New England is made up of the U.S.'s most northeastern states -- Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. The area is home to many haunted mansions, inns and cemeteries. If you are hoping to hear haunted tales and seek a spooky adventure, look no further than these haunted attractions.
Maine
The ghost of Captain James Fairfield reportedly haunts his former home in Kennebunkport, now the Captain Fairfield Inn. The British had captured and imprisoned Fairfield during the War of 1812 and, upon his release from prison, he built the home for his family. However, he became ill and died just five years later. His ghost has been seen hovering in the dark basement and guests report sensing his presence in various rooms of the inn. The Lucerne Inn's history involves a caretaker who became enraged at his wife's attentions to a guest in room 8. He murdered the couple and then killed himself. Guests report seeing objects being moved around and hearing talking, loud thumps and footsteps in the room.
Vermont
The White House of Wilmington is a mansion that dates back to 1915. Strange occurrences began when it was renovated; the manager reported hearing footsteps and other unexplained sounds, as well as seeing shadows in the hallways. In 1887, the Montreal Express jumped the railroad tracks over a bridge in Hartford, killing more than 30 people. People have reported seeing ghosts, including that of a 13-year-old boy who saw his father die in the resulting fire, and smelling smoke at the scene of the accident.
New Hampshire
Country Tavern in Nashua is said to be haunted by the ghost of Elizabeth Ford, who was murdered by her husband after he returned home from sea and found she'd given birth. She appears to be a friendly ghost who wears a white gown, likes children, moves objects and playfully lifts women's hair. In Hollis, Pine Hill Cemetery is also known as "Blood Cemetery" after Abel Blood, who died in 1867. His headstone features a hand that points upward with its index finger; at night it is said the hand points downward. People have reported hearing tapping sounds near his grave.
Rhode Island
Cranston's Sprague Mansion has been the scene of ghost sightings dating back to 1925. The mansion was built by William Sprague, a cotton mill operator, in 1790. He died during surgery and his sons inherited the home and business. One of his sons was later murdered. Guests at the mansion report having blankets pulled off of their beds in the middle of the night, as well as hearing footsteps and seeing lights flash on and off. In North Kingstown, the Chadsey-Gardiner Cemetery is said to be extremely haunted. People report seeing spirits walking through the graveyard at night and unexplained flashing lights.
Connecticut
Visitors at Union Cemetery in Easton often report having conversations with people who then walk through the graveyard and vanish. The infamous "White Lady," a woman in a white nightgown and bonnet, is believed to be Mrs. Knot, a woman whose husband was murdered in the 1940s. An abandoned settlement dating from 1738 known as Dudleyville is located in Cornwall. The town was believed to be cursed because of the high rate of suicides, accidents and cases of insanity that occurred there. It is said to have a high rate of negative psychic energy. Many people experience feeling a shortness of breath there, as if the life were being sucked out of them.
Massachusetts
Wayland's Vokes Theater is haunted by the friendly spirit of Beatrice Herford, an actress and founder of the playhouse, who died in 1952. People report seeing her presence backstage or in the balcony. The Ashley House Restaurant in West Springfield was originally a farmhouse. It was eventually converted into a steakhouse by former owner, Vincent Lanzarotto, who is said to haunt the restaurant. Employees report smelling a foul odor when they believe Lanzarotto, known for keeping a watchful eye on his staff, is upset with the management. Visitors report seeing his ghost in the dining room, as well as hearing unexplained noises.
About the Author
Gabrielle Nicolet has been writing and editing professionally since 2004. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Northern Illinois University. Nicolet is also a certified nutrition, wellness and weight-management consultant with American Fitness Professionals and Associates.
