The Ghost Hunter's Field Guide

Body, Mind & Spirit / Parapsychology

A coast-to-coast guide to the country’s creepiest haunts The Ghost Hunter’s Field Guide features over 1,000 haunted places around the country in all fifty states that you can investigate yourself. Experience ghostly activity at battlefields, theaters, saloons, hotels, museums, resorts, parks, and other spooky sites—all of which are completely safe and accessible.

From Alabama to Wyoming, you’ll find out where to go to glimpse the unquiet spirits of Civil War soldiers, plantation slaves, criminals, and other entities.

This alphabetized reference guide features over 100 photos and, for each location, includes the fascinating tales behind the haunting. Flip to your state to see what kind of paranormal phenomena commonly occur at each site: apparitions, shadow shapes, phantom sounds and scents, residual hauntings, psychokinetic activity, and more.

Ford’s Theatre • The Whaley House Museum The Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast • Alcatraz Island The Queen Mary • The Bell Witch Cave A paranormal investigator for over ten years, Rich Newman is the founder of the group Paranormal Inc. He is also a filmmaker and has published articles in Haunted Times and Paranormal Underground. He lives in Tennessee. Learn more about his investigations at www.ParanormalIncorporated.com. $17 .95 US $20.95 CAN

Llewellyn Worldwide

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ISBN 978-0-7387-2088-3

About the Author Rich Newman (Tennessee) has been investigating the paranormal for over ten years and is the founder of the group Paranormal Inc. He is also a filmmaker whose first feature film, a documentary called Ghosts of War, will be released in 2011. His articles have appeared in Haunted Times and Paranormal Underground. Learn more about his investigations at www.paranormal​ incorporated.com.

To Write to the Author If you wish to contact the author or would like more information about this book, please write to the author in care of Llewellyn Worldwide and we will forward your request. Both the author and publisher appreciate hearing from you and learning of your enjoyment of this book and how it has helped you. Llewellyn Worldwide cannot guarantee that every letter written to the author can be answered, but all will be forwarded. Please write to: Rich Newman /o Llewellyn Worldwide 2143 Wooddale Drive Woodbury, MN 55125-2989 Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for reply, or $1.00 to cover costs. If outside the U.S.A., enclose an international postal reply coupon. c

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THE

GHOST

HUNTER’S

FIELD GUIDE

OVER 1000 HAUNTED PLACES YOU CAN EXPERIENCE

R I C H

N E W M A N

Llewellyn Publications Woodbury, Minnesota

The Ghost Hunter’s Field Guide: Over 1000 Haunted Places You Can Experience © 2011

by Rich Newman. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever, including Internet usage, without written permission from Llewellyn Publications, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

First Edition, 2011 First Printing, 2011 Book design and layout by Joanna Willis Cover design by Kevin R. Brown Cover images: house on hill © iStockphoto.com/Jarek Szymanski; road sign © iStockphoto.com/Julien Grondin Interior illustrations of the states © Art Explosion Image Library Llewellyn is a registered trademark of Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Newman, Rich.

The ghost hunter’s field guide : over 1000 haunted places you can experience / Rich Newman. p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-0-7387-2088-3 1. Haunted places. 2. Ghosts. I. Title.

BF1461.N49 2011 133.10973—dc22 2010042499 Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd. does not participate in, endorse, or have any authority or responsibility concerning private business transactions between our authors and the public.

All mail addressed to the author is forwarded, but the publisher cannot, unless specifically instructed by the author, give out an address or phone number.

Any Internet references contained in this work are current at publication time, but the publisher cannot guarantee that a specific location will continue to be maintained. Please refer to the publisher’s website for links to authors’ websites and other sources.

The location and operating hours of venues listed in this book are current as of publication time.

However, because some might have changed since then, we recommend that you check for current information before visiting.

Llewellyn Publications A Division of Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd. 2143 Wooddale Drive Woodbury, MN 55125-2989 www.llewellyn.com Printed in the United States of America

Contents

Introduction: How to Use This Guide / ix Activity Key / xiii

The Listings 1 Sources / 387 Photo Credits / 393 Index / 401

Introduction: How to Use This Guide Everywhere you look nowadays there are ghost hunters. They’re on television, in the movies and storming the net in greater force day by day.

We watch the shows, read the books, and listen to the legends, but what is it that we really want to do?

We want to experience a haunting for ourselves.

I personally have been investigating the paranormal for over a decade (I have a paranormal investigations group in Memphis, Tennessee, called Paranormal Inc.), and I have captured audio, visual, and photographic evidence of a haunting many times. Since I have been in Paranormal Inc., getting to the locations has not been that difficult—oftentimes we are directly contacted by places to come out and visit them. As an individual/amateur ghost hunter, though, this is not usually the case. It’s often quite difficult for the beginning investigator to get out into the field to begin researching and investigating the paranormal.

That’s where this guide comes in. This book you are holding in your hands contains over 1,100 haunted locations all across the United States—and every one of them can be visited by you. There are no locations in this book that

will pan out to be ruins, or end up on closed, private property—or that’s simply too dangerous for you to visit. These are all locations you can actually go to. Sometimes it’s as easy as simply driving there. At other times, it may mean buying a meal or checking into a hotel to see the site. Either way, they are accessible to you and you can visit and experience them all.

You will also notice as you read about the individual haunted locations in this book that there are no cemeteries listed here. This is because I do not encourage ghost hunters to go to cemeteries; a cemetery is a place for family and friends to honor the memories of their loved ones, not a place for strangers to desecrate. Yes, I know, you are a responsible paranormal investigator. Unfortunately, though, there are many “ghost hunters” out there who are actually thrill seekers, so sending them to cemeteries is always a bad idea.

The listings in this book are alphabetized by state and city and contain specific information and history about each haunted location, as well as the paranormal activity that occurs there. I have verified each haunting through at least two separate sources (listed in the back of the book) to make sure of the validity of the ix

tales. There is also a “legend” featured after each listing that you can use to interpret the specifics of that haunting, such as the type of spirit there (residual hauntings are marked as such) and the experiences associated with the site (this is helpful when determining the equipment you may want to take along with you).

All of us at Paranormal Inc. are staunch “antiorb” folks. Ghost lights (actual, visible glowing balls of light) we document. Dust, bugs, water condensation, etc. that show up as “orbs” in photos/video we do not. They are not indicators of haunted activity. That said, I have “orbs” listed as an activity type in this book. But when I list a location as having orbs, I mean REAL orbs (ghost lights). The same is also true of “mists” that have been documented at haunted sites; these are true, paranormal mists, not the product of condensation, smoke or anything else that can be explained away as a natural occurrence.

I have also included Web addresses and directions when necessary for finding the places within this book—as well as specific rooms and areas within the sites to concentrate your investigation on. All of this will be helpful when planning your trip.

There are a few things to keep in mind, though, before traveling to any of these locations: 1. Plan ahead. If you are visiting a restaurant, B&B/hotel, or museum, you should call and make reservations to visit there if possible. These are places of business and with haunted tourism at an all time high, you don’t want to drive all that way and not be able to get in! Not to mention the fact that places do go out of business.

Also consider that a lot of these locations are quite historic and frequently undergo renovations, so check out their website or contact them to make sure they are open before visiting.

2. Dress appropriately. Some of these sites are outside locations (such as battlefield parks); so check on the weather before going there. Plan for rain/inclement x

introduction : how to use this guide

weather as well—not only for yourself, but for any gear you may take along.

3. State and national parks are not usually open at night. If you’re going to investigate a park after hours, you need permission either from the park itself or local authorities. Going into a park at night without permission is trespassing, and this practice gives all ghost hunters a bad name. That said, a lot of these same parks offer camping.

4. Consider a day investigation. Despite popular belief, ghosts do not just come out at night. Investigating in the daytime is safer, involves fewer logistics, and can be done with relative ease. It also offers opportunities that you would not otherwise get—such as taking a tour within a haunted museum.

5. Respect the location. Leave everything as you found it and don’t ruin a good haunted place for future visitors. If you’re at a haunted B&B or hotel, limit your investigation to your room (try to reserve one of the most haunted—they are usually designated in the individual listings) and the hallways/common areas of the hotel once everyone is asleep. If there are more areas you’d like to explore within the location, ask the manager for permission first—you’d be surprised what you can get when you ask. And, never, ever trespass!

6. Keep your group small—but make sure you’re not alone. The more people you take with you, the more noise you make.

This pollutes your evidence/data and limits your chances of experiencing anything at the site. You do want to take one person with you, though, if for no other reason than safety.

7. Be safe. Don’t take unnecessary chances.

Watch your step in the dark, stay in

safe areas, and keep your partner close at hand. It will keep you from panicking when you experience something paranormal and will supply you with another set of ears/eyes that will help you separate what’s going on around you from your mind playing tricks on you.

If you follow these guidelines you will have a pleasurable and exciting experience in the field.

Have fun, be a responsible investigator, and let me know how you did. If you have a haunted location that’s not listed in this book, send it along to me at the e-mail address below—maybe it’ll turn up in the next edition!

Rich Newman Paranormal Inc www.paranormalincorporated.com info@paranormalincorporated.com

introduction : how to use this guide

xi

Activity Key A–Apparition. The visible spirit of a former living being. They are sometimes said to glow or emanate a single color (most often white). Most often they are “see-through,” though they can also appear as a solid living person who usually disappears in front of the observer.

O–Orbs/Ghost Lights. This is the most commonly overused classification of paranormal activity. Orbs are not the small bits of dust or moisture that are commonly captured using flash photography, but actual glowing balls of light that are visible to the human eye.

C–Cold Spots. This is a commonly reported phenomenon. It’s said that when a ghost draws near, he or she will need energy in order to manifest itself or to perform any actions. As a result, they draw the ambient heat from an area to this end. That spot is then said to feel cold.

R–Residual Haunting. Rather than actually being the soul or spirit of the former living, this type of haunting is the simple recording of an event in time that seems to replay over and over again. When a listing does not have this type of haunting noted, the activity at the site is considered to be of an “Intelligent” nature. This means the spirit has the ability to interact with his or her environment and was once alive.

E–Audio or EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena).

Sometimes the actual disembodied voice of an entity can be heard—or even music. This is an actual audio experience. At other times, the voices of spirits are only heard after reviewing an audio recorder. This is called an EVP. These are usually collected because the microphone of the recorder is more sensitive than our actual ears are.

M–Mists. Sometimes when an entity is trying to manifest, there is not enough energy to fully form an apparition. This can appear as a “misty” person or a mist.

N–Phantom Scents or Aromas. Self-explanatory.

Usually the scent of tobacco, perfume, or food.

S–Shadow Shapes. When an entity lacks enough energy to manifest in detail, he or she will often simply appear as a large black mass—sometimes in the actual shape of a living person.

T–Telekinetic or PK Activity. In simple terms, this is when a ghost has the ability to physically move something. This usually requires an inordinate amount of energy, so this phenomenon is usually accompanied either by cold spots or in the area of a large electromagnetic field.

xiii

Birmingham

Montgomery

Mobile

Dauphin Island

Alabama

Albertville Albertville Public Library Built in 1963, the first stand-alone library of Albertville, Alabama, is known for the Winston Walker Jr. Civil War Collection, a top-notch rare book room, and for being haunted! Some say the spirit(s) there are the product of a place that existed on the property prior to the construction of the library. Unfortunately, the exact identities of those that haunt the building have yet to be discovered. Activity occurs during the night and early mornings of the library—usually the kind of activity associated with an intelligent haunt— and includes faucets and lights that turn on/off and the opening/closing of doors (to include the elevator). Employees of the library have also heard the sounds of footsteps and banging in areas where nobody is present at the time. The

library is, of course, open to the public, so plan your visit today.

Address: 200 Jackson Street Website: www.albertvillelibrary.org Activity: T, E Anniston The Victoria A Victorian mansion built in 1888, The Victoria is now owned and operated by Jacksonville State University. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has housed several prominent Anniston family members over the years. Today, the place is a bed and breakfast and has been the site of many strange occurrences. The spirit of a female in period dress (Victorian, of course) has been seen many times within the home. Usually she is spotted on the 1

stairs or at the top of the staircase on the second floor, though she is also known for hanging around the downstairs piano as well. On occasion, the piano can be heard playing throughout the house. Other activity centers on the downstairs bar where glasses have been known to move and be heard hitting one another. The B&B is still open, and as mentioned above, is operated by the university.

Address: 1604 Quintard Avenue Website: www.thevictoria.com Activity: A, E Auburn Auburn University Chapel Known as the oldest original building at Auburn University (the chapel was built in 1851), this old Greek Revival property has existed as many different things over the years: a Presbyterian church, a Civil War hospital, and a theater, to name a few. It was after the building was renovated in a Gothic style, though, that things began to happen at the old chapel. Visitors to the site have reported a male ghost that has been seen throughout the place—as well as heard! Known as “Sydney Grimlett,” the spirit is said to have been one of the Confederate soldiers who passed away in the place during the hospital period. He is said to be an Englishman who fought for the Southern forces, and he is most known for his activity during the years the building operated as a theater. During productions, he would open and close doors (and lock them as well), move props that were needed, and could be heard generally making a racket throughout the place. Today, the chapel is open to the public and can even be rented for events.

Address: 139 South College Street Website: www.auburn.edu Activity: T, E, A Bay Minette Bay Minette Public Library Opened in December of 1930, the Bay Minette Public Library has seen many hardships over the years—not the least of which was the Depression,

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which caused a constant struggle for the library to keep books in serviceable condition. Today, of course, this is no problem. The library is said to have a fine collection of reading material—as well as several ghosts known for staring out the library’s windows at night! Local legend has it that the library was built on the site of a turn-ofthe-century morgue, but this has never been confirmed. What has been confirmed, though, is the many visitors to the location that have witnessed the strange faces peering from dark windows at night. People have also been known to see books moving of their own volition and “dark shadow shapes” that seem to dart between the rows of books. You can visit the library Monday through Saturday to see for yourself.

Address: 205 West Second Street Website: www.cityofbayminette.org Activity: A, S, T Bayou La Batre/Coden Gwodz Road Though it smacks of an urban legend, Gwodz Road (located just east of the Alabama towns of Bayou La Batre and Coden) has been known for decades as an extremely haunted area of the state. Legend—and history—states that the area was well known for illegal hangings held by racist individuals and groups there (such as the Ku Klux Klan). Most of the hauntings that occur up and down this road seem to occur around old trees that locals state were used for the hangings. Several paranormal groups have investigated this area and have gotten great results: strange mists and shadow shapes have been photographed around the trees and EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) have also been captured that seem to suggest the presence of at least one entity. Gwodz Road is a safe place, but you may want to let the local sheriff know about your visit beforehand if you decide to investigate this location.

Address: South Intersection of Patruski Road Activity: S, M, E

Birmingham The Tutwiler Hotel

Birmingham Sloss Furnaces Founded by Colonel James Withers Sloss in 1882, the Sloss Furnaces has been well known as a haunted location for many years. Being an ironworks, a few workers did perish on the job, usually from poisonous gases coming from the furnace before the factory was mechanized in 1920. However, men also died from exposure to sudden blasts of steam while working with or repairing the equipment. Their skin would literally be cooked off. Sloss Furnaces was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1981 and now operates as an industrial museum that offers tours, educational programs, and metal arts classes to the public on a regular basis. The paranormal activity seems to take place both inside and outside the main building. Theophilus Jowers, an actual blast furnace foreman who suffered a fiery death when he fell into the top of the Little Alice Furnace, is reputed to walk the stairs, catwalks, and dark hallways of the place and is often seen as a black mass darting about the property. There is also a music venue on the site that is known for the entity appearing above the stage area. Catch a concert here or take a tour to experience the place at its best.

Address: 20 32nd Street North Website: www.slossfurnaces.com Activity: S, A

Known to locals as the second coming of the infamous Tutwiler (the first was imploded by the city in 1973), the first incarnation of this hotel was built in 1914 by Major E. M. Tutwiler. It was later known as the Ridgley Apartments over the years prior to the construction of the second hotel. The Tutwiler is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is known by the employees as the stalking grounds of a spirit called “The Knocker.” People who stay in the hotel have reported hearing a strange knocking on their door in the middle of the night (especially on the sixth floor of the hotel) and, after investigation, found nobody in the hall. Other paranormal occurrences in the hotel have been witnessed in the kitchen area of the hotel where employees have had lights and stoves turn themselves on. Reservations for the hotel can be made online at the hotel’s website.

Address: 2021 Park Place North Website: www.thetutwilerhotel.com Activity: E, T Camden Gaines Ridge Dinner Club The Gaines Ridge Dinner Club, formerly known as the Hearn Place, was built in 1827 and is known throughout the Camden area as a haunted location—mostly because the “history” of the haunt there is written right on the restaurant menu! Visitors to the eatery have seen a white form on the stairs and in windows, and have heard the sounds of a spirit that often imitates others within the establishment. The owner of the club was even once fooled into thinking a cook was screaming for her—but, of course, it was not the cook making the sounds.

The sources of the haunting seem to center around two events—the first of which involves a baby that was accidentally smothered by her mother while the two were sleeping in the same bed. The second event involves a downstairs restroom where the sounds of someone falling have often been heard. One customer even reported finding the bathroom door unmovable, alabama

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as if a person were lying on the floor behind it.

Sounds of the baby crying have been heard in the upstairs area of the house and the smells of a pipe being smoked have been experienced in the place as well.

Address: 933 Highway 10 East Website: www.wilcoxwebworks.com/gr/ Activity: A, E, N, R

Dauphin Island Fort Gaines Constructed between 1853 and 1861—and named after General Edmund Pendleton Gaines—this old fort on Dauphin Island has had its fair share of history … both normal and paranormal. The battlement was involved in the Civil War (Battle of Mobile Bay being the most prominent warfare there) and the Spanish American War. Spirits from both battles have been seen at this place over the years, not only at the fort, but all over the surrounding area to include a campground. The most common apparition seen is a male soldier dressed in a Confederate uniform. He is often spotted standing beside one of the cannons overlooking the bay.

This apparition is also known to have followed visitors as they are leaving the fort.

Address: 51 Bienville Boulevard Website: www.dauphinisland.org Activity: A

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alabama

Enterprise The Rawls Hotel Originally named the McGee Hotel, Japheth and Elizabeth Rawls built the hotel in 1903 to serve as a place for travelers along the railroad to stay. Just after the end of World War I, the Rawls Hotel became known for something altogether different, though—ghosts. Hot spots in the hotel include the basement, the entire third floor, and most areas in the original 1903 section. (The hotel had an addition built in the 1920s.) The basement (now a wine cellar) is said to be haunted by Mr. Rawls himself, with his apparition often being seen there. The third floor seems to be the roaming area of the spirit of a female child that has often been heard laughing. Her spirit has been seen in several rooms—and she has been known to move items placed within them. In addition to these spirits, guests and employees have reported seeing a young boy standing on the stairs of hotel between the cellar and first floor.

Address: 116 South Main Street Website: www.rawlsbandb.com Activity: A, E, T Guntersville The Whole Backstage Theatre More than just a theatre, the WBT is known as a community gathering place in Guntersville. Children and adults who are interested in learning about the arts, acting, and even just enjoying the occasional production have been frequenting the local establishment for more than 30 years. The theatre is also known for possessing a very unique ghost—a pyromaniac.

Throughout the years, reports of spontaneous fires breaking out in strange places have taken place in the building—including a mattress that burst into flames unexpectedly one day. Folks who have regularly spent time in the theatre say the spirit is that of an old man who was a pyromaniac. Interestingly, the only sounds of spirit activity in the place have been attributed to a small boy who is often heard in the backstage area of the building. Purchase a ticket to one of

their wonderful productions—a trip worthy in and of itself—to see if something paranormal happens to you there.

Address: 1120 Rayburn Avenue Website: www.wholebackstage.com Activity: E, T Jasper Camax Mill Bridge Located north of the town of Jasper, Alabama, on Country Club Road, the Camax Mill Bridge is certainly not an intimidating structure. It’s a small, one-lane bridge perched over the Black Water Creek that could easily be passed by without a second look—unless that second look involved seeing a ghost! For decades, the Camax Mill Bridge outside Jasper has been a spot for paranormal investigators to get their feet wet. Sightings there have included apparitions, strange sounds, and black shadow shapes all along the bridge, as well as under the bridge and along the banks of the creek. Locals have dubbed the spirit as “Moon Mullins” (a nickname that has been used many times over the years in this area of Alabama), though no history of this person has actually emerged—much less the association of the entity with the bridge. One thing is certain though—there have been consistent reports of activity on this bridge for almost 50 years!

Address: Country Club Road Website: www.jaspercity.com Activity: A, S, E Mobile Seaman’s Bethel Theater The Seaman’s Bethel Theater, located on the campus of the University of Southern Alabama, is also called the Honor’s Center. Having existed long before the creation of the university, the place was just sort of swallowed up by the school over the years. It is in the basement of this theater that the paranormal activity is said to occur. The area is said to be haunted by a female child that is often heard playing there. Actors/production personnel have also reported

costumes being moved around during productions. Other visitors to the place have stated that there is a second entity—known to those there as a “seaman”—who reputedly haunts the upper area above the stage.

Address: On Campus on USA Drive South Website: www.southalabama.edu Activity: E, T

Mobile USS Alabama After being decommissioned following World War II, the USS Alabama has been perched in the Mobile Bay, pleasing tourists and history buffs from all over the world since 1965. Dubbed the “Mighty A” during the war, the battleship saw its fair share of warfare and disaster. Today, the ship is the centerpiece of a wonderful state park and offers daily tours to visitors. Though you will get no official opinion about the haunting of the ship, visitors over the years have consistently reported hearing the sounds of people walking in the sleeping quarters of the ship while nobody else was present. There have also been reports of a spirit who likes to tug at people’s clothing as they visit the cooks’ galley and officers’ quarters.

If you are interested, you can visit the USS Alabama every day of the year except Christmas.

Address: 2703 Battleship Parkway Website: www.ussalabama.com Activity: E, T

alabama

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Montevallo University of Montevallo

that the spirit of one Eliza Lucas—a previous owner of the tavern during the 1830s—now haunts this old building. People have witnessed her apparition within the tavern, as well as peering through windows and doors. Other activity in the tavern includes footsteps and, occasionally, the voice of Eliza. Old Alabama Town offers tours of the site, as well as the tavern, so visiting this location is a must if you are in the area.

The university in Montevallo dates back to 1896 and has had ghost stories circulating about it since its creation. The first, and most well known, spirit is said to be that of Henry Clay Reynolds, a captain during the Civil War. He is often seen in different spots on the campus grounds, but always outside. The second entity on campus is said to be that of Condie Cunningham, a girl who lived in the Old Residence Hall in 1908 (when the school was called the Alabama Girls Industrial School). Condie is said to have burned to death in her bed one night and now roams the fourth floor of the residence hall to this day. Students who stay there have heard female screams, cries for help, and the sounds of footsteps running down the hallway. A third ghost is also said to haunt the historic King House on campus.

This spirit is thought to be Edmund King (a past resident of the house) and is often seen peering from windows there—presumably guarding a treasure that was rumored to be buried in the area.

Address: 301 Columbus Street Website: www.oldalabamatown.com Activity: A, E

Address: Visitor Center is at Oak and Middle Streets Website: www.montevallo.edu Activity: A, E

Address: 600 Dexter Avenue Website: www.preserveala.org Activity: A, T

Montgomery Lucas Tavern This old tavern and stagecoach stop was originally located east of Montgomery in an area now known as Waugh. It served as an overnight stop for travelers to get a meal and bed before continuing on their journey. Today, the place is part of the Old Alabama Town exhibit. It’s said

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alabama

Montgomery State Capitol Building After the original Capitol of Alabama burned down in 1849, the state decided to build a second capitol building on top of the ruins of the first. It was completed in 1851 and designed in a Greek Revival style that was very popular at the time. Today, in addition to serving as the capitol, the building is a museum to Alabama politics and history—including the spot where Jefferson Davis took the oath as President of the Confederate States of America. Paranormal activity in the building seems to happen mostly on the second floor of building where employees have seen what they describe as a “Confederate woman” roaming the halls and offices.

Others have reported faucets turning on and off by themselves as well. The capitol building is open to the public Monday through Friday.

Opelika Spring Villa Plantation When you think of the South and haunted homes, you think of plantations. That said, the Spring Villa Plantation in Opelika, Alabama, is probably one of the most haunted antebellum homes in the state. Built in 1850 by William Penn Yonge, Spring Villa has been reputedly a haunted place since the late 1800s. The entity

that is said to roam the halls is none other than Yonge himself. He was known by locals to be cruel to the slaves that resided on the plantation, and it is said that one of these slaves hid in a small niche just above the thirteenth step of the home’s spiral staircase. When Yonge passed by, the slave leaped out and stabbed his owner to death on the stairs. Today, this stair is avoided by those who don’t wish to anger the spirit of Yonge. His apparition has been seen peering through upstairs windows, on the stairs, and roaming the upstairs halls of the house. Visiting the plantation is easy since it is now located within a park in Opelika. The park grounds also contain picnic shelters, a swimming pool, and even a campground.

Address: On Spring Villa Road Website: www.opelika.org Activity: A Parrish Jack’s Family Restaurant Jack’s is a chain of restaurants that has locations throughout the state of Alabama. But only one of them is known for paranormal activity—the Jack’s located in the city of Parrish! Visitors to this eatery have reported seeing doors open and close by themselves, as well as feeling unnatural “cold spots” in the bathrooms. Over the years, most of the activity there has been reported by employees. They have experienced equipment in the kitchen turning itself on and off, strange voices speaking from the drive-through speaker, and objects being knocked off the shelves throughout the cooking area.

Address: 6258 Highway 269 Website: www.eatatjacks.com Activity: T, E, C Saraland Kali Oka Road With names like “Deadman’s Curve” and “Cry Baby Bridge,” the Kali Oka Road in Saraland, Alabama, can be quite an intimidating locale. Add in the fact that locals have been telling strange tales about this area for many years and you’ve

got a trip worthy of taking. Besides being home to a foreboding plantation house that has been used in several horror movies, the road itself, and a bridge located on it, is said to be haunted. Visitors down Kali Oka have often seen the ghost of a large black man—thought to be a vengeful exslave—walking the route to and from the plantation house. The sounds of a small baby crying have also been reported in the area of the bridge along the road. Though all the stories involving the entity are just that—stories—one thing is certain: there are strange sounds and sights along the Kali Oka Road.

Address: Kali Oka Road Website: www.saraland.org Activity: A, E Selma St. James Hotel Built in 1837, this hotel was originally known as the Brantley Hotel—named after General John Brantley. Over the course of its existence, the building has served as a trade center, a Confederate army distribution center, and a hideout for Jesse James and his gang. The latter event is the main reason the place is known to be haunted. It is said that in 1881, Jesse James spent a great deal of time at the hotel due to a woman there named “Lucinda” that soon became James’s mistress.

Current visitors to the site have reported seeing both of them still residing and walking the halls of the St. James Hotel. James himself has been seen sitting at the bar, as well as at a corner table in the dining room. Both spirits have also been witnessed in Rooms 214, 314, and 315 of the hotel. Room 305 is known for bright balls of light—or orbs—that float through the room.

In addition to these tales, it is also said that the spirit of a dog is often heard throughout the hotel, including the courtyard.

Address: 1200 Water Avenue Website: www.historichotels.org/hotel/ St_James_Hotel_Selma Activity: A, E, O

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Selma Sturdivant Hall This mansion, which was erected in 1853, has been known as a haunted location in Alabama for over a century. It is said to be haunted by John McGee Parkman, the second owner of the house, who drowned in a river while trying to escape prison. (He was imprisoned for using bank funds for unauthorized investments.)

Visitors to the mansion have spotted Parkman in various locations throughout the house: the parlor, upstairs bedrooms, and the staircase, just to name a few. His presence is usually accompanied by the movement of objects—usually a door—though sometimes his apparition is simply seen gazing out a window. The home is now a historic site that can be toured. Get the current times for these—as well as a listing of other events at this location—on their website.

Address: 713 Mabry Street Website: www.sturdivanthall.com Activity: A, T Thomasville White Lion Inn Though there isn’t a lot to be said about the White Lion Inn itself—a simple home-turnedB&B—there are plenty of people talking about the paranormal activity happening there!

People who have stayed in the place—particularly the upstairs guest rooms—have reported feeling uneasy, as if somebody or something is constantly watching them. Many have even said the place gave them severe nightmares, or night terrors, as they are sometimes called. Misty apparitions have been seen shooting through walls and down the hallways, as well as in the bathrooms on the upper floor. Many have also experienced intense cold spots mysteriously appearing in odd locations. Rooms in this B&B are limited, so be sure to book in advance if visiting (Since they have no website, you may want to call information for a phone number.)

Address: 230 West 3rd Street South Website: www.thomasvilleal.com Activity: A, C, M

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Tuscumbia/Hillsboro Belle Mont Mansion Known as one of the best examples of a Palladian-style house in the American South, the Belle Mont is a mansion with direct links to Thomas Jefferson, as well as famed architect Andrea Palladio. The haunting of the Belle Mont, however, is associated with yet another part of the home’s history that is not so glorious. During the years prior to the Civil War, the mansion was the home to many slaves, and it is said that the place is still haunted by several of them.

Throughout the house and the grounds, the apparitions of former slaves are seen roaming—especially in the basement where the shackles that once held them are still present. Today, Belle Mont is being renovated, but is open to the public by for tours. Check out their website in advance for times and dates.

Address: Cook Lane, three miles south of intersection US 43 and US 72 Website: www.preserveala.org Activity: A, S Tuscumbia Winston House Currently a part of Deshler High School, the Winston House (sometimes called the Winston Plantation) is said to be haunted by the original owner, William Winston—though it is also thought that he may not be the only spirit located within the place. A room within the house that’s called the Maude Lindsay Room has been the site of several eyewitness accounts of an apparition (thought to be Winston), as well as the usual sounds of footsteps and voices. As mentioned above, the place is part of a current high school, so visit or call the office to find out tour/ visitor information prior to traveling there.

Address: 200 East Commons Street North Website: http://deshler.tch.schoolinsites.com Activity: A, E

Kotzebue Nome

Fairbanks Anchorage Juneau

Alaska

Anchorage Chilkoot Charlie’s As one of the more happening joints in Alaska, Chilkoot Charlie’s is already quite popular with the local crowd. Besides featuring great drinks and a stage that hosts national acts, the place is also the home to a frisky male ghost. Female visitors to the bar have felt a male presence—sometimes literally, as he enjoys grabbing women by the arm—in the restrooms as well as in the main bar area. A male voice has also been heard on occasion in the same areas. Employees of the bar have reported beers that seem to move down the bar on their own as well.

Address: 1071 West 25th Avenue Website: www.koots.com Activity: T, E Anchorage Courtyard by Marriott Ghosts don’t always just frequent old homes— sometimes they linger at modern, chain establishments as well. Such is the case of the Marriott hotel in Anchorage. The hotel is known for several haunted rooms, though only one has any real weight to it. Room 201 of this hotel

apparently had a guest who stayed beyond the normal checkout time; he passed away in this room and apparently was not found for a while.

According to some sources, there is also a spirit that the hotel has named “Ken” who is known for haunting the courtyard along with rooms 103 and 107. Reports vary on this site, but no activity has been reported other than seeing the occasional glimpse of Ken or the gentleman in Room 201.

Address: 4901 Spenard Road Website: www.marriott.com Activity: A Anchorage Diamond Center Mall Local rumors/legend says that this mall was built upon a burial site for a local tribe of Alaskan Native Americans. Because of the age of the graves—and the fact that there were only a few of them—construction was permitted to continue. Though no construction crew involved with the building of the mall can verify this, local paranormal groups say the story is true.

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around the bathrooms, where investigators say voices are heard and photographs containing true orbs and mists have been captured over the years.

Address: 800 East Diamond Boulevard Website: www.diamondcenter.com Activity: E, M, O

often seen entering the hotel from the street. This particular entity doesn’t speak or notice anyone around him—leading investigators to believe that it is probably a residual spirit left behind from times past.

Address: 1200 L Street Website: www.inlettower.com Activity: E, A, R

Anchorage The Historic Anchorage Hotel Built in 1916, the Anchorage is known as the only hotel listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Anchorage. The hotel is also known locally for its paranormal activity. With characteristics of both residual and intelligent haunts, the Anchorage is said to be inhabited by a young girl who frequents the second floor of the hotel. Notably, rooms 215 and 217 are most often the site of her appearance—though she also has been witnessed many times in the hallway. She makes her presence known in the rooms by turning faucets and the television on and off. The residual part of the haunt seems to center around “crowd noises” that seem to emanate from the stairway. Employees of the hotel have reported hearing them many times. There are no entities seen on the stairs, though— they’re just heard.

Address: 330 East Street Website: www.historicanchoragehotel.com Activity: E, A, T Anchorage Inlet Towers Paranormal activity at the Inlet Towers has been reported for many years. According to guests and employees alike, there are several entities that seem to wander the place. The most common is that of a little girl who is known for playing on the ground floor. She is often seen in the hallways—and the sound of her laughter has also been reported on occasion. Another ghost—that of an adult male—has also been witnessed in the hotel’s elevator. It is rumored that he is the spirit of a man that was killed while repairing the elevator. Finally, there is another male spirit that is

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Anchorage University of Alaska, Wendy Williamson Auditorium Like most theaters, the WWA has had its fair share of ghost stories—some credible, some pretty far-fetched. In the far-fetched realm, there is reputedly a male entity that likes to manipulate the light switches for the stage and gets a kick out of pushing people around—literally.

Students of UAA say the spirit has pushed female students down the stairs in the facility before. But nobody can actually name a student!

In the credible arena, there have been reports for many years of a woman dressed all in white who has been seen in various locations throughout the theater. Local sources in Anchorage say reports of this particular apparition have been making their rounds with paranormal groups for quite a while—and the stories have weight because witnesses have stepped forward to report the occurrences. Visit the campus and take a tour there for yourself.

Address: Corner of Lake Otis Parkway and Providence Drive Website: www.uaa.alaska.edu Activity: A, T Chugiak Birchwood Saloon The haunting of the Birchwood Saloon in Chugiak, Alaska, is a pretty recent affair. Workers at the watering hole credit the death of a local for the haunting; it seems he was shoveling snow off the roof of a neighboring building when he accidentally hit a hot power line. Rather than spend an eternity wallowing in despair on said rooftop, he opted instead to haunt the bar

next door. Employees of the bar say the spirit is fond of typical Poltergeist-like activity: he often turns the jukebox on/off without warning, plays with the lights, and likes to entertain the folks there by moving various items around the bar. In addition to this activity, patrons have reported seeing an apparition of the man at times and hearing an odd voice in areas of the bar where nobody is currently hanging out. Head up to Chugiak, grab a drink, and see if you can catch a glimpse of the ghost there .

Address: 20145 Pilots Road Activity: A, T

there for quite some time. It’s said that barware has been witnessed moving, strange orbs have been spotted in various rooms, and the sounds of voices have been heard in various places.

Since there doesn’t seem to be any particular room associated with the haunting there, the only pinpointed hotspot is the saloon, so grab a room and plan your vigil around a meal and drink.

Address: 1411 Airport Way Website: www.captainbartlettinn.com Activity: O, T, E Fairbanks Northern Lights Hotel

Chugiak Native Village of Eklutna When Russian settlers introduced the Russian Orthodox Christian religion to the local Native Americans in the 1700s, the result was a strange belief system concerning death and the afterlife.

Once a member of the tribe passed away, it was believed that he/she would walk the earth for a period of time, looking for their possessions before moving on to the otherworld. Rather than allow these spirits to bother the living, the members of the local tribes would instead build a tiny house over the grave of the deceased with some of their possessions—essentially giving him/her a place to inhabit during the “walk the earth” period. Over the years, many people have witnessed spirits moving throughout this park, which has made it a great place for beginning ghost hunters to get their feet wet.

Address: 26339 Eklutna Village Road Website: www.eklutna-nsn.gov Activity: M, A, E Fairbanks Captain Bartlett Inn Though this small hotel is relatively new compared to most other haunted hotels, the feel of this cabin-style lodge is that of the pioneer days of Alaska. In addition to the standard lodgings, the inn offers a top-notch bar/restaurant called the Dogsled Saloon & Roadhouse. Employees of this inn have been reporting paranormal activity

Ever since a young girl passed away on the third floor of this hotel, employees and guests alike have witnessed seeing her apparition and hearing her voice. Even when the hotel closed down the third floor because of complaints—and to try and understand how to deal with this unique sort of problem—the front desk reported receiving odd phone calls from unoccupied rooms on the floor. If you plan to visit the Northern Lights Hotel, you will want to stay on the third floor (naturally) if it is open—if not, go for the second floor. There have been guests who have, on occasion, reported seeing her there, too.

Address: 427 First Avenue Website: www.explorefairbanks.com Activity: A, E Gakona Historic Gakona Lodge and Trading Post The Gakona Lodge was built in 1929 and served as a rest stop for people traveling the FairbanksValdez-Eagle trails. The place really took off when the Army Corps of Engineers improved the area’s roads and built a “shower house” for the place in 1942. Today the lodge is all modern and caters to travelers who just want to get away for a while. On the paranormal front, the place is known for a male entity that seems to spend a lot of time in the upstairs area of the lodge, but prefers Room 5. In this room, he is known

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to play pranks on folks staying in this room, like opening/closing doors, messing with the bed, turning on the radio, etc. Employees of the lodge believe the spirit to be one John Paulsen, a former regular that passed away many years ago. Others have speculated that the spirit could be that of Jim Doyle—a man who loved the area and homesteaded it in the early 1900s. Doyle even built a roadhouse (the remains of which still stand) in the area the lodge now occupies.

Address: Mile 2 of Tok Cutoff Road Website: www.gakonalodge.com Activity: T

bed or simply playing with the bed covers during the night. The third (and final) entity seems to be an older man who hangs around on the ground floor. He is known for moving objects in the bar area and is often heard there as well.

Visitors to the lodge have also seen this man standing behind them when looking in the hallway mirror.

Address: In Hatcher Pass on the bank of the Little Susitna River Website: www.motherlodelodge.com Activity: A, E, T

Girdwood Alyeska Resort The hotel of this upscale resort is said to be haunted by a man named Chris who, according to locals, committed suicide in the hotel a few years ago. Chris is said to haunt two rooms in the hotel: Room 721 and Room 515. In both rooms, he is known to manipulate many of the objects, such as turning the television on/off, opening/closing doors (including the dresser), and playing with the faucets in the bathroom.

Recently, a visitor to the resort reported seeing a man in Room 515 standing at the entrance of the bathroom. When the visitor attempted to speak to the person standing in his room, he simply disappeared.

Address: 1000 Arlberg Avenue Website: www.alyeskaresort.com Activity: A, T Hatcher Pass Motherlode Lodge Originally known as the Little Susitna Roadhouse, the Motherlode Lodge was built in 1942

by Victor Cottini. Today, the lodge experiences several different types of paranormal activity— from several different entities. The first seems to be a female apparition in a red dress who is often seen on the second floor. Many witnesses have seen this apparition. The second is a young girl who seems to inhabit Room 12. Her presence is made known by her lounging on the

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Juneau The Alaskan Hotel & Bar The Alaskan is the oldest, still-operating hotel in Juneau, Alaska (it was established in 1913), and was built to service the booming mining industry. Of course, like most hotels of the day, this also meant the place had a thriving bar and prostitution business. It is said that the ghost that haunts the Alaskan today is a remnant of that past. Dubbed “Alice” by the employees of the hotel, the spirit is said to have been one of the more desired of the ladies of the night, who was killed one evening while on duty. Visitors who stay in the hotel stand a great chance of running into her, too! Her presence is especially known in three hotel rooms: 218, 219, and 308. She is usually accompanied by intense cold spots and she has been spotted—in the form of a misty object—in the rooms, as well as on the stairs. One visitor also reported experiencing a

residual effect in one of the room’s bathrooms; for a moment, the modern fixtures seemed to be those of a past long gone.

Address: 167 South Franklin Website: www.thealaskanhotel.com Activity: C, M, R, A

EVPs and strange photos are common. Proceed with caution …

Address: End of Edgerton Highway/McCarthy Road Website: www.alaskaontheweb.com Activity: S, R, E Kotzebue Northwest Arctic Heritage Center

Kennecott Kennecott Mines Since 1938, the town of Kennecott (also spelled “Kennicott”), Alaska, has stood uninhabited—at least by mortals anyway. After the area’s mines were pretty much tapped, the entire camp packed up and left on the train. After the area was named a historic place, the National Park Service took over (loosely) taking care of the place. Located just down the way from the town of McCarthy, visitors to the ghost town should be careful, as many buildings are in horrible disrepair. If you visit, here is what you can expect—an eerie experience that many believe is caused by the residual spirits of the camp’s mining past. As with most mines, many accidents occurred in Kennecott— quite a lot of them ending with death. Could the spirits of those accidents still haunt the area?

Could be. Or it could be the residual effect of past activities trapped in the area being replayed for the public? Either way, expect to hear strange voices and sounds and to see what many say are the black shadow shapes of spirits trapped in the environment. Paranormal groups who have visited Kennecott have not been disappointed, as

Formerly known as the NANA Museum of the Arctic, the area where the new Heritage Center is being built is known for a ghost story that is sketchy at best. Locals say that a young boy drowned under the museum in a pool of water that was created when snow began to melt.

This story has not been verified—though several area investigators have attempted to do so. However, most agree that the building is haunted— though most probably by spirits of long gone Alaskan Natives. The entity is said to be playful and will move items left behind (such as a toy or ball) and will often mimic sounds that will draw you into a certain room—only to discover nobody is there. The new center should be open, but check in advance before traveling there.

Address: 100 Shore Avenue Website: www.nps.gov/cakr/parknews/nwahc Activity: T, E Seward The Van Gilder Hotel Dating back to 1916, the Van Gilder Hotel has seen its fair share of interesting visitors over the years. Past overnight occupants include famous local politicians, bankers, and entrepreneurs who stayed while scouting out possible future ventures. Today, the place is known for two paranormal visitors—both are apparitions that inhabit two distinct areas of the hotel. A female spirit that seems to reside in Room 202B is often seen at the foot of the bed and often heard talking at night. The second spirit is that of a man who likes to hang out in Room 308. He, too, has been

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recorded speaking in this room, though witnesses have not reported seeing his apparition.

Address: 308 Adams Street Website: www.vangilderhotel.com Activity: A, E Sitka Rookie’s Bar and Grill Stories surrounding the ghost of this sports bar have been circulating through Sitka for quite some time. Locals believe that the building that Rookie’s now inhabits is haunted by a woman who was struck by a drunk driver just outside the place. The area where the accident is said to occur, along with the sports bar, is said to often be filled with the sounds of a female screaming in pain. Activity has also carried over to inside of the bar as well. Patrons have caught the sounds of moaning and seen dark shapes moving quickly through the bar when nobody is in that area.

woman (who the hotel calls “Mary”) died of pneumonia in Room 23 while waiting for her betrothed to return from work. Today, that room still possesses her spirit. She is often seen standing in the room—and sometimes causes visitors to experience a choking sensation in their sleep.

Room 14 is the site of glowing balls of light—or orbs—that dance around the room that many say is just another form of Mary.

Address: Corner of 3rd Avenue and Broadway Street Website: www.skagwayoutlet.com/golden Activity: A, T, O

Address: 1615 Sawmill Creek Road Activity: E, S Skagway Red Onion Saloon

Skagway Golden North Hotel Oftentimes, an entire city can be known for haunted activity. Paranormal investigators usually call this type of area a “portal.” When a portal is present, it can cause many places to experience a lot of activity. Such is the case with Skagway, Alaska. Of the haunts within this city, the Golden North Hotel may be the most famous, though.

The hotel is primarily known for two haunted rooms: Room 14 and Room 23. It is said that a

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With a past that includes being the area’s most well-known brothel, the Red Onion Saloon is another of Skagway’s most infamous haunts.

Built in 1897, this house of ill repute was notorious with travelers in the area as a place to get a drink and a woman for the evening. Though the entire saloon was moved in 1914, the spirit of at least one of the previous occupants came along with it. The upstairs area of the saloon is said to be haunted by a female apparition that makes her presence known with the scent of a strong perfume. Footsteps are heard in this area as well—sometimes extending down onto the ground floor of the building. The Red Onion Saloon has a restaurant and a museum and is well worth a visit.

Address: 205 Broadway Street Website: www.redonion1898.com Activity: N, E