There’s no better way to escape from the real world than to go on vacation. But have you ever considered entering a paranormal world instead of doing the usual beach-and-tourist thing? If you’re curious about the most haunted places in the U.S., then you have no choice but to delve deeper into five of the most intriguing, historic, and truly scary destinations throughout the country!
1. LaLaurie Mansion
If you’ve ever set foot in New Orleans, LA, then you might have heard a few breathless tales about LaLaurie Mansion. The infamous gray stone home is thought to be the scariest spot in the French Quarter — and, indeed, in the entire city. It’s a tourist attraction for its beautiful architecture, but the draw is something different for those interested solely in visiting the most haunted places in the U.S. It all begins in 1834, when a fire broke out at the home that belonged to Madame Delphine LaLaurie and her third husband. The blaze destroyed part of the home, and in the process, unearthed seven slaves who were chained in the uppermost part of the home. Locals were appalled and arrived at the home in the hopes of witnessing the couple’s arrest — only to find that they had fled. It is said that corpses were found throughout the home some 20 years later, and people have reported hearing choruses of wails, footsteps, and cries in the halls. The general public is not permitted to enter the mansion, but you’re free to photograph the haunted property at 1140 Royal Street at any time.
2. The Stanley Hotel
It’s almost a given that one of the most haunted places in the U.S. would be included in a Stephen King novel. The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO, was the inspiration for The Shining — a story that the author conceived after spending a single night in room 217. The movie was not shot at the hotel, but served as ghostly and often ghastly inspiration for the famed story about a writer driven to slow madness. Open since 1909, the hotel has over 400 rooms, an opulent foyer, a concert hall, and a series of underground caves. Legend tells of Mrs. Wilson, the hotel’s lead housekeeper in its early days, who haunts room 217 by turning lights on and off, moving items, and even making her displeasure known when an unmarried couple books a room. It’s said that the ghost of Paul, a former hotel worker, haunts the concert hall, and that the ghosts of children run around playing and laughing in room 401. This was once an enormous attic where female employees and their kids lived. Spooky!
3. The Menger Hotel
Often considered the most haunted hotel in Texas, The Menger Hotel is situated adjacent to The Alamo in San Antonio. It opened in 1859, and since then was a mere two-story property. During its illustrious history, it has played host to the likes of Babe Ruth, Theodore Roosevelt, and Bill Clinton. The hotel is known primarily, though, for the many spirits that roam the halls at all hours of the day. Perhaps the most known is Sallie White, a former maid who was allegedly killed by her husband in the hotel. She’s been spotted countless times, clad in her uniform, carrying towels and floating along the halls at night. The ghost of President Roosevelt is also said to spend time in the lobby bar, sipping on a drink from time to time. Due to its proximity to the Alamo, many believe that the ghosts of those who died in the Battle of the Alamo also reside in the hotel — it may explain why some report hearing the telltale footsteps of heavy military boots throughout the hotel.
4. House of Death
Any location informally known as the House of Death is likely to earn some attention. The notorious home on 14 West 10th Street in New York City was built during the 1850s and is known largely for its association with some 22 ghosts. The most noteworthy of these apparitions is reportedly Mark Twain, who lived there for about a year. Residents of the apartment building have reported occurrences such as strong odors, visions of Twain in a white suit floating through doorways, and sightings of women in gowns moving from one room to the next. Actress Jan Bryant Bartell, who lived there with her husband in 1957, hired a paranormal investigator to do some detective work. The medium detected the presence of death beneath the floorboards and theorized the possibility of a gray cat or a young girl underneath. Once a single residence, the property is now home to 10 separate apartments.
5. Kehoe House
In your search for hotels in Savannah, GA, you might not expect to encounter one of the most haunted places in the U.S. Yet that’s exactly what you’ll stumble upon at The Kehoe House, which opened in 1892. At the time, it was home to William Kehoe, his wife, and their 10 kids. One day, Mrs. Kehoe arrived home to discover that two of her kids were missing. A search revealed nothing, until sometime later when a strong odor developed in the house. Upon inspection of the chimney, the bodies of the two children were found inside. Although there’s no proof that this actually happened, Kehoe House was also once a funeral home, furthering the belief that Kehoe House is haunted. Visitors report hearing children’s voices throughout the mansion. If you’re tempted, you can book a stately room and do some investigating of your own.
Book a Bus Getaway Today
If you’re tempted by the possibility of visiting some of the most haunted places in the U.S., don’t hesitate. Grab your camera and flashlight and book your getaway on BusTickets to one or more of these completely eerie destinations!
Reference List
https://ghostcitytours.com/new-orleans/haunted-places/lalaurie-mansion/
https://www.mengerhotel.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIz6ionuHV4gIVyF6GCh0slgl8EAAYASAAEgKbx_D_BwE
