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Top Ghost Stories for Valentine’s Day from Around the World

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Here are some of the many haunted legends and places where the story centers around love and romance. Enjoy these ghost stories for Valentine’s Day.

“Every love story is a ghost story” said the author, David Foster Wallace once. Ghosts are always lingering in stories, yearning for something, much like the greatest love stories. Although most romance in the haunted places and people is dark, violent and often bloody, there are still ghosts not jaded or turned vengeful of their lover. This is not a list of all the ghost stories that started when the love story ended badly (most often the boyfriend killed the girl), but a collection of where the ghosts are still loving in their afterlife.

And although the story ended in them dying, often horrible deaths, here are some more or less wholesome ghost stories for Valentine’s driven by love… most of them. Happy Valentine’s

The Romantic Ghost Haunting the Castle of Buen Amor | Spain

The Castle of Good Love: Castillo de Buen Amor is said to be haunted by the lady in white, the woman the castle was built for.//Source: El Pantera/ wikimedia

The Castle of Buen Amor, nestled in the countryside of Salamanca, Spain, is a place where love and legend intertwine. Once a fortress, it became the secret retreat of Bishop Alonso de Fonseca Quijada and his mistress, Teresa de las Cuevas. Though their love was forbidden, the bishop transformed the castle into a lavish home for their romance, earning it the name “Castle of Good Love.” However, their story ended in tragedy, and to this day, visitors report seeing the ghostly figure of a Lady in White, believed to be Teresa, wandering the halls in search of her lost love. Now a hotel designed for romantic getaways, the castle continues its legacy as a place of passion—both in life and beyond.

Read the whole story: The Romantic Ghost Haunting the Castle of Buen Amor

The Ghostly Lovers Haunting the Castle of Pedraza | Spain

The Castle of Pedraza: The castillo de Pedraza is thought to be haunted by two lovers the lord of the castle murdered in a fit of jealousy// Source: Wikimedia

The Castle of Pedraza in Spain is a hauntingly beautiful fortress steeped in history and legend. Dating back to the 13th century, this imposing stronghold has witnessed centuries of noble rule, battles, and betrayal. However, its most chilling tale is that of two lovers, Elvira and Roberto, whose tragic fate sealed the castle’s supernatural legacy. According to legend, their forbidden love enraged the jealous lord of the castle, who ordered their execution. Yet, death could not part them, for their spirits are said to still wander the battlements at night. Some claim the vengeful lord vanished upon seeing their ghosts upon his return from war, while others whisper of eerie voices and spectral figures lingering in the shadows.

Read the whole story: The Ghostly Lovers Haunting the Castle of Pedraza

The Hauntings of the Chute de la Dame Blanche | Canada

Chute de la Dame Blanche: The White Lady Waterfall has been pictured many times in both books, stamps and postcards. This shows just how much a part of the culture and history this ghost story has become.

The legend of Chute de la Dame Blanche, or the White Lady Waterfall, tells the tragic tale of Mathilde Robin, a young woman whose love story was cut short by the brutal Battle of Beauport in 1759. As she prepared to marry her beloved Louis Tessier, war intervened, and Louis was killed in the fight to defend New France. Overcome with grief, Mathilde donned her wedding gown and threw herself from the falls where they had once shared stolen moments, her bridal veil blending forever with the cascading waters. To this day, locals and visitors report sightings of her ghost, still clad in white, mourning the lover she lost to war. Whether fact or folklore, the story of the White Lady Waterfall endures, a haunting reminder of love, loss, and the unrelenting power of grief.

Read the whole story: The Hauntings of the Chute de la Dame Blanche

The Courtesan Ghost of Golconda Fort | India

The Start of Golconda Fort: The Kakatiya dynasty was an Indian dynasty that ruled most of eastern Deccan region in present-day India between 12th and 14th centuries. //Source: Photo by Sharath G.

The tragic tale of Taramati, the famed courtesan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, lingers in the haunted corridors of Golconda Fort. Known for her enchanting dance and song, she captured the heart of Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah, who adored her performances from his durbar atop the fort. Though history offers little insight into her true fate, legend suggests that she either met a sorrowful end or lived in heartbreak after being separated from her king. Today, her presence is still felt—visitors report hearing the eerie sound of ghunghroos echoing in the night at the baradari where she once performed. Paranormal activity, from moving paintings to unseen forces hurling objects, fuels the belief that Taramati’s spirit still lingers, forever tied to the fort that witnessed her glory and grief.

Read the whole story: The Courtesan Ghost of Golconda Fort

Ross Castle and the Tragic Haunting of a Doomed Love | Ireland

The Doomed Love: To finally be together, Sabrina and Owen tried to escape on a boat over Lough Sheelin, away from Ross Castle and their families. It ended in tragedy. It’s one of those ghost stories for Valentine’s Painting: Lovers by Arthur Georg von Ramberg

Ross Castle, standing on the shores of Lough Sheelin in County Meath, Ireland, is a place where history and the supernatural intertwine. Built in 1536 by the infamous “Black Baron” Richard Nugent, the castle is said to be haunted by both him and his daughter, Sabrina. Sabrina, a gentle soul unlike her cruel father, fell in love with Orwin, the son of her father’s enemy. Their forbidden love led to a tragic attempt to escape across the lake, but their boat capsized, and Orwin drowned. Devastated, Sabrina locked herself in the castle tower and starved to death. Now, her spirit is said to wander Ross Castle, searching for her lost love, while the Black Baron roams in torment, haunted by his past deeds and his daughter’s fate. Visitors report eerie encounters—ghostly whispers, shadowy figures, and sudden chills. Beyond the castle, Lough Sheelin holds its own spectral tale, where a doomed funeral procession is said to replay its tragic fate on the frozen lake every hundred years. Whether drawn by history or ghostly legends, those who visit Ross Castle leave with an undeniable sense of its lingering presence.

Read the whole story: Ross Castle and the Tragic Haunting of a Doomed Love

The Djinns of Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb in Mehrauli | India

The City of Djinns: Arches of Jamali Kamali Mosque, Mehrauli, Delhi.// Source: Abhishek Khanna/ Wikimedia

The Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb, nestled within Delhi’s Mehrauli Archaeological Park, is shrouded in mystery and tales of the supernatural. Built in the 16th century by the Sufi saint Jamali, the site is believed to be haunted by djinns—mysterious spirits that are said to dwell in the city’s ancient ruins. The tomb, shared by Jamali and an enigmatic figure named Kamali, has sparked speculation about their relationship, with theories ranging from mentor and disciple to lovers. Visitors often report eerie encounters, including shadowy figures, strange laughter, and an unsettling sensation of being watched. Some have even claimed to experience physical attacks, such as slaps that leave lingering handprints.

Read the whole story: The Djinns of Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb in Mehrauli

Ghosts Haunting The Castle of Loarre | Spain

Castle of Loarre: Tells one of the heartbreaking ghost stories for Valentine’s

The Castle of Loarre, a medieval fortress in Spain, is steeped in history and ghostly legends. Built in the 11th century, it served as both a military stronghold and an abbey, where tragedy struck during a conflict, leading to the haunting of an imprisoned abbess who is said to appear on the night of San Juan. Another specter said to roam its halls is Count Don Julian, a traitor from Spain’s turbulent past. Most intriguing, however, is the tale of Violante de Luna, a rebellious noblewoman excommunicated by her own uncle, Pope Benedict XIII, for her forbidden love and political defiance. After leading a doomed siege to protect her refuge in the castle, she was captured and vanished from historical records, yet legend claims she still lingers. Some say she appears on the queen’s balcony, awaiting her lover, while others report seeing her wielding a ghostly sword, eternally defending the castle she once called home.

Read the whole story: Ghosts Haunting The Castle of Loarre in Spain

The Haunting of Dona Paula Beach and the Pearl Wearing Ghost | India

Dona Paula Cliff: It is also said that she actually did marry the fisherman, but he went to sea, but never returned. She waited for him at the cliff for the rest of her life, eventually turning into stone. Here from the unrelated statue on Dona Paula Beach that have started to merge with the legend. // Source: Wikimedia

Dona Paula Beach in Goa, India, is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere. However, it is also steeped in a tragic legend of unrequited love. The beach is named after Dona Paula de Menezes, a noblewoman who, in the 18th century, fell in love with a local fisherman, defying societal norms. Her aristocratic family forbade the relationship, and heartbroken, she leapt to her death from the cliffs into the Arabian Sea. Some versions of the story suggest she was pushed off by the wife of a Portuguese governor. Locals claim her ghost, wearing only a pearl necklace, emerges from the ocean on moonlit nights, wandering the shoreline in search of her lost love. The area is still referred to as “Lover’s Paradise,” and is believed to be haunted by her sorrowful spirit.

Read the whole story: The Haunting of Dona Paula Beach and the Pearl Wearing Ghost

The White Lady of Kinsale Haunting Charles Fort

The Star Shaped Fort: Charles Fort was built on the site of the ruins of an earlier stronghold known as Barry Óg Castle, at Rincurran. The Ringcurran defences had featured prominently during the Siege of Kinsale in 1601. Now the fort is in ruins and only ghost story remains. //Source: Dieglop/Wikimedia

Charles Fort in Kinsale, Ireland, is steeped in history and haunted by tragedy. Built in the 17th century as a strategic stronghold, the fort witnessed countless battles, but its most famous tale is that of the White Lady of Kinsale. According to legend, Wilful Warrender married her beloved, Sir Trevor Ashurt, only to have her father, Colonel Warrender, mistakenly kill him on their wedding night, believing him to be a sleeping guard. Overcome with grief, Wilful threw herself from the battlements, and her father took his own life soon after. Now, her ghost, dressed in a wedding gown, is said to haunt the ruins of Charles Fort, appearing in rooms, walking through walls, and even terrorizing visitors. Some claim she watches over sleeping children, while others tell of encounters where she turns vengeful, dragging the unsuspecting down staircases. Her spirit is also rumored to wander the streets of Kinsale and a nearby hotel named in her honor, ensuring that her tragic story lives on.

Read the whole story: The White Lady of Kinsale Haunting Charles Fort

The Haunted Face in the Rocks Under Santa Barbara Castle | Spain

Ghost stories for Valentine’s: Santa Barbara Castle have a tragic love tale ending in a haunting.

Perched atop a rocky hill overlooking the white sands of Alicante, Santa Barbara Castle has stood for centuries, witnessing battles, conquests, and whispers of the supernatural. Built by the Moors in the 9th century, the fortress later fell into Christian hands and became a key military stronghold. However, beyond its historic walls lies a tragic legend that shaped the city’s name. The Arab princess Cantara was caught between two suitors—Ali, her true love, and Almanzor, a wealthy warrior chosen by her father. To win her hand, the men were given tasks: Almanzor sailed to India to bring back riches, while Ali toiled to build a water channel for the city. Despite Ali winning her heart, Almanzor returned first, securing victory. Heartbroken, Ali leaped from the castle, leaving an imprint of his face on the mountain. Unable to bear the loss, Cantara followed him, and their love became eternal in Alicante’s name. Today, visitors report eerie whispers and ghostly apparitions, said to be the restless spirits of the ill-fated lovers and other lost souls that haunt the castle’s ancient halls.

Read the whole story: The Haunted Face in the Rocks Under Santa Barbara Castle

The Texan Hauntings of Cameron Park | USA

Lovers Leap: Among other stories, it holds a ghost stories for Valentine’s .Source/Flickr

Nestled in the heart of Waco, Texas, Cameron Park is known for its natural beauty, but beneath its scenic trails and towering trees lies a world of ghostly legends. Among its most haunting tales is that of Lovers’ Leap, where a Native American princess from the Wah-Wah-Tee tribe and her forbidden Apache lover chose to embrace eternity together by leaping from a cliff into the river below. Their tragic love story, first documented in 1912, has endured through time, with visitors claiming to see their ghostly figures dancing above the water on full moon nights. Alongside this sorrowful legend, the eerie ruins of the Witch’s Castle and the perilous climb of Jacob’s Ladder add to the park’s mysterious allure, making Cameron Park a place where history and the supernatural intertwine.

Read the whole story The Texan Hauntings of Cameron Park

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The Haunting of Room 428 at Wilson Hall at Ohio University

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It is said that room 428 was forever sealed off at Wilson Hall dormitory after several bizarre deaths with ties to the occult in the 1970s. Now, the University of Ohio is considered one of the most haunted all these years later. 

In the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio, Ohio University in Athens boasts a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1804. However, it’s not just academic accolades that have put this university on the map—it’s also one of the most haunted campuses in the United States. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

At Brown House, ghostly children are splashing around in the long-gone swimming pool, in Jefferson Hall there is a “marble sound,” which happens most often on the top floor of the building as if someone’s dropping hundreds of marbles on the floor above. At Washington Hall the entire girl basketball team is haunting, while the men’s team is haunting the attic. 

Many locations at one University with many stories, but at the center of these spine-chilling tales stands Wilson Hall, a dormitory that has gained a notorious reputation for its eerie and unsettling paranormal activity.

The University of Ohio: A very old university, the place have gotten a reputation for being one of the most haunted universities that are. One of the more famous story talks about the sealed off room at Wilson Hall dormitory, supposedly built on top of a very spiritual plasce. //Source

A Brief History of Wilson Hall

The Wilson Hall is the building most people talk about when they talk about the haunted legends of the University. The red brick building is towering on the green grass, looking quaint and peaceful from the outside. However, on the inside, the legend says it’s anything but. The most infamous aspect of Wilson Hall is room 428, a space that has become synonymous with ghostly encounters and unexplained phenomena.

Wilson Hall: Source

Wilson Hall, located on the university’s West Green was built in 1964, named after the former student, Hiram Wilson and it has housed generations of students. However, beneath its unassuming exterior lies a darker, more mysterious past. 

The building is said to be built in the middle of five cemeteries in the region. When you look at it on a map, you can draw out a pentagram, the symbol of power and magic in pagan lore. Just a myth? After all, anything within five points can make a pentagram. But this origin lore comes with a legend that tells of its consequences. 

There is also the persistent myth about the hall being built on top of an Indian burial ground, as many supposed haunted spots in America claim. There is a fairly large tribe from the Shawnee natives in Athens, even today. Who knows if this is true, but they did find out in the 1980s that the hall is built on top of the early cemetery of the Athens Mental Institute. Although, also this is something that they say is not really true. There is, however, worth to note that there are in fact two Wilson Halls, one being a historic building with closer ties to the tuberculosis hospital and asylum with its own ghost stories. 

The Legend of Room 428

Hall of the Pentagram: source

The legend of Wilson Hall centers on room 428, which has been sealed off and is no longer used for student housing. The room’s haunted reputation dates back to the 1970s, when a female student reportedly died by suicide under mysterious circumstances. Or was it in fact a male student as some former student pointed out that the 4th floor was for boys back in the late 70s? The true identity has been lost over the years, if it even happened. Some say it was in fact two deaths, one being the tragic suicide of the male student, and then a female student moved in and started to dabble with the occult. 

According to campus lore, the student was deeply involved in the occult and had been conducting rituals in her room. It is said that she experienced a powerful spiritual encounter that drove her to take her own life. According to the lore, the student was practicing astral projection, a technique for the spirit to travel without its body. In addition there were several attempts to contact the dead. 

Following her death, subsequent residents of room 428 began to report strange occurrences—disembodied voices, objects moving on their own, and inexplicable cold spots. The disturbances were so persistent and unsettling that university officials eventually decided to lock the room permanently, preventing anyone from entering.

Paranormal Activity in Wilson Hall

The hauntings in Wilson Hall are not confined to room 428. Students living in the building have reported a wide range of supernatural experiences, particularly in the hallways and other nearby rooms. The comment sections in forums flood with people’s experiences staying at the dorm. 

Students have frequently heard faint, whispering voices emanating from the walls, especially near room 428. Some have claimed to see shadowy figures lurking in the hallways or standing at the end of their beds. These apparitions are often described as indistinct and fleeting, vanishing as quickly as they appear. Objects have been known to move on their own—books flying off shelves, doors slamming shut, and lights flickering without explanation. Sudden drops in temperature are a frequent occurrence, with some rooms feeling unnaturally cold despite the heating being on full blast. 

Theories Behind the Hauntings

While the legend of the student’s suicide provides a compelling backstory, some believe that Wilson Hall’s paranormal activity could have deeper roots. Athens itself is steeped in folklore, with numerous reports of hauntings and ghostly encounters throughout the town. The university is built near the site of an old mental asylum, and many locals believe that the area is a hotspot for supernatural activity due to its history of suffering and tragedy.

Read More: Check out the stories about The Old Maternity Hospital Haunts the Building of Cordoba University, The Braided Girl on the Train Tracks for more university hauntings.

Additionally, the alleged pentagram shape formed by the university’s buildings has led to theories that the campus was designed with occult purposes in mind, further fueling the idea that Wilson Hall is a focal point for paranormal energy.

Honoring the Legends

Despite its dark reputation, Wilson Hall remains a popular topic of fascination for students and paranormal enthusiasts alike. Ghost tours and investigations often include the building as a key stop, drawing those eager to experience its eerie atmosphere firsthand.

While Ohio University’s administration maintains a respectful silence regarding the specifics of the haunting, they have acknowledged the building’s notoriety and the interest it generates. Room 428 remains sealed or perhaps turned into a boiler room beyond recognition. Some mentioned that it was reopened for a few years in the 1980s before shutting down for good.

For those who dare to delve into the mysteries of Wilson Hall, the question remains: what truly happened in room 428 all those years ago, and for what reason was it sealed off so no other  student would live in it. And why do its restless spirits said to linger in the dormitory hall refuse to move on?

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Wilson Hall Room 428

Ohio University – FrightFind

Ohio University | Athens Ohio | Real Haunted Place 

https://eu.dispatch.com/story/news/education/2021/11/24/haunted-campuses-ghost-stories-have-long-history-ohios-colleges/6173016001

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The Haunted Elevators of The Bowery Hotel

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In the middle of the night in the Lower East Side hotel in New York City, the elevators of The Bowery Hotel are said to act in a paranormal manner. Every night at one in the morning, they go up and down of their own will, carrying their ghostly guests.

On Manhattan’s Lower East Side, The Bowery Hotel stands as a beacon of luxury and historical intrigue on 335 Bowery in the East Village. Although the hotel is not really that old, it has already managed to have conjured up a haunted rumour.

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

This iconic hotel, steeped in the charm of New York’s Gilded Age inspired decor, offers more than just opulent decor and sumptuous comfort—it harbors a dark, spectral history that has become part of its allure. Beneath the velvet drapes and within the shadows of its oil-painted hallways, legends of hauntings and paranormal activity have taken root, giving the hotel an eerie reputation.

The Bowery Hotel: Source: Flickr/Phillip Ritz

The Bowery’s Historical Legacy

The Bowery Hotel is more than just a boutique retreat; it’s a window into New York City’s storied past. The neighborhood itself, once a hub of the city’s gritty underbelly, has evolved through the centuries from a bustling thoroughfare for immigrants and artists to a chic destination for travelers and residents alike.

The Bowery: Making a throwback to a cozy time, it sticks out from modern New York City. Is the nostalgic interior something that evokes a haunted vibe? Source: Wikimedia

Opening its doors in the early 2000s, The Bowery Hotel was designed to evoke the grandeur of New York’s Gilded Age. Its interiors, adorned with plush velvet, antique furnishings, and oil paintings reminiscent of the late 19th century, create an atmosphere that is both inviting and haunting. The charm of the hotel’s decor is undeniable, yet many visitors have reported an unsettling undercurrent—a sense that they are not alone.

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from haunted hotels.

Since then big celebrities have partied their way into the night. And if we are to believe the legends, some of the guests checked into the hotel rooms, sitting having a sip at the bar and riding the elevators, are not of the living kind. 

The Haunting Legends of the Bowery Hotel

Perhaps the most famous legend associated with The Bowery Hotel revolves around its elevators. Guests and staff alike have reported strange occurrences involving the lifts, particularly at the stroke of one in the morning. 

According to the tales, the elevators often go haywire—doors opening and closing without cause, buttons lighting up at random, and sometimes even stopping between floors. This phenomenon has been attributed to the hotel’s resident poltergeists, mischievous spirits that seem to revel in the disruption of the hotel’s nightly calm.

One popular theory suggests that these spirits are tied to the hotel’s location, which has a long and storied past. The location wasn’t always so swanky, as the Lower East Side used to be one of the city’s poorest places. The Bowery neighborhood was once home to theaters, flophouses, and speakeasies, places where revelry often ended in tragedy. Even when it was built, it was next to the Salvation Army shelter and methadone clinic. Some believe that the spirits of those who met untimely ends in the area have found a new home in the hotel, bringing with them the chaos and unrest of their former lives.

The hotel is also right next to The New York Marble Cemetery, and many think that the ghostly happenings are from the spirits lingering in the cemetery and having taken a trip into the hotel. 

The New York Marble Cemetery: With its entrance at 41 Second Avenue between 2nd and 3rd Streets in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, was founded in 1830 and was the first non-sectarian cemetery in the city and is right by the Bowery Hotel. Could this be the source of the haunted rumors? Source: Wikimedia

Ghostly Encounters at the Bowery

Beyond the mischievous elevators, guests have reported other ghostly encounters throughout the hotel. Shadowy figures have been spotted in the dimly lit hallways, disappearing around corners or vanishing into thin air. The hotel’s oil paintings, some depicting somber and mysterious subjects, seem to watch over visitors, their gazes following passersby in a disconcerting manner.

One story passed around the halls, talks about a guest that got his beer spilled over himself, or knocked out of his hand, although he was sitting by himself. The doing of a malevolent spirit, or one too many beers?

Some visitors have even claimed to hear disembodied whispers in their rooms at night, the faint murmur of voices that cannot be traced to any living source. Cold spots, sudden drops in temperature One story in particular talks about one of the guests who was welcomed by the ghost of a woman wearing white as he was checking into his room. 

Room at the Bowery: Some claim to have met the ghost of a woman as they entered the room. Who could this mysterious woman that people claim to have seen, but know nothing of? Source: Wikimedia

This was not the only time the legend of the woman in white at the hotel has been told, and it looks like the legend is spreading. Some sources claim over 700 guests have spotted her, asking for directions before vanishing into thin air. 

Perhaps the worst is the talk about the feeling of being strangled in the bed as you are asleep. Would you dare to check in?

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Hauntings at The Bowery Hotel – NYC Ghosts – New York Ghosts 

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Most Haunted Hotel In New York: The Bowery Hotel.

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Haunting Music and Cries from Sheffield Island Lighthouse

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On the rocky shores of Connecticut, the Sheffield Island Lighthouse in Norwalk is said to be haunted by mysterious music, a blaring foghorn that doesn’t exist and distant cries for help from the island or worse, the deep dark water. 

On the edge of Long Island Sound, the Sheffield Island Lighthouse in Norwalk, Connecticut, is a beacon of history and mystery. Built in 1868, this Victorian-style lighthouse stands as a reminder of the bygone era of maritime navigation when the light of the lighthouses along the shore guided passing ships supplying oysters safely to shore.

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from USA

With its ten rooms and distinct architectural charm, the lighthouse has guided countless ships safely to shore. However, beneath its picturesque facade lies a series of chilling tales and unexplained phenomena that have captured the imaginations of visitors and locals alike.

A Glimpse into History

Sheffield Island Lighthouse was erected to aid navigation through the treacherous waters surrounding the island, a task it performed for over a century. The island itself was initially purchased in the early 1800s by Captain Robert Sheffield, back when the island was known as “White Island”. Sheffield was a war veteran and a man known for his eccentricity and fondness for unusual musical instruments. 

Read More: Check out The Haunted Prospect Harbor Lighthouse, Bass Harbor Head Light’s Murder Mystery Ghost and The Paranormal Activity At The St. Augustine Lighthouse  for more haunted lighthouses.

Over time, the lighthouse became a critical fixture for seafarers, its light a reassuring presence in the dark, fog-laden nights. In the beginning, the lighthouse had a rather unique system with ten lamps with parabolic reflectors turning using a clockwork mechanism, producing alternating red and white flashes. The system was replaced by a fourth-order Fresnel lens in 1857.

Sheffield Island Lighthouse: Source: Wikimedia

The Ghostly Legends of Sheffield Island Lighthouse

In 1972, the keeper of the lighthouse met an untimely and mysterious end. While watching passing ships through his spyglass, he suddenly collapsed and died, with no clear cause of death ever determined. This incident marked the beginning of the lighthouse’s reputation for being a site of unexplained occurrences.

In 1991, an archaeologist working on site preservation experienced a series of unsettling events. Karen Orawsky was working on Sheffield Island. One day she came to the island by boat. She first heard something that she described as a “hypnotic and mystical music” coming from the island, although she was unable to pinpoint the source.

She then reported hearing distant cries for help, although no one was ever found. Even more bizarre was the sound of a foghorn blaring. A foghorn or fog signal is a device that uses sound to warn vehicles of navigational hazards such as rocky coastlines, or boats of the presence of other vessels, in foggy conditions. This would not have been such a weird thing to hear, except, there being no foghorn on the island. These eerie sounds have fueled speculation that the lighthouse and its surroundings are haunted by restless spirits.

Mystical Music and Mysterious Sounds

The reports of mystical music are not isolated incidents around the Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Numerous visitors have described hearing melodies that seem to float on the wind, vanishing as suddenly as they appear. Some have suggested that these tunes are the spectral echoes of Captain Sheffield’s musical past, a ghostly serenade that defies explanation.

After a paranormal group investigated the island, they also claimed to have met the ghost of a young girl named Abby who has been stuck on the island ever since she died for unknown reasons. Can she be the reason behind the cries for help that visitors have reported on?

The cries for help and the phantom foghorn add to the lighthouse’s spooky reputation. These sounds are often heard during the quiet, still nights, leaving those who hear them with a lingering sense of unease. The lack of any logical source for these noises only deepens the mystery.

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Sheffield Island Light history – NEW ENGLAND LIGHTHOUSES: A VIRTUAL GUIDE 

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San Fernando Cathedral and the Ghosts Haunting it

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The oldest church in San Antonio, Texas is said to be haunted by the spirits of those entombed in it. The San Fernando Cathedral holds many legends and myths, and some of them might be of the paranormal sorts.

Inside of the San Fernando Cathedral, located in the heart of San Antonio, Texas a group of people is renovating the Gothic revival church. When working away, they come across bones entombed inside of the building. The work disturbs the bones’ peace and awakens their spirits. Today, they are still said to haunt the place. 

The church stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, predating the United State as a nation even. Established in 1738 by a group of 15 families from the Canary Islands, it holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating religious community in Texas. The cathedral’s Gothic Revival architecture, with its imposing spires and intricate stained-glass windows, has long been a focal point for both worshippers and tourists. It even got a visit from Pope John Paul II in 1987. 

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In addition to worshippers, there is also a trail of ghost pilgrims that have started to seek out the ghosts that are said to haunt the church. 

The History of San Fernando Cathedral

The 56 Canary Islanders came to the New World in 1731 wanting a new life with land and the Spanish title of hidalgo. But they had been lied to, the King of Spain only wanted to send some countrymen to the territories before the French came and claimed it instead. 

They had to start from scratch as there was nothing there. That is when they started to build the Cathedral, also known as Cathedral of Our Lady of Candelaria and Guadalupe and named after Spain’s Ferdinand III of Castille. For this reason the interior is an image of the Virgin of Candelaria, the patroness of the Canary Islands.

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Perhaps they thought it would keep them safe from the Lipan Apache, who declared war on the Spaniards that had arrived on their land, even before the Canary Island settlers arrived. 

Throughout its existence, San Fernando Cathedral has witnessed numerous historical events, including the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. 

Remember the Alamo!: The Battle of the Alamo, fought from February 23 to March 6, 1836, was a pivotal event in the Texas Revolution. A group of Texian defenders, including notable figures like James Bowie and Davy Crockett, fortified the Alamo Mission against Mexican forces led by General Antonio López de Santa Anna. Despite a fierce 13-day siege, the Mexican army ultimately overran the Alamo, resulting in the deaths of almost all Texian defenders. This battle became a symbol of resistance and sacrifice, galvanizing Texians to continue fighting for independence, which they ultimately achieved later that year.

Legend has it that Mexican General Santa Anna raised a flag of “no quarter” from the cathedral’s tower, signaling the commencement of the siege. A sign meaning that there would be no prisoners taken and all would die. Today it is considered a war crime. It is said that the Texans only answered by shooting their cannons. 

Over the centuries, the cathedral has undergone various renovations and expansions, each adding layers to its storied past.

Unearthed Secrets Within the Church Walls

Back to the story of unearthing the bones said to haunt the church. In 1936, during a significant renovation project, construction workers made a chilling discovery near the cathedral’s altar: bones, nails, and fragments of military uniforms. Many believe these remains belonged to soldiers from the Battle of the Alamo, interred hastily during the tumultuous period. Perhaps it was Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie?

If this burial by Colonel Juan Seguin really happened or not is uncertain. There were no survivors of the battle, and the defenders of Alamo were said to not have been given a proper burial by General Santa Ana and simply burned on pyres or tossed in the river. 

This is what has been said was the catalyst for the haunting that has been talked about ever since. But was it only the unearthed bones now haunting the church, or something else that was awakened?

Ghost Stories From the Cathedral

San Fernando Cathedral is reputed to be one of the most haunted locations in the United States. Dark silhouettes have been observed moving silently along the cathedral’s interior, often vanishing when approached. 

San Fernando Cathedral: Although a wonderful thing to look at without the light shows, the lights help chase the shadows away. Source: Wikimedia

Some individuals have reported sudden drops in temperature, the faint scent of incense when none is burning, or even the strong smell of rotten eggs. There are also those speaking of the distant echo of disembodied voices during quiet moments.

Orbs in Photographs

Photographs taken inside the cathedral sometimes reveal unexplained orbs of light, which some interpret as manifestations of spiritual energy. 

A history from 2007 is put forth to showcase this phenomenon, when a tour-goer went on Halloween and got a picture of a shadowy figure, some say, a face kissing a skull. The church was going through renovations at the time, and according to rumors, the workers inside felt a chill and saw three balls of light hover at the entrance.

Although one of the most retold stories, not many sources provide picture evidence though. 

Haunting Legends of the White Horse

Visitors and parishioners have reported a variety of unexplained phenomena, even a white stallion prancing about outside. 

When the Apache tribe tried for peace in the 1730s, they dug a hole in the ground and buried their hatchets, quite literally, as well as their arrows and clubs as a sign of a peace offering. They also buried a white horse, still alive. Horses were significant to their culture after the Europeans brought them over, and the white color symbolized peace. They danced around the hole in the ground and enjoyed their peace, even if it was only for a short time. 

The Ghost of the Monk Haunting the Church

Witnesses have described encounters with spectral figures clad in monk-like robes, silently traversing the aisles with his hood drawn over his face. This is the ghost most reported seeing and it is said to mostly appear in the back of the church and appears as quickly as he vanishes.

The tradition of burying priests and parishioners was common back in the day, and it’s not a stretch to speculate that a monk is one of the people buried within the foundations of the church. Perhaps he was worshipping in the church, or perhaps helped build it even. 

Read Also: The Murder Monk in Franziskaner-Klosterkirche, The Chanting Monks Haunting La Boquería Market, The Ghost Monks at Lyseklosteret and Ghost of the Cathedral — The Bloody Monk in Nidarosdomen for more ghost stories about monks.

One of the strange rumors from demonologists though, is that this is not a monk at all, but a dark spirit acting like one, and say that whatever you do, you should never follow the figure. 

Interior of the Church: San Fernando Cathedral is still a place of worship, even though it has been commercialized through tours, ghost tours being one of those. Perhaps you will see the ghostly monk said to roam there?

The Shadows of a Man

Additionally, the apparition of a man dressed in black has been reported near the back of the church. The story tells of a guest on one of the ghost tours listening to the guide in the church. She felt the stares and when she looked, she saw a man in dark clothes from another time, lurking just behind them, following the tour. In the end, he simply disappeared into thin air. 

A true story, or a good marketing strategy from the many ghost tours moving through the church? We will never really know. But according to the legend, this particular shadow of a man has been witnessed by more than one tour-goer, some sources claim six people saw the same..

A Living Monument

Despite its haunted reputation, San Fernando Cathedral remains a vibrant center of faith and community. It hosts regular masses, including the renowned Mariachi Mass on Sundays, blending traditional liturgy with lively musical accompaniment. 

Whether one is drawn to its architectural grandeur, its pivotal role in Texas history, or the haunting legends that envelop it, the cathedral offers a profound and captivating experience for all who cross its threshold.

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References:

I visited San Antonio’s San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest church in Texas, to meet a ghost

San Antonio Ghost Tours: Ghosts of the San Fernando Cathedral 

https://ghostcitytours.com/san-antonio/haunted-places/san-fernando-cathedral/?srsltid=AfmBOopBMMu5pnCRx1I7LpwM-mXSfH-D9goA5sfrvEyjEjTlFhSXjUZZ

San Fernando Cathedral: A History Of Shadows

Inside The Cathedral Said To Be One Of The Most Haunted Places In Texas – Grunge 

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Zigu (紫姑): The Lady of the Latrine – China’s Most Unsettling Restroom Ghost and Goddess

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Coming with many different names, Zigu or the Lady of the Privy is said to haunt only one place, the toilet! Although her story started and perhaps ended as a ghost story, there was a time she was worshiped like a God. 

If you thought horror stories were confined to haunted houses and cursed forests, think again—because in Chinese folklore, even the bathroom isn’t safe. Meet Zigu (紫姑), also known as Maogu (茅姑), the Lady of the Latrine or the Third Daughter of the Latrine or the Purple Maiden. She’s China’s resident toilet ghost, a tragic spirit lingering in the most unglamorous of places. Calling her a simple ghost is not correct either, as she has been worshiped as a goddess in Chinese folk religion. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from China

While some ghosts haunt grand temples and eerie mansions, Zigu took up residence in the latrine—because apparently, even the afterlife has a dark sense of humor.

And before you write this off as some obscure legend, let’s be clear: toilet ghosts are a whole thing across many Asian cultures. From Japan’s Hanako-san to Korea’s Cheuksin, restrooms seem to be prime real estate for supernatural squatters. But Zigu? She’s one of the oldest, most sorrowful, and eerily venerated toilet ghosts in the game. Perhaps even being the spirit all other toilet ghosts are based on?

The Toilet Goddess of China: Zi gu shen (紫姑神, Chinese Goddess of the toilet) from the “三教源流搜神大全” (Chinese book)

Toilet Gods Across the World

The concept of a toilet god is not as rare as it seems today perhaps. This was a common household deity in both modern and ancient cultures. In Japan it was called Kawaya Kami, often said to be an old man holding a spear. In Korea the toilet god was Cheukshin, known as the young lady of the toilet with a perverse sense of humor. 

In New Zealand you had the atua spirits, focusing on the village latrine as the excrement was seen as the food of the dead. In ancient Rome there was Cloacina, the goddess of Rome’s sewage system, invoking her if the sewers became blocked. 

They are often associated with health, well-being and fertility. This is because of the history and association of human waste and agriculture. The toilets also used to be a dark and unpleasant place to be and there was a high risk of falling in and drowning, therefore a deity that would protect you was nice to have. 

The Legend of Zigu: A Tragic Spirit in the Most Unlikely Place

But unlike many of the other toilet Gods, the Chinese goddess could read like a classic ghost story. Zigu’s story, like many ghostly tales, is steeped in betrayal, suffering, and injustice. Some believe that her cult started in the Shanxi region in North China before spreading during the Tang dynasty (618-907). According to legend, she was a concubine in ancient China, caught in a tragic love triangle that ended in murder.

The Concubine’s Curse

Once upon a time, Zigu was a beautiful and kind-hearted young woman who became a concubine to a high-ranking official or, in some versions, a wealthy nobleman. But as you might expect, his first wife was not amused. The two women lived under the same roof, with Zigu as the younger, more favored companion. Naturally, the wife, seething with jealousy, decided to remove the competition—permanently.

One fateful day, the wife accused Zigu of misconduct, disobedience, or witchcraft, depending on the version of the story. The punishment? She was brutally murdered—but not in a grand hall or a hidden chamber. No, the first wife chose the latrine as the site of her demise, a final act of humiliation meant to degrade Zigu even in death. Her body was either drowned, strangled, or left to rot there, ensuring her restless soul would forever be bound to the filthiest corner of the household. Some versions say that she died of anger. 

And bound she was.

From Tragedy to Worship: The Rise of the Latrine Goddess

But here’s where the story takes a turn. Unlike most vengeful spirits, Zigu didn’t stay confined to whispered ghost stories—she became a deity. Toilet gods have been worshipped since the Six Dynasty Period, from early 3rd century AD to late 6th century AD in China. The toilet gods were very popular during the Tang and Song dynasty but have today almost disappeared. 

She was not the only toilet goddess, but she was certainly the most popular one. Over time, people began to worship her as a toilet goddess, seeking her blessings for cleanliness, good health, and even fortune-telling.

Yes, you read that right—people used to summon Zigu for divination. This was often done through Fu Ji, often called the Chinese Ouija Board. 

On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, women, especially servants and concubines, would perform rituals to contact her spirit, hoping she would answer their questions about the future. She was a relatable goddess for commoners, and women under the patriarchal society. Some believed she had the power to predict misfortune or reveal hidden secrets. 

These rituals often involved lighting incense in the toilet, offering food, and chanting her name. They would make homemade dolls for her and pray to the doll. The motions of the doll were often manifested as automatic writing and used ad fortune telling. 

As far as the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), women were putting faces and skirts on figurines and cleaning the outhouse to welcome here in Beijing. Her rituals died slowly, mostly in the 1930’s in the big cities, then in the 50 and 60s in the more rural areas. 

The Lantern Festival: Also known as Shangyuan Festival and Cap Go Meh, is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month in the lunar Chinese calendar, during the full moon. It usually falls in February or early March on the Gregorian calendar and marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. As early as the Western Han dynasty (206 BC–AD 25), it was already a significant festival.

In Search of the Lady of the Privy’s True Story

Some believe that the true identity of Zigu was Consort Qi of the Han dynasty (221-206BC). She was born in Dingtao, Shandong and gave Emperor Gaozu a son, Liu Ruyi, who would become Prince of Zhao. The emperor tried many times to replace Liu Ruyi with the crown prince, Liu Ying unsuccessfully. This made the empress Lü Zhi, her mother, furious. 

Qi was said to be beautiful, a great songwriter and weiqi player, a game she played with the emperor in the bamboo forest on the north side of the palace every year. She would win each time and wish for good fortune for the Han dynasty. 

After the emperor died, Empress Lü Zhi became the dowager and her son took the throne, she had Qi arrested and imprisoned her, dressing her in prison garb, shaving her head and restraining her in stocks. 

She ended up killing both her son and Qi, cutting her limbs off, gouging her eyes, cutting off her tongue, nose, ears and forcing her to drink a poison making her mute and dumb. Then she locked her up in a pigsty and called her a human swine (人彘). 

China’s First Empress: She dominated the political scene for 15 years until her death in August 180 BC, and is often depicted as the first woman to have ruled China. Emperor Hui was shocked by his mother’s cruelty and fell sick for a year, and thereafter no longer became involved in state affairs, and gave more power to his mother. As a result, Empress Dowager Lü held the court, listened to the government, spoke on behalf of the emperor, and did everything .

It’s worth noting that most of the information about her comes from not so historically accurate sources. The tale of Empress Empress Lü Zhi, has often been used as an allegory for the supposed danger when women get power, and therefore Lady Qi could be nothing more than a part of that story. The earliest records of Zigu however is in the 5th volume of Yiyuan, A Garden of Marvels (《异苑》), a book of supernatural tales” by Liu Jingshu or Liu Song of the Southern dynasties (420–479).

Some say that her name was He Mingmei from Laiyang, Shandong.This was said to happen during Empress Wu Setian rule. The governor of Shouyang, Li Jing killed He Mei’s husband and looked at her as his concubine. This made her jealous of his chief wife. On the night of the 15th day of the first lunar month during the lantern Festival, Li Jing’s legitimate wife killed her in the toilet. 

Because He Mei died with resentment in her heart, she became a ghost. Li Jing often heard her crying when he went to the toilet. The Heavenly Court learned about this and established her as the god of toilets, elevating her from a mere ghost to a goddess. 

Who knows what the origin was. Some say that she was not only one person, but a collective of all concubines that had suffered and been maltreated.

Why Bathrooms? The Ghost in the Toilet Trope Across Asia

Zigu isn’t the only supernatural resident lurking around the lavatory—Asian folklore is practically overflowing with bathroom ghosts. There’s something about enclosed spaces, mirrors, and the vulnerability of, well, doing your business, that makes bathrooms the perfect setting for eerie encounters.

Other Famous Toilet Ghosts in Asia:

Japan’s Hanako-san (花子さん) – A little girl ghost who haunts school bathrooms. Knock on the third stall and call her name—if she answers, you might regret it.

South Korea’s Cheuksin (厠神, “Bathroom Goddess”) – A spirit with long hair who lives in the toilet and hates it when you look at her. She’s known to attack people who disturb her.

Japan’s Aka Manto (赤マント) – a malevolent spirit lurking in school bathroom asking if you need red or blue paper. Either choices will leave you dead.

Zigu’s Legacy: The Haunting Echoes of the Past

Zigu’s story is more than just a spooky legend—it reflects the historical oppression of women, particularly concubines and servants, who were often treated as disposable. Her transformation from a murdered woman to a revered deity highlights a shift in how people perceived her suffering. By worshiping her, women acknowledged the injustices she endured and sought her spiritual guidance in a world that rarely gave them power.

Ancient Traditions Dying: Zigu as portrayed in Researches into Chinese Superstitions, a book written by French missionary Henri Doré in 1914 (Fotoe)

Even today, remnants of Zigu’s legacy remain in Chinese culture. While her direct worship has faded, older generations still tell her tale, and echoes of her presence linger in the ghost stories passed down through families.

And who knows? Maybe, late at night, when the wind rattles through an old house and the pipes groan unexpectedly, Zigu is still watching from the shadows of the restroom, waiting for someone to remember her name.

And if you hear a whisper in the stillness, well…

You might not be as alone as you think.

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References:

Consort Qi (Han dynasty) – Wikipedia

Zigu – Wikipedia 

Toilet god – Wikipedia 

On Her Porcelain Throne: How a Little-Known “Toilet Goddess” Became an Icon for Powerless Women 

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Ghosts Serving Time in Ohio State Reformatory

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Rattling of chains, Gothic facade and a history of tortured prisoners, riots and murders. The beautifully frightening Ohio State Reformatory is said to be one of USA’s most haunted places. 

Standing tall since 1896, the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio, is a hauntingly beautiful relic of the past, infamous for its Gothic architecture and towering six-story cell block. While it gained cinematic fame as the primary filming location for The Shawshank Redemption, its sinister reputation was well-established long before Hollywood arrived.

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

At first sight, the building looks more like a mansion than a prison with its beautiful archers and bright bricks, not one of USA’s most haunted places. But the inside is said to hold old torture chambers where the ghosts of the inmates are said to never have been freed. Even when the tours have ended, it is said that the sounds of rattling chains, the desperate cries of tormented voices and the clunking of church bells are said to echo through the halls. 

Ohio State Reformatory: The original architect for the design was Levi T. Scofield from Cleveland, who used three architectural styles; Victorian Gothic, Richardsonian Romanesque and Queen Anne. He was inspired by German castles and wanted to create and awe in the inmates, wanting to reform and raise their spirits.

The History of the Haunted Prison

The prison, also known as the Mansfield Reformatory, started out as a place to send prisoners too old for juvenile corrections, but hadn’t committed crimes severe enough for the Ohio State Penitentiary and the goal was to reform the prisoners so they would get into society easier after serving their sentence and was known for having a high success rate with their program. So what happened to the prison, and how come it is today known as one of America’s most haunted?

The Shawshank Redemption: The reason why the place might look familiar and is so famous is because of the movie from 1993, only a couple of years after the prison shut down. It’s about a man wrongfully convicted of killing his wife and his life inside of the brutal prison system.

One of the things happening was when a fire broke out in the Ohio State Penitentiary in Columbus and killed 330 people. Many of the surviving hard criminals were sent to the reformatory building, not really equipped to handle so many prisoners and so many terrible criminals. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from haunted prisons in the world.

Although the intention was aspirational, the programs and ideas behind the prison began to falter and it turned into a high security prison in the early 60s and 70s, with riots between the prisoners in the overcrowded building, even some fights ending in deaths. 

One of the worst punishments that the prisoners had to endure was when they were sent in “The Hole”, a small cell they were put in for days in isolation. One horrible story is when the guards sent inmates to The Hole, and only one came back.  

The Haunted Cells: Many died during their stay in the prison. According to those visiting the building, it is haunted and is perhaps even one of the most haunted places in the country. // Source: Wikimedia

The inmates were also put under water torture as well as giving electrical shock, so it’s safe to say that the holistic and reformative idea behind the prison died in the end. The prison operated until 1990, plagued by overcrowding and horrific conditions that claimed the lives of over 200 individuals, including two guards. 

The Haunted Legends of Ohio State Reformatory

It’s no surprise that the spirits of former inmates and staff are said to still linger. Paranormal enthusiasts frequently report encounters with ghostly apparitions, sudden cold spots, and disembodied whispers echoing through the dilapidated halls. The smell of something burning is something people blame on the ghosts of those who were moved from Ohio Penitentiary after the fire. Or perhaps it is from the ghost of James Lockhart  who killed himself by setting himself on fire and the other inmates could only watch as he slowly burned to death. 

Here are some, but far from all ghosts said to haunt Ohio State Reformatory:

The Ghosts in the Basement

One of the ghosts is said to be a 14 year old boy who died there when the place was for minors. He is said to haunt the basement and his shadow is said to glide along the walls. Although the ghost of him is said to be well documented, his life is not, and who is is uncertain. The legend claims that he was murdered by being beaten to death. 

Another ghost in the basement there is an entity much darker than the spirit of the young boy. Lurking in the shadows it is also said that the murderer of the boy lingers. 

The Hole and the Ghosts still there

Another hotspot for ghosts in the prison is the feared cells, The Hole, where prisoners weren’t allowed to leave for 72 hours, sometimes longer. The around 20 cells had no natural light and the place used to bring the inmates mad. 

How many were sent there? Some say over 100, and that most never left it, perhaps even in death? 

Solitary Confinement: Living on some bread and water, the prisoners sent to the Hole are said to have gone mad. Some also say that those who died there are still haunting the small cells. // Source: Wikimedia

A horrible history that would make anyone’s blood run cold, but there are also those claiming that the cold feeling you get is also because of the ghosts haunting the place. People claim to feel nauseous as well as something breathing down their neck when visiting the torture chamber. 

The Chair Room and the Challenge

There are plenty of rooms that look strange with a harrowing backstory. The Chair Room is a room without windows and just a single chair facing the door like if someone is watching you. What was the room used for? No one really knows. Who sits there?

Some claim that it’s a dark entity haunting the room. They have a thing they do at tours when visitors are allowed to go into the room when it’s dark and sit in the chair. It is said voices whisper in the pitch black or even the chair is said to be vibrating by some kind of force. Some of the visitors claim they have left the room with their body covered in scratches by the entity after provoking it.

The Haunted Cellblocks in Ohio State Reformatory

There are too many ghosts to mention throughout the cell blocks of the prison. Especially the East cell block built in 1910, is said to be haunted because of the many suicide that took place there. At most, it housed over 1200 inmates. 

On the 3rd floor of the administration wings are also known for having the sound of footsteps and strange shadows passing by. 

One particularly chilling legend tells of a phantom guard who still patrols the corridors, prodding visitors with his spectral nightstick. It is said the guard, Frank Hanger, also known as Mr. Salt was a guard who was killed when he worked down in Solitary Confinement in 1932. He was beaten to death by a three-foot iron rod by prisoners when they tried to escape. Could he still be guarding the inmates?

The Ghost of Helen Glattke

It is not only inmates and guards haunting the former prison if we are to believe the stories. One day in 1950, the Superintendent’s wife, Helen Glattke was in her bedroom on a Sunday morning. The Warden, the Superintendent as well as their families lived in the East Administrative wing. She was married to Arthur Glattke, who worked as the Assistant Superintendent from 1935 to 1959. 

She was reaching for a box in the closet where, unbeknownst to her, her husband’s revolver was. It fell down and discharged, shooting her in the lung. It was many days before she died at the hospital, but according to some, she is still here. People don’t really report on seeing her, but they claim they smell the rose water and her White Rain shampoo. 

Haunted Prison for those Seeking the Thrill

Today, the Ohio State Reformatory on 100 Reformatory Road is a popular destination for those eager to experience its haunted history firsthand. In the later years the prison has started to lean into its haunted rumors and turned it into a spectacle as a so-called bloody haunted house attraction. There are also guided tours and paranormal investigations offer visitors a chance to step into the shadows of this chilling site, where the echoes of the past still reverberate in the present.

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References:

Haunted Places Series: Ohio State Reformatory | The Inspector Blo 

https://darkartandcraft.com/blogs/news/a-look-in-the-dark-ohio-state-reformatory-is-haunted-as-fu?srsltid=AfmBOor8LhJEE-oK5X8qabhykXSodFN0vwdzZraE7o_Ck_eeZAgHSQ-K

Haunted America: Ohio State Reformatory 

Historic Ohio State Reformatory – Destination Mansfield 

https://www.valeriearchual.com/2018/10/19/the-ohio-state-reformatory-mansfield-ohio

The Ghosts of Ohio – Lore & Legends in Ohio – Ohio State Reformatory 

read more first hand accounts of paranormal happenings from visitors: Mansfield Reformatory Ghosts | A Collection of Stories | Articles 

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Mary’s Ghostly Lament in Dagshai Cemetery

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A grave in Dagshai Cemetery is said to be haunted by Mary, a woman haunting the place after people started to chip away at her tombstone for good luck. 

In the hills of Himachal Pradesh, Dagshai town stands as a testament to time, bearing witness to a history. The very name of the town means a royal stain, and comes from when the Mughal rulers sent criminals for capital punishment here. A jail was built to house the criminals and the jail was known as Himachal’s black water at that time. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

Situated just 11 kilometers from Solan and perched at over 5,600 meters above sea level, this old cantonment town, though devoid of the typical touristy allure, harbors a story of a ghost said to be haunting the Dagshai Cemetery.

The Mystery of Dagshai’s Haunting

Dagshai primarily comprises an army cantonment, various military structures, a handful of schools, local residences, and a cemetery. It is the cemetery, steeped in history and mystery, that has garnered the most attention, both positive and negative. 

The Original Grave: The statue and the grave of Mary Rebecca Weston and her unborn child as it used to be before people started coming for it inside of the Dagshai Cemetery in the pine forest.

Although Dagshai has a notoriously haunted cemetery with a lot of stories, most locals talk about the single ghost haunting the cemetery known as Mary or Mem Ki Qabr by the locals. 

A Tale of Love and Tragedy

Dagshai Cemetery is believed to date back to the British colonial era in India when the British made Dagshai into an army cantonment. 

Read more: Check out more ghost stories from cemeteries around the world

The story goes that a British man named Major George Weston, lived in Dagshai with his wife, Mary Rebecca Weston. While Major Weston practiced medicine, his wife served as a nursing assistant. After years of childlessness, the couple’s fortunes took a turn when they met a wandering Muslim saint who bestowed upon them a blessed amulet. Following this divine intervention, Mary, George’s wife, became pregnant with their first child.

However, fate dealt them a cruel hand, as Mary tragically passed away during the eighth month of her pregnancy on 10th of December in 1909. Grief-stricken and deeply in love, George Weston erected a splendid grave in memory of his beloved wife and their unborn child in Dagshai Cemetery. The exquisite marble used for this poignant structure was imported all the way from England.

Mary’s Misguided Legacy

As the years passed, tales of Mary’s grave possessing miraculous powers began circulating within the region. A misconception took root: if a pregnant woman took a piece of marble from Mary’s grave, she would be blessed with a male child. Consequently, countless visitors flocked to Mary’s resting place, foolishly attempting to disfigure her beautiful monument to avoid giving birth to a daughter. This relentless carving at the grave close to ruined the marble grave. A local woman even started selling marble pieces by mail order. 

Chipped Away: Over the years, the grave of Mary in Dagshai Cemetery with the statue started to disintegrate as people sought it out because of the legend. On the grave it was written: “To the sacred and in loving memory of my wife Mary Rebecca Weston, who died at Dagshai 10th December 1909, and our unborn Babe” // Source

Many visitors to the Dagshai Cemetery have claimed to witness the spectral apparition of Mary herself, meandering through the grounds close to her grave. Some suggest that Mary’s spirit may have intervened to protect her and her unborn child’s final resting place, preventing it from further desecration and warding off unwanted visitors.

Protecting Mary’s Legacy in Dagshai Cemetery

Since then, the locals took business into their own hands and started to restore the broken grave and desecrated statue. It got a protective cage over it and inside the grave was fixed back to how it first was made. Perhaps this will help to deter the haunting of Mary herself?

Source

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References:

Your Soul will Tremble after Reading the Horror Story of this Beautiful Place of Himachal 

Dagshai – Haunted Place in Himachal – BikingMystery 

Stories about Dagshai, the haunted town of Himachal | Times of India Travel 

The Haunting Of Dagshai: Himachal Pradesh’s Scariest Town

Why childless couples visit the grave or Mary, also known as ‘Mem Ki Qabr,’ in Dagshai? – my mountain – QuoraIn memory of the beloved : The Tribune India

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The Founding Father Ghost of Acadia National Park

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The Acadia National Park is said to be one of the more haunted places in Maine and one of the places said where people see ghost is by the Compass Harbor Nature Trail where the founding father, George Dorr is said to linger. 

Acadia National Park is a stunning natural reserve located primarily on Mount Desert Island, the largest offshore island outside of Maine, United States. Established in 1916, it encompasses over 49,000 acres of rugged coastline, lush forests, granite peaks, and pristine lakes. 

The park offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, bird-watching, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives along the historic Park Loop Road. Acadia is renowned for its iconic landmarks such as Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak in the U.S. Atlantic coast, and Thunder Hole, a natural rock formation where waves crash against the shore with thunderous force. Additionally, the park is home to a rich array of flora and fauna, including moose, black bears, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons. 

Read More: Check out all of our ghost stories from USA

Acadia National Park is not only a haven for outdoor enthusiasts but also a place of profound natural beauty and ecological significance. What it also is known for is being one of the most haunted places and one of the ghost stories from the park starts with the man known as the Founding Father of the park.

Acadia National Park: This huge national park in Maine is thought to be haunted by the man that spent his life to make this place a park people could enjoy nature in.

Georg Dorr and His Life in Acadia National Park

One of the ghosts said to wander the trails in Acadia National Park is George Dorr, also known as the Father of Acadia. It is said that he can be seen hiking alongside of you if you take the Compass Harbor Nature Trail. 

Not only is George Dorr remembered as one of the ghosts haunting the Acadia National Park he spent his life building, but is also one of the characters known from Bar Harbor ghost stories.

George Bucknam Dorr was born in 1853 in Massachusetts to his parents that had become rich on the textile business that he inherited. They moved to Mount Desert Island when they built the 58 acre house that became known as Old Farm in 1878. This is not to be confused with Storm Beach Cottage, originally a guest cottage from 1879, that was on the estate that he moved into in the later years.

Founding Father of Acadia National Park: George Dorr on the Beachcroft Path at Huguenot Head in Acadia National Park, Maine, United States.

When he was alive he used to work with John D. Rockefeller in the early 1900s Gilded Age and worked tirelessly to make the Acadia National Park into what it is today. He loved the idea of preservation and gave away money and land, and it is said that his trustees had to hide away money so there would be enough for a funeral when he died. For a time he only accepted a salary of a dollar a day as the park custodian.

Old Farm Estate Ruins on Compass Point Nature Trail

He lived on his family estate known as Old Farm on Compass Point outside Bar Harbor as a lifelong bachelor. You can reach this trail by taking Route 3, walk perhaps half a mile towards the water through the woods.

In his final years he started to go blind and worried about Old Farm and the future of Acadia National Park. He died on the Compass Harbor Nature Trail at the age of 91 in 1944. His ashes scattered over Bar Harbor.

His estate was destroyed soon after his death as it was no heir to take over it. He never married or had children as the park was his life and he donated his 30 room mansion to the park. But the world war still roared and the government expenses for parks were thin, leaving the old farm to ruin. 

Old Farm Trail: Long stone steps leading to the top of the hill at Compass Harbor, Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, Maine. What remains of George Dorr’s Old Farm Estate lies at the top of the steps. // Source: Wikimedia

In 1951 the once grand home was demolished. It is said you can walk through the remains of the estate today, although there is nothing but ruins left that are now reclaimed by the park. 

The National Park Service decided to tear it down rather than conserve it. No one was speaking up for the park after George was gone. 

The Ghost on the Trail

But how is this man connected to the haunted rumors going on along this trail? The details are vague, and the debate about if it is is just his essence and spirit left in the park or if he actually is haunting it is up for debate. 

In life he was a strong believer in Transcendentalism and the connection between nature and humanity and a very spiritual man. To this day visitors claim to have seen the ghost of George Dorr going through the trail together with his caretaker. 

According to Marcus Libbizi, the author documenting most rumors about the ghost stories from the island as well as the rest of the Acadia National Park describes the sightings like this: 

A dark man wearing blue appears for a moment before vanishing. The ghost looks like it is stalking hikers on the trail.

But is it really George Dorr haunting the trail going as a loop through Compass Harbor? According to some, it is in fact the caretaker that walked with him on the day he died, watching from the woods. 

The Ghosts of Oldfarm

But who was this caregiver? According to the texts, it was John Rich who stayed by Dorr’s side when he died. But according to rumors, the duo is not the only one haunting the premise. 

It is also said that a female spirit is haunting them when she appears on the overgrown avenue and passes through the forest and the ruins of the old estate. She walks all the way to the shore to the tip of Dorr Point before disappearing into the sea. 

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References:

The Possible Haunting of Compass Harbor 

Hauntings and Mysteries in Acadia National Park 

George Dorr – Wikipedia

STORM BEACH COTTAGE – Acadia National Park

Watch Your Step! These Haunted Maine Hikes Make for Spooky Adventures

COMPASS HARBOR AND OLD FARM 

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Kinnitty Castle and the Christian and Druid Hauntings

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Built in a magical place both for the Christians as well as the druids that once owned the land, the Kinnitty Castle in Ireland houses ghosts that might be older than the castle itself. 

North of the Irish Slieve Bloom Mountains lies Kinnitty Castle, a place where centuries of history have intertwined with tales of ghostly apparitions and supernatural phenomena. This gothic revival castle from the 19th century is steeped in history and mystery that the locals deem as haunted.

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

Even the village of Kinnitty, or Cionn Eitigh as it is in Irish, is steeped in legend. The name is from an old story about the head of a princess buried underneath it. A nearby pyramid was built by the Bernard family who resided in the castle, also giving the place a curious feel.

A History Engraved in Time

Kinnitty Castle’s history dates back to ancient times when the O’Carroll clan first erected a castle at Glinsk around 350 AD. Simultaneously, on the same site, an abbey was founded by St. Finian, a disciple of St. Brendan of Clonfert. These early structures bore witness to centuries of tumultuous events.

In 1209, the original castle fell victim to destruction at the hands of Murtagh O’Brien, only to be rebuilt by the Normans in 1213. Ely O’Carroll later reclaimed it, holding the territory until the arrival of Cromwell and the turbulent times that followed.

Read More: Check out all of the Haunted Castles from around the world

The present Kinnitty Castle took shape in 1630 when William O’Carroll constructed it on the site of the former abbey. Subsequently, during the plantation of Offaly, English forces confiscated the castle in 1641. In 1663, Colonel Thomas Winter was granted these lands by King Charles II in recognition of his military service. The Winter family eventually sold the property to the Bernards of County Carlow in 1764.

Kinnitty Castle: The haunted castle that is standing today is built from the 1600s. But there have been stories about it being haunted for much longer than that.// Source: Larry Goodwin/Flickr

In 1811, Lady Catherine Hutchinson, wife of Colonel Thomas Bernard, enlisted the renowned Pan Brothers to transform the building into a castellated mansion. However, the castle faced a devastating setback in 1922 when it was burned by Republican forces. 

For nearly four decades, the castle served as a Forestry Training Centre until its purchase in 1994, after which it was transformed into a luxurious 37-bedroom hotel, welcoming guests from near and far.

The Hauntings of Kinnitty Castle

Kinnitty Castle is not only a repository of history but also a haven of ghostly legends. Situated in ‘The Haunted Triangle’ of Ireland, which also includes Leap Castle and Charleville Castle. Like the other Irish castles with its haunted legends, Kinnitty Castle has earned a reputation for its spectral residents.

Read More: Check out all of the Haunted Hotels around the world

Many staff and guests are claiming to have heard or seen something paranormal in the castle. Even their Tripadvisor is filled with guests commenting about the strange things that happened during their stay. Guests can hear breathing in their room, shadows are dancing in the corner of their eyes and the TV is changing channels by itself. There is not only one ghost said to haunt the castle, and here is an intro to some of the more talked about.

The Guest of Monk Hugh

One tale that lingers within its walls is that of Monk Hugh or sometimes only referred to as the monk of Kinnitty. During the Norman era, an Augustinian Abbey was established near the castle, and remnants of the abbey still grace the estate, including the famous High Cross and Abbey wall.

Legend has it that Monk Hugh’s spirit roams the castle and the ruins of the Abbey to ensure the preservation of this historical era and safeguard the abbey and castle to this day. Who this ghost was when he was alive is unknown and many different legends have been told. Some say that he took his own life, something unthinkable for a monk seeking salvation.

He has also been seen wandering in the banquet hall and in the Dungeon Bar. People claim his appearance is a tall man dressed in a black robe with a face without any features. He has even said to have been talking to the staff and guests. 

The Ghost of the Little Girl in the Geraldine Room

Also in the attic it is said that a ghost is haunting the castle and there is even a hotel room named after her ghost. Guests staying have talked about hearing little footsteps over the floor and have even seen something that looks like a little girl. She is also talked about looking like a red mist hovering above peoples beds at night.

Sometimes she is laughing, sometimes she is crying. She is often seen with the ghostly woman in white, and people speculate that she may have been a child out of wedlock when the staff and guests start to speculate. 

The Lady in White

No European castle is complete without a Lady in White. Guests and staff have seen her in the same room as the little girl as well as the rooms on the first and second floor. They believe she must be the ghost of Lady Catherine Hutchinson who was behind most of the castle renovations. 

The Circle of Stones

There are also strange stones around 650 acres from the castle. People that have passed claim to have seen strange shadows and little lights they can’t pinpoint were coming from around them. 

A Druid Haunting: Circle of Stones Behind Kinnitty Castle

The stone is perhaps a druid altar from pagan time, and one can only start to speculate about the forces that made the druid build one there. 

This is also one of the things that make Kinnitty Castle a part of the Haunted Triangle of this place, the other two points being Leap Castle and Charleville. These grounds once belonged to the druids and perhaps some of them still linger. 

Whether these tales are rooted in fact or woven from the fabric of folklore, Kinnitty Castle’s haunted reputation adds an air of mystery to its already captivating history. Visitors are invited to explore its storied past and perhaps encounter the echoes of another time, lingering in the corridors of this enchanting Irish castle.

In the end, Kinnitty Castle stands as a testament to Ireland’s rich and complex history, where each stone has witnessed centuries of events, both earthly and otherworldly.

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References:

Kinnitty Castle’s History 

What it’s like to spend a night at one of Ireland’s most haunted castle hotels 

We Spent a Night In a Haunted Castle. Here’s What Happened. | Cool Material 

Kinnitty Castle Hotel: Ireland’s Druids, Demise And Hauntings | Spooky Isles 

Kinnitty Castle – Wikipedia