The United States is rich with history, and with that history comes tales of the supernatural. From ghostly apparitions in colonial settlements to eerie happenings in old mining towns, these locations have become notorious for their paranormal activity. Join us as we explore 15 of the most haunted towns in America, where the past seems to linger a little too closely for comfort.
Salem – Where Witches Walk Among Us
Salem is infamous for its 1692 witch trials, which led to the execution of 20 innocent people. The town is now a hub for paranormal enthusiasts, with numerous reports of ghostly encounters at the Salem Witch House and the Old Burying Point Cemetery. The spirits of the accused witches are said to still haunt the streets, making Salem one of the most haunted places in the country.
St. Augustine – America’s Oldest City with Ancient Ghosts
As the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine is steeped in history—and hauntings. The Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fortress, is said to be home to several restless spirits, including Spanish soldiers and their captives. Ghost tours of the city often include stops at the St. Augustine Lighthouse, where the spirits of two young girls are frequently spotted.
Gettysburg – The Ghosts of Civil War Soldiers
Gettysburg is the site of one of the bloodiest battles in the American Civil War, and it’s no surprise that many believe the spirits of fallen soldiers still wander the battlefield. Numerous visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions of soldiers, hearing phantom gunfire, and feeling an eerie presence at spots like Devil’s Den and Little Round Top.
New Orleans – Voodoo and Vampires
New Orleans is a city known for its rich culture and dark history. The French Quarter is teeming with ghost stories, from the tortured souls of the LaLaurie Mansion to the mysterious vampire sightings at the Ursuline Convent. The city’s ties to voodoo only add to the mystique, making New Orleans a prime destination for those seeking the supernatural.
Savannah – The Ghostly Charm of the South
Savannah’s moss-draped oaks and historic squares hide a darker side—its reputation as one of the most haunted cities in America. The Mercer-Williams House, Bonaventure Cemetery, and the Moon River Brewing Company are just a few of the spots where visitors have encountered ghostly figures, strange noises, and other unexplained phenomena.
Charleston – Hauntings in the Holy City
Charleston’s cobblestone streets and antebellum homes are not just beautiful—they’re also the setting for some of the South’s most chilling ghost stories. The Old City Jail, where pirates and Civil War prisoners were held, is particularly notorious for its paranormal activity. Ghost tours often highlight the tales of restless spirits seen roaming the historic district.
Jerome – The Wickedest Town in the West
Once a booming copper mining town, Jerome has since become a ghost town—literally. Abandoned after the mines closed, Jerome is now a hotspot for paranormal activity. The Jerome Grand Hotel, formerly a hospital, is especially known for its hauntings, with guests reporting eerie sounds, apparitions, and unexplained events.
Tombstone – Ghosts of the Wild West
Tombstone is famous for the gunfight at the O.K. Corral, but it’s also known for its ghosts. The spirits of outlaws and lawmen are said to haunt the Bird Cage Theatre and Boot Hill Cemetery, where visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures and hearing ghostly voices. The town’s violent past seems to have left its mark on this Old West outpost.
Eureka Springs – The Haunted Ozarks
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs is a town where ghost stories are part of the local lore. The Crescent Hotel, often called the “most haunted hotel in America,” is the site of numerous paranormal sightings, including a former doctor who practiced dubious medicine. The entire town has a spooky atmosphere that attracts ghost hunters from all over.
Portland – Beneath the Streets Lies a Dark Past
Portland’s underground Shanghai Tunnels were once used to kidnap men for forced labor on ships—a dark chapter in the city’s history. Today, these tunnels are said to be haunted by the spirits of those who perished there. Ghost tours of the city often take visitors into the tunnels, where eerie encounters and cold spots are frequently reported.
Sleepy Hollow – Home of the Headless Horseman
Made famous by Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” this town has embraced its haunted reputation. The Old Dutch Church and its adjacent cemetery are said to be haunted by the spirits of Revolutionary War soldiers, while sightings of the Headless Horseman still send chills down the spines of visitors.
Alton – The Most Haunted Small Town in America
Alton has been dubbed the most haunted small town in America, and with good reason. The McPike Mansion, a crumbling old house, is notorious for its ghostly residents, including former owner Henry McPike. The entire town is said to be a hotspot for paranormal activity, with reports of apparitions, strange lights, and other unexplained phenomena.
Estes Park – The Real-Life Shining
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park is famous for inspiring Stephen King’s “The Shining,” but the hauntings are very real. Guests have reported seeing ghostly figures in the halls, hearing piano music coming from empty rooms, and feeling a cold presence in certain parts of the hotel. Estes Park’s scenic beauty belies its eerie atmosphere.
Williamsburg – Colonial Ghosts of the Past
Williamsburg’s colonial history makes it a prime location for ghostly encounters. The Governor’s Palace, the Peyton Randolph House, and the Wren Building at the College of William & Mary are all said to be haunted by the spirits of those who lived—and died—during the town’s early years. Visitors often report feeling an eerie sense of being watched in this historic town.
America’s Haunted Legacy
From the East Coast to the West, America is full of towns where the past is never truly gone. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these towns offer a glimpse into the darker side of history, where stories of the supernatural continue to captivate and terrify. Are you brave enough to visit these haunted locations?