7 Haunted Locations in the US with Notable Histories

By Staff Writer

7 Famously Haunted Places Around the US | HISTORY

1. Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, San Francisco

Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, located on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, ranks among the most notorious prisons in American history. It was operational as a maximum-security prison from 1934 to 1963 and housed some of America’s most infamous criminals.

Its reputation as one of America’s most haunted places comes from reports of paranormal activity following its closure. Visitors and former prison workers have claimed to hear unsettling sounds such as crying, moaning, or eerie music coming from seemingly nowhere.

Interestingly, these haunted happenings seem to frequently occur within the cell blocks that housed prisoners known for their violent behavior, adding an extra layer of creepiness to the already chilling tales.

Visitors have reported feeling sudden cold spots while touring through notorious gangster Al Capone’s cell. There are several accounts claiming the faint echoes of a banjo being played – apparently a residual of Al Capone’s pastime during his stay at Alcatraz.

Experienced a sudden drop in temperature in Al Capone’s cell.
Heard the ghostly plucking of a banjo inside the cell blocks.
Sensed unexplained physical touches when there’s no one else around.
Rumor has it that cell 14D, considered the “hole” or solitary confinement, is particularly haunted.
Spotted phantom figures in period clothing roaming the prison grounds.
Felt unease or fear in certain parts of the prison without any clear reason.

2. The Stanley Hotel, Colorado

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, probably owes much of its fame to novelist Stephen King’s terrifying book “The Shining,” which was inspired by King’s brief stay at this location.

However, the hotel’s haunted history predates ‘The Shining.’ The Stanley Hotel was constructed by Freelan Oscar Stanley, who opened it in 1909. He and his wife, Flora, are reportedly among the spirits that haunt the old hotel grounds today along with numerous other spectral entities.

Guests have reported various paranormal experiences ranging from hearing laughter and piano music with no identifiable source to seeing objects move on their own.

It has been mentioned by guests that they can hear piano playing late at night in the empty concert hall only to find out that it is allegedly the ghost of Flora Stanley performing on her antique piano.

Observed children running and giggling down the hallways.
Noticed apparitions in vintage clothing wandering around the site.
Experienced lights turning off and on spontaneously.
Encountered mysterious breezes or cold drafts around empty spaces.
Heard an unidentified piano playing on its own.
Captured strange orb-like shapes in photographs.

3. Winchester Mystery House, California

The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, has a peculiar history tied to grief, guilt, and ghostly lore. This architectural marvel was the residence of Sarah Winchester, heir to the vast Winchester rifle fortune.

Bereaved by the loss of her child and husband, Sarah reportedly consulted a psychic who told her she was being haunted by the victims’ spirits killed by Winchester rifles. As a result, Sarah spent almost four decades constantly renovating and expanding her mansion, purportedly designed to confuse the restless spirits.

Many paranormal enthusiasts believe that Sarah’s relentless construction has led to it being a hotspot for supernatural activity.
There are accounts where visitors have felt inexplicable chills while walking through the maze-like property, particularly in rooms that are considered as “active”.

Witnessed doors and stairs leading to nowhere.
Felt disorientation or confusion inside the house due to its labyrinthine design.
Heard mysterious footsteps on the wooden floorboards.
Seen spectral figures in Victorian period dress wandering through the corridors.
Noticed windows shattering for no apparent reason.
Touched by unseen hands in certain parts of the house.

4. LaLaurie Mansion, New Orleans

In the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter, you’ll find the infamous LaLaurie Mansion. This residence holds a dark history of cruelty and death that makes it one of the most haunted places in Louisiana.

The mansion’s story recounts the heinous acts of Delphine LaLaurie, a high-society lady who tortured her slaves behind closed doors. When a fire broke out in 1834, LaLaurie’s horrific deeds were unveiled: responders discovered a chamber holding several grievously abused slaves.

The home has been reportedly haunted since then, with tales of moans, cries, and apparitions becoming all too common.
Visitors passing by have reported hearing screams of agony emanating from this age-old edifice, particularly during the nights of full moon.

Experienced a sudden chilling sensation near the mansion.
Heard unexplained sounds of pain or terror.
Felt an oppressive energy or atmosphere casting an eerie vibe over the locale.
Saw shadow figures appearing and disappearing.
Noticed an unexplainable malodor similar to burnt flesh or decay.
Observed anomalies while capturing photos of the mansion.

5. The Myrtles Plantation, Louisiana

The Myrtles Plantation is one of the most historically significant – and allegedly haunted – locations in St. Francisville, Louisiana. Constructed in 1796 by General David Bradford, this plantation house has been the site of several deaths over its centuries-long history.

Among numerous spectral apparitions appearing on this property, the ghost of a former slave named Chloe is perhaps the most famous. The tale recounts that after an ill-fated attempt to poison another resident, Chloe herself was hanged by other slaves for her known plot.

Over time, the Myrtles Plantation has become renowned for supernatural occurrences and unseen inhabitants.
Many visitors have claimed to see the apparition of a woman wearing a green turban- believed to be Chloe wandering about the plantation area, particularly the lush gardens.

Seen apparitions walking through the house at twilight.
Heard strange whispers or voices in various parts of the property.
Encountered sudden temperature fluctuations and cold spots.
Caught phantom handprints in mirrors that won’t wipe clean.
Sensed an eerie feeling of being watched when alone.
Captured unexplainable light anomalies or orbs in photos.

6. Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvania

The Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, plays host to a turbulent past that makes it a magnet for those interested in exploring the supernatural. The prison opened its doors in 1829 as part of a controversial movement pushing solitary confinement as a form of rehabilitation.

The harsh living conditions, combined with the mental toll of endless isolation, led many inmates to madness, which is probably why there are numerous reports of paranormal activity in this now-defunct penitentiary.

Visitors now come from far and wide with hope (or dread) of encountering one of the many spirits believed to roam these somber hallways.
Travelers touring this place have also encountered objects moving on their own, symbolizing the restless souls moving about in their eternal prison.