The 20 Most Haunted Places in America and the Ghosts That Call Them Home

Haunted places in America have long fascinated both believers and skeptics alike, stirring the imagination with tales of the supernatural. These eerie locations, scattered across the country, are steeped in history and shrouded in mystery.

Each site offers a unique glimpse into America’s past, often marked by tragedy, unrest, or unexplained phenomena. From the misty shores of New England to the sunbaked roads of the Southwest, tales of ghostly apparitions, unexplained sounds, and chilling encounters form an integral part of the American folklore tapestry.

Whether it’s the ethereal presence of long-lost souls or the lingering energy of historic events, these haunted places invite the curious to explore the shadows that dance just beyond the reach of the living.

Most Haunted Places in America

1. Chicago

Chicago, a city renowned for its vibrant history and cultural richness, also harbors a darker, more spectral side. The Windy City’s haunted reputation is often linked to the tragic Eastland disaster of 1915 and the infamous Al Capone era.

The Congress Plaza Hotel, standing since 1893, is a hotspot for ghost enthusiasts, believed to be haunted by the spirits of past guests and even Al Capone himself. Sightings include shadowy figures and the eerie sensation of being watched.

The city’s tumultuous past, marked by crime, disaster, and heartbreak, seems to have left an indelible imprint on its present, with these restless spirits telling tales of old Chicago.

2. New Orleans

New Orleans, with its deep-rooted history and blend of cultures, is a melting pot of ghost stories. The French Quarter, in particular, is a labyrinth of haunted tales.

The LaLaurie Mansion, infamous for the cruel Madame LaLaurie’s atrocities in the 1830s, is said to be haunted by the tormented souls of her victims. The city’s history of voodoo and witchcraft also adds to its mystical aura.

Spirits of jazz musicians and long-gone residents are said to wander the streets, and the eerie above-ground cemeteries serve as a chilling reminder of the city’s haunted heritage.

3. St. Augustine, FL

St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S., is a treasure trove of paranormal activity. The Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fortress, is known for sightings of Spanish soldiers, while the St. Augustine Lighthouse is haunted by the ghosts of past keepers and girls who tragically drowned nearby.

The city’s ancient streets echo with tales from its long history, from Spanish settlers to pirate invasions, each adding a layer to its ghostly reputation. Visitors often report unexplained noises, ghostly apparitions, and a sense of the past lingering in the present.

4. Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon, often celebrated for its modern vibrancy, has a hidden, ghostly dimension. The Shanghai Tunnels, infamous for their use in the practice of “shanghaiing” sailors in the 19th century, are said to be haunted by the victims of this grim trade.

The White Eagle Saloon, one of the city’s oldest bars, is famed for its spectral sightings and unexplained events. These hauntings are thought to be remnants of Portland’s rough-and-tumble past, where the line between the living and the dead seems to blur, especially in the city’s historic underbelly.

5. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, site of the most devastating battle of the American Civil War, is a town deeply scarred by its past. The battlefields, where thousands lost their lives, are said to be haunted by the spirits of fallen soldiers.

The sound of phantom gunshots, ghostly marches, and cries of the wounded are frequently reported. Historic buildings like the Jennie Wade House, the home of the only civilian killed during the battle, add to the town’s haunted landscape.

Gettysburg’s ghosts are not just echoes of history; they are vivid reminders of the turmoil and tragedy that once engulfed this now peaceful town.

6. Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Pawleys Island in South Carolina, with its serene beaches and charming antebellum homes, hides a ghostly legend within its tranquil façade. The most famous is the Gray Man ghost, believed to be the spirit of a young man who lost his life in the quicksand during the early 19th century.

He is often seen wandering the beach before a hurricane, his appearance regarded as a warning to locals. Sightings of the Gray Man have been linked to miraculous survivals and minimal damage to homes, adding a protective nature to this spectral figure.

This ghostly harbinger is a unique aspect of Pawleys Island, intertwining the supernatural with the natural beauty of this coastal haven.

7. Pine Barrens, New Jersey

The Pine Barrens of New Jersey, a vast expanse of dense forests and winding rivers, are steeped in folklore and mystery. The most famous legend is that of the Jersey Devil, a creature said to haunt the woods.

Sightings describe it as a winged entity with a terrifying screech, instilling fear in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Beyond this mythical creature, the Pine Barrens are riddled with stories of ghost towns and eerie encounters, making it a magnet for those intrigued by the paranormal.

The isolation and wildness of the Pine Barrens contribute to its haunting atmosphere, a stark contrast to the bustling cities of New Jersey.

8. The Queen Mary, Long Beach, California

The Queen Mary, now a floating hotel in Long Beach, California, once a grand ocean liner, is renowned for its paranormal activity. The ship’s history, marked by luxury, wartime service, and tragic accidents, has left a spectral imprint.

The most haunted areas include the engine room, where a young sailor died tragically, and the first-class swimming pool, where guests report seeing wet footprints and ghostly women in 1930s swimwear.

These hauntings provide a glimpse into the ship’s storied past, with each ghostly encounter serving as a reminder of the Queen Mary’s rich and complex history.

9. Shoshone Ice Caves, Idaho

The Shoshone Ice Caves in Idaho, a natural wonder, are not only known for their stunning ice formations but also for their ghostly lore. Visitors have reported strange occurrences, such as unexplained cold spots, echoing whispers, and shadows moving in the periphery.

The caves are thought to be inhabited by the spirits of Native Americans and early settlers who once lived in the area. The chilling environment of the ice caves, combined with these eerie encounters, creates a haunting yet mesmerizing experience, blending natural beauty with the mysteries of the unseen.

10. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Los Angeles

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, steeped in the glamour and glitz of Hollywood’s golden age, also harbors ghostly tales. The hotel, which played host to celebrities and movie stars, is said to be haunted by the spirits of Marilyn Monroe and Montgomery Clift.

Monroe’s spirit is often spotted in a mirror that once hung in her suite, while Clift’s ghost is heard playing the trumpet and pacing the hallways of the ninth floor.

These celebrity hauntings add a touch of Hollywood mystique to the hotel, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in both the history of cinema and the supernatural.

11. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia, with its historic charm and moss-draped oak trees, is often called “America’s Most Haunted City.” It’s a place where Southern elegance meets the supernatural. The city’s numerous haunted locations include the Mercer-Williams House, made famous by the book and movie “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”

Ghostly tales of Civil War soldiers, restless spirits in historic inns, and mysterious apparitions in Forsyth Park contribute to Savannah’s reputation as a paranormal hotspot.

The city’s rich history, dating back to colonial times, provides a fertile ground for ghostly legends and stories that continue to captivate visitors.

12. The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, is known for inspiring Stephen King’s novel “The Shining.” This grand hotel, nestled in the Rocky Mountains, is not only a beautiful retreat but also a haven for paranormal activity.

Guests have reported encountering the spirits of former staff and guests, and eerie occurrences in Room 217 are particularly notorious. The Stanley’s long history and remote location make it an ideal setting for ghostly encounters, drawing those seeking a thrilling blend of luxury and the supernatural.

13. Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., is steeped in history and politics, but it also has its share of ghostly legends. The White House, the residence of American presidents, is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of past leaders and their loved ones.

The ghost of Abraham Lincoln is a famous presence, seen by many, including Winston Churchill. Additionally, Capitol Hill and Ford’s Theatre, where Lincoln was assassinated, are known for spectral appearances and unexplained phenomena.

Washington, D.C.’s ghosts provide a unique intersection of American history and the supernatural.

14. San Francisco

San Francisco, with its diverse neighborhoods and iconic landmarks, has its fair share of ghostly tales. Alcatraz Island, once a notorious prison, is believed to be haunted by former inmates and guards.

The Queen Anne Hotel, a charming Victorian-era building, is frequented by the spirit of its original owner, Miss Mary Lake. Additionally, the historic earthquake of 1906 left a lasting impression on the city, with reports of ghostly apparitions and strange occurrences in its aftermath.

San Francisco’s blend of old and new, combined with its seismic history, creates a rich tapestry of haunted locations.

15. Salem, Massachusetts

Salem, Massachusetts, is synonymous with the infamous witch trials of 1692, making it a focal point for both history and the supernatural. The Witch House, the only building with direct ties to the trials, is believed to be haunted by the spirits of those accused of witchcraft.

Gallows Hill Park, where many innocent people were executed, is another haunted location. The city’s eerie atmosphere, with its witch-themed shops and historic sites, draws visitors seeking to explore the dark history and spectral legends of Salem.

It’s a place where the past continues to haunt the present, preserving the memory of a tragic chapter in American history.

16. Antietam National Battlefield, Maryland

Antietam National Battlefield in Maryland bears the scars and echoes of one of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War. The haunting atmosphere of this historic site is intensified by tales of ghostly apparitions and phantom sounds of battle.

Visitors have reported encountering soldiers in uniform, hearing the distant clash of swords, and witnessing eerie lights in the night. The infamous Bloody Lane, where countless soldiers perished, is considered a paranormal hotspot.

Antietam serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the Civil War, with the spirits of fallen soldiers continuing to linger on this hallowed ground.

17. San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio, Texas, is a city with a rich and diverse history, and it’s no stranger to ghostly legends. The Alamo, the site of a famous battle during the Texas Revolution, is said to be haunted by the spirits of brave defenders.

The nearby Menger Hotel is known for its ghostly guests, including Teddy Roosevelt and Lady Emily Morgan, whose apparition is associated with the term “the lady in blue.”

San Antonio’s historic neighborhoods and missions also contribute to its reputation as a hub of paranormal activity, where history and the supernatural intersect.

18. The Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, is a stunning architectural masterpiece, but it’s also known for its spectral residents.

The Vanderbilt family, who built this opulent mansion, is believed to continue to roam its halls. Guests and staff have reported encounters with apparitions and unexplained phenomena. The grandeur of the estate, coupled with its storied past, makes it an alluring destination for ghost enthusiasts.

The Biltmore Estate is a place where the Gilded Age meets the world of the unexplained, offering a captivating blend of history and the paranormal.

19. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Honolulu, Hawaii

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii, may seem like an unlikely place for ghostly encounters, but it has its share of eerie stories.

The airport is built on land that was once a sacred Hawaiian burial ground, and some believe that restless spirits still inhabit the area. Passengers and airport staff have reported hearing whispers, seeing apparitions, and experiencing inexplicable cold spots.

The airport’s paranormal reputation adds a unique layer to the tropical paradise of Hawaii, where ancient culture and modern travel converge.

20. USS Lexington, Corpus Christi, Texas

The USS Lexington, a retired aircraft carrier turned museum in Corpus Christi, Texas, has a storied history and its fair share of ghostly tales. During its service, the ship experienced tragic accidents and combat, and some believe the spirits of fallen sailors continue to inhabit its corridors.

Visitors and staff have reported hearing footsteps, voices, and encountering apparitions in naval uniforms. The USS Lexington serves as a floating memorial to those who served and a reminder of the sacrifices made at sea, where the past and the supernatural are intertwined.

Final Thoughts

In the tapestry of American history and folklore, haunted places hold a unique allure. These spectral dwellings, each with its own chilling story, serve as reminders of the past’s mysteries and enduring legacies.

Whether it’s the battlefields of Antietam or the opulent estates like the Biltmore, these ghostly inhabitants keep the past alive, inviting us to explore the shadows of history.

America’s haunted places continue to intrigue and captivate, bridging the gap between the living and the lingering spirits that call them home.