Haunted Places in the USA

In 2016, an episode of the American TV series, The Bachelor, was filmed at haunted Houmas House in Louisiana. Many people have written to me, asking if Houmas House is really “one of Louisiana’s most haunted houses.” The answer is: Yes, Houmas House is very haunted… more than most Louisiana “haunted” houses, and perhaps more … Continue reading "Houmas House Ghosts (and The Bachelor TV Show)"

When there’s a normal explanation for a photo, I want to find it. Sometimes, I can’t discover a good explanation—not one that works for the setting and the circumstances, that is. That’s the case with this photo at Brennan’s Restaurant on Royal Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter. The ecto-like form wasn’t visible to the … Continue reading "Brennan’s Restaurant in New Orleans – Ghostly Ecto?"

Ghost orb pictures are among the most popular evidence of hauntings. They’re also one of the easiest subjects for beginning ghost photographers. Some people seem to attract ghost orbs more than others. We’ve known ghost hunters who never see orbs in their photos, but they get great EVP… and vice versa. Those of us who … Continue reading "Myrtles Plantation – Tips for Capturing Ghost Orbs"

Bailey Cemetery in Portland, Maine, has all the ingredients of a good, haunted cemetery. It has a Colonial history, unmarked graves, and some neglected plots. The location is great for Portland ghost enthusiasts who prefer sites that can be reached on foot or via Metro, local public transportation.) Unfortunately, the cemetery’s location also makes it … Continue reading "Portland, Maine – Bailey Cemetery’s Ghosts"

Bar Harbor* is one of America’s favorite vacation spots. It also has a rich history, between its magnificent coastline and the colorful people who have chosen Mount Desert Island for their summer homes. However, many of Acadia’s residents close ranks rather than expose their many “visitors from the past” to the public. They would like … Continue reading "Bar Harbor, Maine – Ghosts"

The “Witch’s Grave” of Mary Nasson is not the only reason why the Old Burying Yard of York, Maine, may be haunted. The Old Burying Yard was actually York’s second cemetery, and its graves cover the years 1705 through the 1850s. However, it is rumored that victims of the Candlemas Day Massacre are buried in … Continue reading "York, Maine – Haunted ‘Old Burying Yard’"

Haverhill is haunted. In fact, it may be one of New England’s most overlooked – and reliable – haunted communities. That makes it a great location for ghost hunting.  But, many of the best locations are off-limits at night, or require a fee to explore. Don’t let that deter you. Haverhill’s ghosts can be worth … Continue reading "Ghosts of Haverhill, MA – And a Map to Find Them"

Witch Hill in Danvers is an important part of the Salem Witch Trials. It’s where “spectral evidence” was observed in 1692, and used as evidence against people accused of witchcraft in Salem. The correct name for the site is Whipple Hill, and it’s a hauntingly wild and lovely location for hiking. Marked trails lead you … Continue reading "Witch Hill – aka Whipple Hill"

Patterns emerge when I study profoundly haunted (or “active”) areas. They help me identify overlooked ghosts and paranormal phenomena. In my book, The Ghosts of Austin, Texas, I described two major paranormal patterns connecting almost all hauntings in downtown Austin. With that information, ghost hunters can find dozens of unreported and overlooked Austin hauntings to … Continue reading "Salem, MA – Ghosts Along the Judges Line"

This isn’t my book, but it includes  a few of my Tilton stories. Other regional ghost hunters, including Lesley Marden and journalist Jim Fitzgerald, also contributed their stories to Rue’s book. Ghost Hunting in Tilton, NH, by Rue Taylor Cote. From the Amazon description: Is Tilton the most haunted town in New Hampshire? Tilton’s ghosts … Continue reading "Book Review: Ghost Hunting in Tilton, NH"

Over a hundred years ago, a woman was locked in the attic of a haunted Laconia (NH) home. She spent years up there, perhaps clawing at the walls and door. She may have died up there, and pieces of her body may still be in the home’s backyard. These pictures are from a house near … Continue reading "She Was Locked in the Attic – Ghost Hunting in Laconia, NH"

[Part two of a true story that began at Portsmouth, NH – real ghosts, private home] After this, I kept hearing louder footsteps on the stairs to the second floor and upstairs, usually at dusk and for about thirty seconds at a time. I ignored them. Old houses make funny noises, I reminded myself. It’s … Continue reading "Portsmouth, NH – Real ghosts, private home – pt 2"

If you like “wild west” ghosts, here are the places to investigate in Texas Hill Country. It’s the home of many people who love wide-open spaces, rolling hills, and the dry climate. It’s a gorgeous place to visit or to put down roots. It’s also very haunted. The following  three sites are from an article, … Continue reading "Eerie, Haunted Places in Texas Hill Country"

Several people have commented on this ghost photo. It was taken at an old bank building in the middle of Old Town Spring, north of Houston, Texas. The picture at the right has been modified only to enhance the contrast. I’ve added a circle to indicate where the face is. Other than that, this photo … Continue reading "Old Town Spring, TX – Ghost Photo Detail"

orbs in haunted cemetery near Houston, TX   This small cemetery in the Houston area is on private land. We had permission to visit it, and an armed, authorized escort who knew where we should look for ghosts. From the start, I knew that this site was profoundly haunted. It reminds me of some New … Continue reading "Houston, TX – Private Cemetery, Part 1"

The headline says “New room found at San Jose’s Winchester Mystery House,” and the article explains, “The home’s preservation team recently opened the new room, which is an attic space that has been boarded up since Sarah Winchester died in 1922.” But, as another article – Winchester Mystery House Pries Open Creepy Attic Room Boarded … Continue reading "Winchester Mystery House – Another Room?"

Few states have as much ghostly history as Pennsylvania. But where should a visiting ghost hunter begin? Here are some tips. Since I’m writing this on the fourth of July, I’ll start with Philadelphia (PA), where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Philadelphia’s Ghosts (The original video with this article was made private by its … Continue reading "Pennsylvania’s Scariest, Must-See Haunted Places"

Is California’s Winchester House the most haunted house in America? Does the Winchester Mystery House hold untold secrets? Do more terrifying spirits – not just ghosts – lurk in locked rooms and unexplored corners? Something scared Sarah Winchester, badly. She was trying to outrun something.  The Winchester Mystery House was the focus of a stylish … Continue reading "Haunted Winchester House – Even More Ghosts Inside?"