stories The most infamous haunted locations in Chicago, along with their true histories

The most haunted sites in Chicago and their real

Introduction

Hello there readers, if you have an interest in all things ghostly and love learning the creepy untold stories behind various places around the globe then this article is for you as we are going to be exploring the most haunted sites in Chicago. Iconic for its sky-high towers, top-ranking beaches, blockbuster movies, not many of you know that one side of Chicago is also deeply rooted with several hauntings and legends. Each of these haunted sites has its own rich history which makes it a favorite among ghost hunters and spooky tale lovers.

In this deep dive, we will uncover these stories, painting vivid images of Chicago’s haunting past while simultaneously shedding light on its present state. From spooky taverns where patrons have had supernatural experiences, to historic hotels known for their uncanny occurrences, we’ll roam through five different haunted places which have served at times as terrifying sources of inspiration for movies, books and countless local lore.

We’re certain that you’ll get your fair share of spine-tingling moments, but don’t worry, the aim is just to give you an interesting read and a little peek into the afterworld. Who knows! Maybe you’ll find these storied spooky locations as fascinating as we do. Now, fasten your seat belts and let’s embark on this ghost tour of the Windy City.

The Congress Plaza Hotel

Our first haunt on the list is none other than The Congress Plaza Hotel. Known as Chicago’s most haunted hotel, its eerie aura grabs one’s attention immediately. Walking inside, it feels strangely unsettling, like walking straight into history… or perhaps straight into a horror movie scene. Witnesses have often reported unusual occurrences such as unaccountable noises, voices and ghost sightings.

The hotel is said to have been frequented by infamous mobster Al Capone, whose ghost is rumored to still lurk in the place. Another famous ghost story connected with the hotel is that of a mother who threw her children out of a window before jumping after them, leaving behind their restless spirits. A set of rooms known as “The Florentine Room” and “Room 411” are believed to be the most haunted areas within the premise.

• The hotel was built for the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893.
• Many reports confirm multiple ghost sightings including one named Peg Leg Johnny who likes playing tricks on guests.
• A common experience includes lights going on and off for no reason.
• Guests have also reported hearing unexplainable noises throughout the night.
• There are rumors of secret tunnels or passageway beneath the hotel used by Al Capone himself.
• The elevators have been known to ignore requests for floors, taking passengers directly to level 8, said to be a hotspot for paranormal activity.

Resurrection Cemetery

Our next stop is Resurrection Cemetery, one of Chicago’s most popular haunted burial grounds. It holds quite some significance for locals given its long history. Sightings of phantom figures wandering among tombstones make this cemetery a bewildering spectacle for anyone with an interest in the supernatural side of things.

When it comes to ghostly legends linked with this cemetery, the tale of “Resurrection Mary” stands above all. This weary soul is described as a gorgeous blonde woman dressed in white, often seen hitchhiking along Archer Avenue. However, when you try to interact, she vanishes into thin air only to be seen standing desolate amidst the graves.

Here are some intriguing facets related to the cemetery:

• It is the largest Roman Catholic cemetery in the United States.
• An estimated two million people are believed to be buried there since it opened in 1904.
• A lady named Jerry Palus claimed to have actually danced with Resurrection Mary in the late 1930s.
• A taxi driver once picked up a young and beautiful girl from a dance hall only to find her seat empty upon reaching the cemetery.
• In August of 1976, several drivers reported hitting a woman who then disappeared before their eyes.
• Resurrection Mary is one of Chicago’s most famous ghost stories and often outlined as an ‘Urban Legend’.

Red Lion Pub

Home to nearly six documented apparitions, Red Lion Pub is more than just its delightful British fare. Its shady past involves multiple suicides occurring in the rooms upstairs, which instills a sense of eeriness into the place. Psychics, mediums, and paranormal investigators have frequently visited this pub to experience its supernatural aura.

A bookish woman known as “Sharon” has been spotted cleaning shelves and glasses in the pub after closing hours. Several patrons have also reported seeing the spirit of an aggressive man appearing and then vanishing into nothingness near the second-floor staircase.
Let’s snap open some key details:

• Red Lion Pub was originally built in 1882.
• A former manager saw a British First World War soldier walk through the door marked exit in the middle of the night.
• A number of people witnessed an elderly man’s apparition sipping his beer calmly at the bar.
• The spirits are rumored to be those of John Cordwell and his son Colin, previous owners who died there.
• Strange phenomena occur such as faucets turning on by themselves, or furniture moving around.
• The pub underwent renovation in 2013 but the haunting still persists.

Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery

When we think of haunted places, cemeteries are often the first to come to mind. And Bachelor’s Grove certainly fits the bill. Its eeriness resides not only in the worn tombstones or its unruly growth, but in the multitude of ghost tales that encircle it.

This cemetery is most famous for “The Madonna of Bachelor’s Grove,” also known as the “White Lady”. A spectral figure of a woman cradling her baby has been reported wandering around the graves, especially during full-moon nights. Other numerous apparitions and radiant orbs have been seen amongst tombstones which makes it one of the top haunted sites in Chicago.

Let’s delve into some riveting aspects surrounding this place:

• Bachelor’s Grove is located deep within Rubio Woods Forest Preserve.
• This cemetery dates back to 1844 and consists of 82 lots and 200 graves.
• Along with human spirits, strange animal apparitions like ghostly dogs and horses pulling ploughs were witnessed.
• Paranormal investigators captured what is believed to be the most incredible ghost photograph ever at this cemetery.
• In the late night, phantom vehicles on the nearby road and a phantom farmhouse were observed.
• The lagoon beside the cemetery said to have been used by Capone’s gang as a dumping ground for bodies.

St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Site

Our list culminates with the site of the grisliest incident in Chicago mob history, the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. In 1929, seven men affiliated with Chicago’s North Side Gang were lined up against a wall and shot by four unknown men. Although the building where this occurred was torn down in 1967, it seems some of the victims’ spirits have stayed around.

This notorious incident has left an indelible impact on the place. Reports of hearing screams and moans, chilling cold spots in the alley, and apparitions of men dressed in 1920s era clothing are what make this site a bone-chilling haunt!

Let’s peek into some interesting details:

• The massacre was believed to be the result of a power struggle between the South Side Italian gang led by Al Capone and the North Side Irish gang.
• Despite multiple witnesses, no one was ever convicted for the crime.
• A Canadian band named St. Valentine’s Day Massacre took their name from this event.
• Gunshots can sometimes be heard coming from the parking lot which now occupies the site.
• The bricks from the wall to which the victims were lined up were sold and some say they too are haunted.
• Chicago ghost tours often include the site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.

Summary Table

Hopefully, this exploration through the most haunted sites in Chicago has given you some eye-opening insights into the city’s spine-chilling folklore and legends. So, the next time you plan a visit, why not give these places a shot? Even if you don’t encounter any ghostly figures, you’re sure to get an intriguing experience filled with history and spookiness!