The 9 most haunted spots in New Hampshire
This spooky season, embark on a journey through New Hampshire’s ghostly history by learning about (or even visiting) the state’s most haunted spots.
New Hampshire is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, fresh produce, scenic hikes, and quaint towns. However, the state also boasts an abundance of folklore related to ghosts and hauntings, making it a landmark for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers. From haunted hotels to burial grounds with paranormal activity, those who love an adrenaline rush can experience some of the most spine-tingling sights right here in the Granite State.
The history of haunted activity in New Hampshire can be traced back to the Native American tribes that inhabited the land. Once European settlers began arriving in the area in the 1600s, they added even more tales of spirits and supernatural occurrences.
One of the earliest legends is about a Hampton woman called Goody Cole, who was accused of witchcraft. After she was executed, she supposedly placed a curse on the town, and it is believed that her spirit still haunts the area. But this is just one among many spooky tales about the state.
This Halloween, embark on a journey to explore New Hampshire’s ghostly history. Here’s where to begin your spooky adventure:
1. Ocean Borne Mary House, Henniker
In the 1700s, a group of Irish settlers arrived in the New World. On board was a couple who gave birth to a child en route. When the ship was taken over by a group of pirates, they agreed to let the family free if it named the child after one of the pirates’ mothers, Mary. That was the birth of Ocean Borne Mary, who lived until 94 in the town of Henniker.
In 1917, a man named Louis Roy moved to Henniker from the Midwest and wanted to explore a house with a rich history. He ended up becoming the owner of the house previously inhabited by one of Mary’s sons, and claimed that she could still be found sitting in the rocking chair. Roy decorated the house with antiques to attract visitors. Some believe it was a scheme devised by Roy to generate an income.
Want to see it for yourself? The house is located just outside of Henniker on Bear Road.
2. Three Chimneys Inn, Durham
Three Chimneys Inn is located at 17 Newmarket Road. It was built in 1649 by one Valentine Hill, who had a daughter named Hannah. Legend says that Hannah drowned in the Oyester River located behind the inn, and has never left the property since.
Karen Meyer, an innkeeper, has reported seeing the presence of a spirit at the inn. “Things happen that are tough to explain, but nothing evil,” Meyer said, noting the spirits are quite mischievous. “Silverware will go missing and then show back up, we’ve had doors lock themselves.”
3. Woodland Cemetery, Keene
One of the most haunted locations in Keene, Woodland Cemetery can give you some hair-raising spooky experiences, especially around the Sumner Knight Chapel.
People believe that a ghost who hates cursing will make your mouth taste like soap if you curse around the cemetery.
4. The Tilton Inn, Tilton
The Tilton Inn in New Hampshire is a historic and haunted hotel. The inn has been in business since 1875 and is so lovely that it has hosted notable figures, including Henry Ford and Thomas Edison.
Unfortunately, over the hotel’s long history, it has been destroyed by fire on several occasions. However, according to popular belief, people who walked through the hotel’s doorways are still present there. One of the fires killed a 12-year-old named Laura, who reportedly walks around freely in the inn and sometimes gives people a “big, cute smile.” So creepy! Go say hi to the Tilton’s lil ghost at 255 Main Street.
5. Stark Road Graveyard, Conway
The Stark Road Graveyard is notoriously haunted, and people believe that it is surrounded by the spirits of Civil War soldiers.
The cemetery was built in the 1800s, and many people claim that they experience “eerie” vibes or allege seeing apparitions around the gravestones once they enter the graveyard. Some even hear ghosts scream out of their graves. To be honest, the faint of heart are not recommended to visit this site!
One of the most famous ghosts of this cemetery is Abel Blood, a war hero who returned to Conway after his battles. He built a mansion in the area but soon lost all his fortune, which led to his end. Legend has it that Blood roams around the graveyard seeking peace and happiness.
6. Alton Town Hall, Alton
New Hampshire is one of the oldest states in the country, and there is no shortage of spooky nooks in the state. Alton Town Hall is another allegedly haunted sight that sends chills down the spines of those who sense the presence of the “other” inside its premises.
The town hall was built in 1894, so it has housed numerous town officials for over a hundred years—some of whom refuse to leave. People who now spend time in the town hall, especially guards or late-night employees, have listened to voices coming from the corridor, in addition to hearing mysterious footsteps or the sounds of furniture being moved.
The creepiest paranormal story emerging out of the town hall is of a person reporting that they heard furniture being moved on the floor above them. Upon investigating, it was found that all the chairs had been moved from the courtroom into the hallway!
7. Island Path Road, Hampton Beach
Eunice “Goody” Cole lived on Island Path on Hampton Beach. Like many women of her era, Cole was accused of witchcraft in 1656 and 1671. She wasn’t killed, but was persecuted and endured years of hatred until she died in 1680. Cole was the only woman in New Hampshire to be accused and convicted of witchcraft.
Some believe that she was buried by vengeful townsfolk, and others say that she was buried by kind neighbors in what is today the Meeting House Garden. It is widely believed that Cole’s ghost haunts the end of the road in Hampton.
In a survey last year, Island Path Road was named the second-scariest road in New Hampshire by participants.
8. Colonial Theater in Laconia
Advertised as one of the “handsomest” playhouses to be founded in New England, the 1914 Colonial Theater in Laconia was designed by a local architect, George L. Griffin.
A sinister aura sits on the balcony, and apparently, the strings of the guitar are enough to calm him. Sometimes lights go on and off, and doors open and shut on their own.
Some attribute abnormal activities in the theater’s premises to decaying electrical systems that also suffered some rodent damage. The palace also survived a fire and was shabbily repaired afterward.
9. Omni Mount Washington Hotel Resort and Spa
The famous Mount Washington Hotel is widely regarded as one of the spookiest hotels in America. Employees and customers frequently report seeing ghosts, hearing unexplained voices, or sensing footsteps.
The most famous ghost is that of Carolyn Stickney, the former owner’s wife, who is usually seen hanging around in room 314! History says that after Stickney’s husband’s death, she remarried into French royalty but continued to frequent the hotel every summer, always staying in room 314. Perhaps she still oversees her guests in that room?
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