Are ghosts for real? Well, the answer to this is subjective. But humanity’s fascination with the unknown knows no bounds. While some believe in the existence of supernatural beings, others are staunchly opposed to it. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the paranormal world sure does fascinate us. While many claim to have seen spirits, for others just the stories of supernatural activities are enough to run a chill down their spine. From spooky hotels to haunted towns, the United States is littered with destinations that boast of a dark history. Well, these locations are sure not for the faint-hearted. Strangely desolate, these places ironically lure those with a keen interest in the ghostly world. While the tales and legends associated with these spooky sites are endless, here are few haunted locations in the United States that you must not visit alone.
Stanley Hotel, Colorado
Best known for being the inspiration behind Stephen King’s bestselling novel, The Shining, Stanley hotel in Colorado is not for the scaredy cat. The mystery of Stanley hotel revolves around the notorious room 217, which was later changed to 237 in the movie adaptation by director Stanley Kubric. The eerie ambience of the room has been felt by many guests. Reports of objects moving around on their own and the sound of disembodied voice of women at night have been heard time and again. We only have thing to say. Enter at your own risk!
Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, West Virginia
A place meant for restoration now stands abandoned .Well, this is the legend associated with the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Opened in 1863, the asylum was planned for nearly 250 patients. It was in 1881, that the place devolved into madness. Due to the facilities being overrun, the hospital couldn’t keep up. Eventually it turned into a dumping ground for the outcasts. Sadistic experiments were performed on the inmates and some were even kept in solitary confinement .The atrocities that the patients were subjected to have scarred many. Today, there are several operators that offer a daytime tour of this historic landmark.
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Kehoe House, Savannah
From stories of children having passed away to reports of ghostly occurrences, there are several legends doing the rounds that are centered around the Kehoe House. Sources claim that room 201 and room 203 are particularly haunted. Some reports even suggest that a guest felt a mysterious presence in the room of a child child stroking her hair while she slept. Legend also says that the first generation of the Kehoe family died in the hotel and till date haunts the premises. While the ownership might have changed several times, the legends remain the same.
Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia
The stone walls and winding corridors of this site served as an asylum to thousands of hard-core criminals. Probably the most expensive project of its day, the penitentiary involved an investment of $800,000. However what set this asylum apart was that inmates weren't allowed to interact with each other and were kept in solitary confinement. With a history of suicide, murder and torture, it does’nt come as a surprise that there are several stories of spooky experineces by the staff, guards and visitors.
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Lalaurie Mansion, New Orleans
It’s hard to miss the stories of LaLaurie Mansion when you’re in New Orleans. While you might have heard several legends, nothing comes close to the heart wrenching real tale. The mysterious mansion once belonged to infamous Madame Delphine LaLaurie. It’s said that the savage mistress inflicted immense pain on her slaves who were later found in battered and bruised condition.
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Bishop White House, Philadelphia
Considered the most haunted structure in Independence National Historic Park, Bishop white House is a popular haunt for a supernatural experience. It is believed that, White, the first bishop of the American Episcopalian Church lived here and died in the third floor library of the house. In addition to this, one of his family members also died here. Reports suggest that the book that White was reading just before his death is still in the house and many claim to have seen a glimpse of the bishop’s spirit through the library window. Visitors have also said that they’ve heard a crying cat that disappears when approached. Today, this place serves as a public park open to all.