Four Hauntingly Scary Cities Across America

Salem, Massachusetts, established in 1626, is one of the spookiest cities in America, notorious for its infamous Salem Witch Trials in the late 17th century. The trials lasted for 16 months and resulted in more than 200 people being accused of practicing witchcraft, with 20 being executed. The "Witch House," once the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who was heavily involved in the trials, is a building where the accused spirits are known to make things fly, make shuffling noises, walk around the home, and show themselves as a "shadow person."

One of the most infamous "witches" executed in Salem was Bridget Bishop, a wealthy apple orchard landowner. Her ghost is said to haunt the 43rd Church Restaurant, which was built on her apple orchard. Giles Corey, an 80-year-old local farmer, was also accused of witchcraft and was pressed to death. His tragic death and eerie last words have become a chilling ghost story in Salem, with many claiming to have seen an old man at Howard Street Cemetery, where Corey is buried.

Gallows Hill in Salem, where 19 victims were hung and buried for their supposed witchcraft, is a place where people are known to feel bad feelings and hear voices. The city is also known for its connection to the supernatural, but there is no documented evidence of famous individuals who hanged themselves in Salem.

Moving south, we find New Orleans, Louisiana, a city with its own share of ghostly tales. Established by Native Americans, then transferred to French, Spanish, and United States rule, New Orleans became a hub for trade, particularly cotton, and a place for the rich to live. The city's dark past is reflected in its haunted locations, such as the LaLaurie Mansion, where the ghost of Madame LaLaurie and the spirits of her tortured slaves are reportedly present.

Another haunted location in New Orleans is Myrtles Plantation, built upon a Native American burial ground. The ghost of Chloe, a nanny and slave, is reportedly seen here. St. Louis Cemetery #1, established in 1789, is the final resting place of over 100,000 people, including the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Her ghost is known to appear in the cemetery and in her old house on St. Ann Street in the French Quarter, and she is known to scratch, pinch, and shove people.

Heading east, we reach Savannah, Georgia, home to Colonial Park Cemetery, established in 1750. This cemetery is the final resting place of many heroes from the American Revolution, including Major General Lachian McIntosh and signer of the Declaration of Independence Button Gwinnett. The Pirate's House, dating back to 1754, is another haunted location where the ghost of Captain Flint, rumored to have given the map to Treasure Island to Billy Bones, is reportedly present. The Olde Pink House, built in 1771, is another haunted location where the ghost of James Habersham Jr., a wealthy cotton factor and founding-family member, is reportedly present.

Finally, we arrive at the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place in Pennsylvania in 1863. Known as the war's turning point and had a lasting impact on the nation's history, the battle had the largest casualties of the entire Civil War, with 51,000 soldiers killed, injured, or missing. The Ginnie Wade House, where the only civilian killed during the battle was Ginnie Wade, is known as the "most haunted place in Gettysburg." People often report feeling panic, seeing Ginnie, and seeing the shadow of a man walking through the house. The Valley of Death and Devil's Den, where the majority of the fighting took place, are locations where haunting experiences are common, such as soldiers walking, trumpets playing taps, and musket fire being heard.

These haunted locations across America offer a glimpse into the country's past, providing a chilling reminder of the events that have shaped our nation's history. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these spooky sites are a must-visit for anyone seeking a thrilling and historical experience.