Most everyone has a ghost tale in them, some experience, whether real or imagined, to share. And what better time is there to visit ghostly haunts than at Halloween? The Haunted America Tours website lists the top ten most haunted houses in the United States, along with historical backgrounds that are not meant for the squeamish or weak-hearted. Of course, skeptics would say the accounts are nothing but urban legends and fanciful folklore. However, those who have experienced their own bit of the paranormal might have something else to say. So, believable or not, here is a description of some of the more unusual haunted spots.
LaLaurie House in the French Quarter
Located in the French Quarter of New Orleans, LaLaurie House was built in 1832 by Dr. LaLaurie. LaLaurie and wife, Delphine, were socialites who hosted many fashionable affairs in their home. One night in 1834, the cook — one of many slaves owned by the couple — accidentally set fire to the house. Leaving the other slaves chained in their quarters, the LaLaurie's escaped to safety. Angered by the senseless death of the slaves a mob wrecked LaLaurie House. Hauntings have been reported and include furniture moving, doors slamming, and ghostly appearances by Delphine and the slaves.
Winchester House, San Jose
Traveling west, one finds the Winchester House, located in San Jose, California. Construction began in 1884 but wasn't completed until thirty-some years later. Sarah Winchester, widow of the heir to the Winchester rifle fortune, perhaps due to grief over the loss of her husband and baby daughter, decided to have this 160-room mansion erected. The confusing maze of rooms, staircases leading nowhere, and a window built into the floor led to what many call the Winchester Mystery House. Visitors claim to hear scary music and voices, banging doors and footsteps, to feel cold spots, and to see moving lights.
Congelier House, Pittsburg
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania is the home of Congelier House, built in the 1800s. Carpetbagger Charles Congelier and his wife Lyda resided there. One of the more gruesome tales in history tells of how Lyda caught her husband and the servant girl together in bed. In a jealous act of anger she stabbed Charles and chopped off the mistress' head. Afterward, a doctor by the name of Brunrichter bought Congelier House and became rather reclusive. One day an explosion was heard from inside the house. Investigators found five headless women in the basement, but no sign of Brunrichter. Years later, police arrested a drunken man who claimed to be the missing doctor. He told a nightmarish tale of sex orgies, demons, torture and murder that occurred in Congelier House. Some would think it a blessing when years later a gas explosion destroyed this haunted site. Yet, some people say they have seen on occasion an ethereal image of the house that will disappear in the next instant. It's as if Congelier House refuses to leave.
Franklin Castle, Cleveland
Located in Cleveland, Ohio, Franklin Castle took little time to gain a gruesome reputation. Hannes Tiedemann built this stately edifice in 1880. Hannes had a reputation as a cruel, domineering man. He was believed responsible for the deaths of his daughter and one of the servants. Horrific versions of their murders include one that the servant was either axed to death or strangled while tied to a bed. Years later, Sam Muscatello bought Franklin Castle. He discovered secret rooms and human bones inside the walls. Appearances of a woman in black, chandeliers spinning, doors closing and mirrors that fog have been reported. Even the sounds of babies crying echo from inside the walls.
Fact or not, these haunts can provide a thrilling experience. Just the kind of fun you need at Halloween. Check out the website Haunted America Tours for more information.
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