The Jersey Devil. It's said that The Jersey Devil was the thirteenth child of Deborah Leeds. Born with leathery wings, a goat's head, and hooves, the creature flew up the chimney and into the Barrens. It has supposedly been killing off livestock and scaring residents since.
4. Myrtle Plantation - Louisiana
Built in 1796, this plantation is said to be the most haunted place in the U.S.. The house is said to be built on Indian burial ground, never a good thing, and is home to at least 12 different ghosts. One of the most well-known ghosts is Chloe, a young slave girl. Her master chopped off her ear after she was caught eavesdropping, and to get revenge she poisoned a cake which killed two of the master's daughters. After this, she was hung by her fellow slaves. She now roams the grounds wearing a turban to hide her missing ear.
5. RMS Queen Mary - California
Not only did Queen Mary serve for a short time as a war ship in WWII, she served as a luxury ocean liner from 1936 to 1967. During that time there was at least one murder, a sailor was crushed to death by a door in the engine room, and some children drowned in the pool. It now serves as a hotel in Long Beach, and has since it was purchased in 1967. Cold spots and ghostly apparitions have been reported on the ship, and they say that the engine room is a major "hot spot" for activity.
6. Gettysburg Battlefield - Pennsylvania
One of the bloodiest battles in American History took place on this battlefield. Around 50,000 lives were lost in three days; one can only imagine how haunted this place must be. Most of the soldiers were not properly laid to rest, their souls left to roam the grounds aimlessly. It's said that snapshots show ghostly figures and that sounds of war can be heard on voice recorders.
7. St. Augustine Lighthouse - Florida
Visited annually by 200,000 people a year, this lighthouse is a rather famous landmark. It's also known for its hauntings and tragic past. One story is that of a groundskeeper who fell to his death in the ocean while painting the tower. Some say that he can still be seen keeping an eye on the lighthouse. Another story is that of three girls who fell into the ocean and drowned after the cart that they were playing on broke. They say that the girls' laughter can still be heard.
8. Dock Street Theater - South Carolina
After the original theater burnt down, it was rebuilt as Planters Inn, but in the 1930s it was converted back into a theater. The most interesting resident ghost is Nettie Dickerson, a prostitute who, as the story goes, was struck by lightning while standing on the balcony of the hotel. Her shadow has been seen on the second floor of the theater, simply gliding along. She's reported to have crazy eyes and wears a red dress.
9. Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast - Massachusetts
The home of Lizzie Borden, who was accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe, is now a bed and breakfast museum. Not only can you tour the house where the gruesome murder took place, you can also sleep in the room where Abby Borden was murdered. Known mostly for its murder story, this house is also known for its haunting. It's said that weeping and footsteps can be heard, apparitions dressed in Victorian-era clothing can be seen, doors will open and close, and that muted conversations can be heard from empty rooms.
10. Eastern State Penitentiary - Philadelphia
Built to look like a castle, this penitentiary took solitary confinement to a whole new level. They did everything alone, and when they were taken from their cells cloth bags were put over their heads so they couldn't see. The prison had to give up their solitary system because of overcrowding; however, the severity of punishment never stopped. It's said that they even chained inmates tongues to their wrists as punishment. Paranormal happenings include disembodied laughter, shadowy figures, and pacing footsteps.
