Do you believe in ghosts?
Have you ever experienced the paranormal?
Logically and scientifically, only those that can be actually proven to exist are believed to exist. Then again, some of us experience or see things that can neither be explained by logic nor by science.
Though people might fear the unknown, there is always a small part of them that is intrigued and wants to explore more. Remember watching horror films or reading such stories, where the characters go down to the basement, and here you are shouting and screaming at them to turn tail and run? Of course, they cannot listen to you, so they find themselves either in trouble or dead. That is explained by the inherent sense of intrigue and curiosity each person possesses – some more than others.
And that is what you will see in this article—some of the most haunted places in America. Specifically, the USA. Here are some haunted places to know and explore.
Masonic Temple
The Detroit Masonic Temple is considered to be the largest in the world. There are a lot of reasons to visit it, seeing as how it houses some of the popular masonic organizations and a variety of public spaces, such as theaters, ballrooms, and banquet halls. Outside on the lawns, you can also find a swimming pool, a handball court, a gymnasium, a bowling alley, and a pool hall.
But there are some underlying mysteries and legends tied with this temple. The best known story associated with this place is one of its patron, George D Mason – bringing it to the top of the list of the haunted houses in US. He was said to have made it gothic, which ultimately made him bankrupt. Unable to bear the burden of poverty, legend says that he jumped from the top story of this very temple. Ever since, some residents of the temple have reported seeing the ghost of George Mason climbing the steps to the roof.
St. Augustine Lighthouse
The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum in Florida is definitely a must-visit. It is a good place for you to understand some US history, especially navy and military history.
A lot of history is associated with the lighthouse here – it served quite well in many wars, including the Second World War, taking it to the list of top haunted houses in America. Along with this, it is also considered a place of paranormal intrigue: three sisters who drowned while playing and the ghost of the original builder furious over a land dispute related to the land of the place. In addition, it is said that 13 pirates were buried here. Although there is no evidence of these pirates, archaeologists have definitely found traces of dozens of shipwrecks all along the coast.
Dock Street Theater
Once said to have been a hotel, the Dock Street Theater in Charleston, in the state of South Carolina is one of the oldest in America. It is still functional and a lot of people flock here to watch a variety of productions, including performing arts, events, and meetings. It is so deeply and culturally rooted in its town, that today, it is the symbol of Charleston.
Originally a theater, before it burned down, a hotel called Planter’s Inn was built here. The most famous legend is that of a woman who lived in the 19th century. Some say her name is Nettie Dickerson. She was a simple, naïve country girl who came to the city of Charleston with hopes and dreams like anybody else. But even when she found a clerk’s job, she was drawn to prostitution. She faced mockery and insult since she was 25 years and therefore, seen at the time as unmarriageable. She bottled up her feelings of hurt and insult; but one day, they all burst out. In a fit of rage, Nettie supposedly wore a bright red gown, ran to a balcony on a higher floor of the building, and began to shout insults at the people outside. It happened to have been stormy weather at the time. But that did not stop her, until lightning struck and she died.
Some people say today that they see a woman in a red dress standing on the balcony that could be Nettie, making it one of the most haunted places in America.
Savannah Cemetery
The Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia hit fame when it was published in the popular novel, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1994) by John Berendt, which was later adapted into a movie of the same name in 1997. It was originally established in 1846 – on a land that was formerly the Bonaventure Plantation – and owned by John Mullryne. The cemetery has a southern Gothic atmosphere, with Spanish moss providing shade to Victorian monuments.
There are several notable artists who were buried here, including the singer Johnny Mercer, but what is most curious here is the burial site of a young 6-year-old girl. Her name was Gracie Watson. On top of her gravestone, her family had got constructed a statue of her with a hand on a tree stub, indicating her life cut short.
Many visitors a few years later have reported seeing Gracie standing near her grave; even of sounds of crying babies and barking dogs that they couldn’t explain; even of the statue of Gracie Watson suddenly smiling at them.
Brr… that definitely gave the chills, just writing about it! Imagine what would visiting do, huh? Go and check out for yourself!
Honolulu International Airport
Also known as Daniel K Inouye International Airport, the Honolulu Airport on the island of Hawaii is a very common spot, not very deserted, surely. There are always people moving in and out of the island who come to this airport.
In such a place, it is quite unlikely to find reports of ghost-sighting… and yet, there is said to be one resident ghost in the airport. That of a young girl dubbed “the Lady in Waiting” – a lady who fell in love with a man, who brought her to the airport, only to abandon her. She is said to have been standing there for years, waiting for him. Some people have reported seeing her still standing, still waiting.
Do you think you’ll see her? How about a quick visit to the Honolulu International Airport before travelling back to India from USA?
Chilled to your bones? Experience this live in the USA; you can reserve cheap India to USA flights for you at Indian Eagle!
Are there any other haunted places in America you have heard intriguing ghost stories about, that haven’t made the list? Do let us know in the comments below!
