Oct 26 2011
Top 10 Most Haunted Cities in the U.S. – Salem, Massachusetts
Top 10 Most Haunted Cities in the U.S.
Salem, Massachusetts
Salem, Massachusetts is the home of the famous Salem Witch Trials and the setting for the classic work of literature The Crucible. In the late 1600s, hysteria swept this sleepy New England town and resulted in the deaths of many accused “witches.” The judges and witnesses involved in these trials have all died mysterious deaths, and the ghosts of all that were involved are said to haunt nearly every place in Salem. The hangings of the “witches” have left an eerie stain on American history and transformed Salem into one of the most haunted cities in America.
The Lyceum is an elegant restaurant that was once the home of Bridgette Bishop, one of the most famous “witches” to be hanged in Salem. She has been seen in the windows and on the landing of the stairway there, dressed in period clothing. Computers are said to have malfunctioned for no apparent reason, and EVPs have recorded her blaming her death on Mary Wilcott. Construction workers have claimed that they saw cinder blocks flying down the stairs and one couple’s wedding photos at the Lyceum reportedly reveal images of Bishop. Bishop is also alleged to haunt The Witch House, the former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, the man who sent many of the “witches” to their demise. Strange shapes have been seen in photos taken there and Bishop is supposed to be heard talking about her apple orchard on EVPs.
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Another site of unexplained happenings is the Joshua Ward House. The house belonged to the sheriff who caused the crushing death of Giles Corey, and his spirit still stays there to this day. Candles have been taken out of their holders and melted, trash cans have been thrown, and temperature drops are common. Some have seen an old man sitting by the fireplace, and photos have shown odd results. Corey also allegedly haunts the Howard Street Cemetery and is reported to appear just before disasters, a part of the curse he placed on Salem before he died. Howard Street Cemetery isn’t the only haunted graveyard though, as Saint Mary’s Cemetery is also said to be plagued with spirits. Strange noises like a dog walking on cement and mysterious lights have been witnessed. There is also apparently an unexplained feeling of evil throughout the place and the feeling of being watched.
The Hawthorne Hotel, named for the famous writer Nathaniel Hawthorne, is yet another location in Salem that is rife with ghosts. Guests have claimed that a ship’s wheel in the hotel will move on its own, and that it will continue to move even after someone tries to stop it. An employee said that the room setups were rearranged overnight while he worked there, and later refused to ever work the night shift again. The elevator is supposed to be haunted as well, and chandeliers will sway with no sound for no apparent reason.
Salem is the home of many tortured souls, and it’s clear that they won’t be leaving any time soon. “Witch City” has plenty of attractions for ghost-lovers, and you don’t need a tour to see some very lively spirits.
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