My grandmother used to say, “If you believe in something, it exists and if you don’t, it doesn’t.” As simple as it is, I have believed it to be true but never in terms of supernatural. I have never believed in ghosts and spirits or thought of anything beyond the world of living. Suppose it is a question for the ages, whether ghosts exist or not, but I don’t reckon anyone could ever answer that, right? There have been many instances where people have seen and felt the supernatural, making them reconsider their beliefs.
Since we are talking about ghosts and haunting spirits, October is the most accurate time to dive into the supernatural realm. Halloween is almost here and it is the best time for daredevils to visit the haunted towns and cities in the country. If you are one of the bravehearts and want an adrenaline dose, you might want to pack your bags and travel to these 10 haunted cities in the United States of America.
Salem, Massachusetts
I can’t start without hailing the most notorious witch capital of the world, Salem, famously known for its 1692 witch trials, where many people were accused of witchcraft and brutally executed. It is one of the top haunted cities in the United States you must visit to get your dose of bizarreness by visiting the most revered landmarks such as the Witch House, which is considered to be the former home of the trial judge in the infamous incident. There are museums as well for the history buffs. If you love to learn the lore of witches or if you love the movie Hocus Pocus, then this town will not disappoint!
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
One of the most haunted cities in the United States is Gettysburg, where the world’s most deadly battle of the American Civil War took place. With thousands of casualties, it is well-known that the spirits of the poor soldiers still haunt the town and roam around the battlefield. Townsfolk has reported sightings of ghosts of soldiers sauntering around, getting the town the reputation as one of the world’s spookiest places. If you are an occult enthusiast, then you must take part in nightly walking tours of two historic homes. One is the Jennie Wade House, the only civilian who died during the battle, and the eerie orphanage where innocent children were tortured by an evil matron.
Bodie, California
Now a State Historic Park, Bodie was once a booming mining town, where gold was found in the hills surrounding Mono Lake. Once home to 10,000 people, the town is now abandoned and preserved as a ghost town, where disconcerting shops furnished with dusty tables and chairs still stand fully supplied as if someone would walk in and ask for a glass of wine. It is not bewildering that there have been reports of supernatural activities with music playing, ghost sightings, and other uncanny activities.
If you love such places then add Bodie to your bucket list. However, as the legend says, you can’t take anything from here, not even a rock, because if you do a curse will befall you. Notably, you won’t be getting any food shops, gas stations, or other facilities here, so visit at your responsibility.
Portland, Oregon
If you are a maniac for the paranormal and a history buff at the same time, then Portland, Oregon, is a perfect town where you can visit All Hollow’s Eve. You can explore the dreadful Shanghai Tunnel that runs beneath the buildings and streets of Portland. Back in the 1800s, this tunnel was used to transport illegal goods and kidnapped people off to Asia for slavery. There also have been occurrences when some visitors have experienced uncanny events such as hearing whistling, smelling fragrances, or even being touched. There are plenty of other unsettling sites to explore when you are here to get away from the mundane and experience something spine-chilling.
Also Read: 20+ Most Haunted Airbnbs in the US You Shouldn’t Dare to Visit
St. Augustine, Florida
If you have an affinity for rich culture and history, then the magnificent churches, architecture, and military fortresses of the city will entice you. However, St. Augustine is not just famous for its beauty, it has its fair share of troubles, turmoil, and spine-tingling stories, as the city is considered to be the most eerie place in the United States. Every paranormal fanatic will love to educate themselves about the haunted happenings of the city including a Castillo de San Marcos, a star-shaped fort, where you might come across some wicked spirits of soldiers wandering the corridors.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The thought of having your voodoo doll made by someone is squirming, right? New Orleans is famous for its voodoo practices and horror history with a mysterious blend that could draw any supernatural fan to know more about the tales of the dark. For example, the French Quarter is considered not just a place to enjoy a riveting nightlife, but also some ghostly tales and paranormal phenomena. Another bone-chilling site is the St. Louis Cemetery, the oldest graveyard in the city to experience the presence of many ghosts including the ghost of Marie Laveau, the ill-famed voodoo queen. If you are a literature lover, then you must visit the haunted Faulkner House Books; who knows, you might get to share the place with some spirits there.
Jefferson, Texas
Jefferson has a reputation for offering visitors the best spooky experience of their lives with the notable historic Jefferson Ghost Walk. During this walk, you are likely to hear some captivating stories of the past, frightening encounters, many ghostlike occurrences, and a visit to haunted places that might leave you breathless. If that is not enough, you can visit the old burial grounds to further elevate the haunting experience. Every site of this town reeks of paranormal history that will keep all the ghost fanatics and history buffs on their toes.
Savannah, Georgia
Want to befriend a spirit? If you ever visit Savannah, Georgia, you might get a chance to do so as the city is plagued with ghosts and unnerving activities. Even the locals have confirmed that the cemeteries and old Civil War-era buildings are cursed. Some potential sites could instill fear among visitors such as the Marshall House which served as a hospital during the Civil War and the Yellow Fever epidemic. Now, the house has been turned into a hotel, where some guests have encountered an occasional turning on of faucets without being touched and creepy children running down the hallway. If you have a braveheart, you will enjoy staying in this hotel.
San Antonio, Texas
Would you like to be a part of some murder and mischief? Then San Antonio, Texas, is the city for you. There are a few haunted inns and hotels, where some sinister acts have transpired. For instance, the Black Swan Inn, now a venue for wedding receptions, is the most petrifying place to visit. You might hear about some legends of a Chinese Graveyard, where a member of the Guzman family fell in love with a Chinese woman. However, the man was killed and buried in the cemetery. In grief, his lover committed suicide and was buried next to him. Now her presence can be felt and some have even seen her ghost. That is a hair-raising tale for sure. However, no worries if you are a strong-hearted person, you can manage more of such tales without feeling terrified.
St. Elmo, Colorado
Once named the Forest City, St. Elmo used to be a lively mining town, where 2,000 people resided. However, by the 1930s only seven people lived. It is rumored that the streets are haunted by the ghost of a family who once ran the general store and the hotel. Now preserved as a ghost town, this place has a reputation for the most paranormal happenings. It is also thought that the ghost of Dirty Annie haunts the town and can be seen walking around the streets at night with a shotgun on her shoulders. What would you do when you come across the wicked Annie?
The existence of ghosts remains the most debatable topic. However, these haunted cities in the United States are for those who are brave enough to go on a supernatural adventure and experience something otherworldly. Happy Halloween!
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