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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. 

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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

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The Lady in Red Haunting the Mizpah Hotel

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The Lady in Red is said to haunt the Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah, Nevada. Murdered in her room, she whispers sweet words and leaves pearls to guests staying the night. But what actually happened to her? 

In the former silver mining town of Tonopah in Nevada, the Mizpah Hotel stands as a striking relic of the early 1900s, when Nevada’s mining boom attracted prospectors and travelers from far and wide to the Silver State. 

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Between 1901 and 1921, Tonopah drew thousands of people working to get around $121 million worth of mostly silver ore from mines — especially in the hills directly behind the Mizpah Hotel. There were tons of rags to riches stories back then, although it also left a couple of ghost stories. 

The History of The Mizpah Hotel

The Mizpah opened in 1907, designed as a luxury escape for weary miners and well-heeled visitors in Queen of the Silver Camps as the town was called. Originally it had been a saloon there and it was the first permanent building in the town. The hotel was named after the biblical term “watchtower,” and was supposed to be a safe haven for travelers.

The Mizpah Hotel: The hotel in the old mining town is said to be haunted by a lady in red. According to the story, a woman was murdered there and has been lingering ever since. JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD/Wikimedia

There are many stories about the hotel and how it ties into the wild west. According to legend, Wyatt Earp kept the saloon, Jack Dempsey was a bouncer, and Howard Hughes married Jean Peters at the Mizpah. Although all of these stories are most likely tall tales, the hotel has adapted them and named rooms and the bar after them all. 

Read Also: Check out all ghost stories from Haunted Hotels

Known for its solid granite walls, Victorian furnishings, and Nevada’s first electric elevator, this five-story hotel set the standard for Western opulence. After being restored to the original glory it is called the finest stone hotel in the desert. It is not only known as a historic hotel though, but a haunted one as well. 

The Lady In Red Haunting the Mizpah Hotel

However, amid the grandeur lies a darker, blood-stained tale. The most famous legend tied to the Mizpah Hotel is that of the Lady in Red, a ghostly resident who many believe perished on the fifth floor. 

According to local lore, she was a woman of beauty and charm, known for entertaining guests in her elegant suite. Because as many hotels used to be, this hotel also operated as a brothel. Or at least, working girls lived there, although the hotel was outside of the city’s red light districts around Main Street. The Mizpah was never a brothel officially, so could the Lady in Red have been a “kept lady” or even a mistress instead of a prostitute? In any case, there she lived and possibly worked. And if we are to believe the legends, this is also where she died. 

Tragically, she met a violent end when an ex-lover, or perhaps a jealous patron, strangled her in a moment of rage, shattering her necklace, spilling pearls across the floor—and sealing her spirit to the hotel forever.

The Lady in Red: The Mizpah Hotel has accepted the legend of the lady in red as part of their legacy and you will find portraits of her as well as a room named after her.

In some versions she was a wife who cheated on her husband in the hotel. He found out when he missed his train and went back to her. Finding her in the arms of another, he killed her in rage. 

Read More: For more ghost stories of The Lady in Red, check out The Lady in Red of Bang Pakong River, The La, dy in Red at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver The Mysterious Ghost Stories of The Haunted Dock Street Theater and The Ghost Crowds of Leap Castle

Her name is now lost, if she ever did exist. Some call her Rose and it was most likely her prostitute name. According to some her name was actually Evelyn May Johnston born in Baltimore in 1879 and died on January 2, 1914. 

There are no official documents supporting this however, and there isn’t even certain that a murder like hers ever happened at the hotel. Where this name and dates came from is uncertain. Some versions of the story claim she arrived in town in the 1920s so the story varies.

But the stories about her are thriving and growing, and those staying in the hotel, check out claiming that she is still lingering there. 

The Haunting of Mizpah Hotel

The Lady in Red is said to make her presence known in eerie yet strangely affectionate ways. Male guests often report hearing a soft whisper in their ear, especially when alone in the hotel’s old-fashioned elevator, as if the Lady in Red is still escorting her guests to her chambers. 

Some have even found small pearls under their pillows, believed to be remnants of her broken necklace. While unsettling, her spirit is described as warm, with a kind and welcoming presence that mirrors her rumored generosity in life.

The boudoir belonging to her was eventually split into three rooms. 504 is now called the Lady in Red room, but it is actually in room 502 that most strange things have been reported. 

Other Ghosts Haunting the Hotel

The Mizpah Hotel also has reports of other spectral sightings, including apparitions in the hallways and cold spots felt throughout the building. 

Some are saying that they can hear the sound of phantom children running around in the hotel hallways, especially on the third floor. When they look into the hall, there is no one there though, and when they call the front desk to complain about the children, the front desk tells them there are no children staying at the hotel for the night. 

Staff also passes around stories about two men who linger in the basement. People speculate that they must have died when one of the subterranean tunnels in the mines nearby collapsed. There are said that several miners are haunting the hotel, still looking for silver. 

A Haunted Night at Mizpah Hotel

Now fully restored to its former glory, the Mizpah Hotel attracts visitors from around the world who come for both its luxurious ambiance and the thrill of its hauntings. You can today stay at the Lady in Red Suite and there is a portrait of a Lady in Red on the wall as a homage to the in house legend.

And the guest book of the hotel tells it all. Perhaps after a stay here, you too will have something to make an entry on in the book of ghosts. 

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References:

Mizpah Hotel | Hotels in Tonopah, NV | Uncommon Overnighter 

Meet the Lady in Red: Nevada’s Most Famous Ghost 

Mizpah Hotel – Wikipedia

Lady in Red (ghost) – Wikipedia 

Ghost of a chance at experiencing the paranormal in Tonopah | Jane Ann Morrison | News

Haunted Tonopah

Who was the Lady in Red? – NEVADA GHOST TOWNS & BEYOND

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The Dark Secrets of Detroit Masonic Temple

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Dark legends surrounds The Detroit Masonic Temple, casting long shadows over the city of Detroit. Built by the mysterious Freemasons, the building has since spun its own legends and ghost stories within its walls. But how much of it is actually true?

The Detroit Masonic Temple, towering 16 floors and holding over 1,000 rooms, is one of the largest Masonic Temples in the world, its Gothic architecture looming over Detroit’s skyline in Michigan. 

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Built in 1926 in the Cass Corridor neighborhood of the city as a meeting place for Freemasons, its intricate layout of concealed passageways, hidden staircases, and secretive meeting halls reflect the mystique of its origins. It was also designed a large cathedral, several chapels, two stylish ballrooms, hotel facilities, a library, a massive drill hall, and a 4,000-seat auditorium.

The Detroit Masonic Temple: Built in 1922 in Detroit, Michigan, United States, is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). It was designed by architect George Mason. // Source: Einar Einarsson Kvaran aka Carptrash/Wikimedia

The Freemasons and the Legends of Detroit Masonic Temple

There are a lot of details about the Detroit Masonic Temple that has spun legends. The trowel placing the cornerstone was the same George Washington used for the cornerstone of the Capitol Building in DC.  And cornerstones is a genre of conspiracy theories in itself, hiding different secrets. 

Freemasons: The Masonic Square and Compasses.

Even today it serves as the meeting place to masonic organizations like the York Rite Sovereign College of North America, the Scottish Rite and the Order of the Eastern Star as well as sports teams. The fact that it belongs to a masonic organization in a gothic looking building makes the site even more haunting and conspiracy theories overflow around these clubs. 

The Masons are a spiritual fraternity with lodges across the world dating back to the 13th century. The organizations are known for dabbling in the ancient mysteries of Eleusis, esoteric knowledge, initiation rituals, and shared secrets. Could it be that it is more than a secretive gentleman’s club?

It was saved from closing down by Jack White of the White Stripes who wanted to help pay back the help they gave to his mother when they gave her a job working as an usher in the theater. It captivates and unsettles, with the cold stonework and long, echoing hallways shrouded in an air of enigma and secrecy.

George D. Mason and his Urban Legend

George DeWitt Mason: (July 4, 1856 – June 3, 1948) was an American architect in Detroit. An urban legend claim he is haunting Detroit Masonic Temple.

One of the most enduring legends surrounding the Detroit Masonic Temple involves its architect, George D. Mason, who, according to urban lore, poured his heart and fortune into the building. 

Originally from Syracuse in New York, he moved in his youth to Detroit where he worked as an architect for the rest of his life. A number of Mason’s works, either by himself or as part of Mason & Rice, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

But what about the urban legend that lingers within the walls of the building he designed? According to the stories, financial troubles and his wife leaving him allegedly drove him to despair, leading to the claim that Mason leapt from the Temple’s rooftop, haunted by the ruin his dream had caused him. 

Read Also: A similar legend is also told about the Taj Mahal Palace — India’s Grandest Hotel.

But did this really happen though? Many news outlets have retold the legend, so it must be true, right? Seems like it only is a legend though. According to official records, Mason died in his home in the Wilshire Apartments building on June 3, 1948. He was then 91 years old and buried in the Evergreen Cemetery in Detroit, and his wife never left him.

Even how many times the legend about George D. Mason is debunked, the haunted legends from the Detroit Masonic Temple persist.

The Haunting of the Detroit Masonic Temple

Source: Carptrash/wikimedia

While records do not confirm this tale, the ghost of a man ascending the stairs to the rooftop has reportedly been spotted by guests and staff alike, his ghostly footsteps punctuating the silence of the Temple’s upper floors. It is also said that the door to the roof is somehow always unlocked, even though the staff makes sure to lock it every night. 

The building’s long hallways and shadowed rooms have only added to its ghostly reputation, attracting paranormal enthusiasts and ghost hunters from around the world. Many visitors have reported unnerving encounters throughout the Detroit Masonic Temple—shadowy figures drifting down dimly lit corridors, faint whispers from vacant rooms, and an unsettling feeling of being watched. 

Some say they’ve seen mysterious lights flickering in windows or heard soft footsteps echoing in the vast halls late at night. The eerie vibes are only intensified by stories of ritualistic activity within its walls, remnants of the Masonic gatherings that took place over the decades, adding a layer of mystique that blurs the line between history and the supernatural. It begs the question: Just like with the Freemasons, how much more about the Detroit Masonic Temple is still a dark secret?

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References:

Featured Image: Carptrash / Wikimedia

Detroit Masonic Temple – Wikipedia 

George D. Mason – Wikipedia

Haunted History: The Masonic Temple | Detroit Historical Society

Detroit’s Masonic Temple celebrates 100 years since its first cornerstone was laid — and we still don’t understand what exactly the Freemasons do 

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The Haunting of Lincoln Park Zoo from Six Feet Under

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Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago offers one of the more haunted places in the city as this is the place where thousands of people were buried in the old cemetery. The park and the zoo were built on top of it and it is said ghosts from the remaining bodies are haunting at night. 

Lincoln Park Zoo, one of Chicago’s most beloved attractions, has a darker side that many visitors may not know about. According to legend, the place is haunted because of the many thousands of people who are buried underneath the ground. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

The Lincoln Park Zoo was founded in 1868 inside of Lincoln Park and is one of the small zoos that have free admission where you can see penguins, gorillas, lions and tigers. And if we are to believe the rumors, ghosts as well. 

The Old Chicago Cemetery

Lincoln Park is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Chicago, watching it rise through the settling times, gang violence to the big city of today. From 1843 to 1859, the land where the zoo now stands was once the city’s main cemetery on the southern end of the Lincoln Park, home to around 35,000 bodies. This number is what is mostly put out, but some historians claim that it is more likely between ten and twelve thousand. 

Most of the remains were eventually moved due to concerns about water contamination of cholera. Caskets were buried close to the water and marsh land and would wash to shore every time the water rose. It was also contaminating the drinking water. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from Haunted Cemeteries

The cemetery itself was also almost completely burnt the ground during The Great Chicago Fire on the night of October 8 in 1871. After this, they decided to build a lakefront park above it and didn’t move the remaining people from the underground. 

Chicago Old Cemetery: Rush of fugitives through the Potter’s Field toward Lincoln Park; Based on a Sketch by Theo R. Davis, from Harper’s Weekly, November 4, 1871.

Bones from the graves did reemerge from the ground though and workers would collect the bones to a shaman who would rebury them to keep the spirits from haunting the place. But did this even help at all?

Haunting at the Lincoln Park Zoo

Disturbing burial grounds has long been a trope in horror stories, and Lincoln Park is no exception. Since the cemetery’s relocation, countless reports of paranormal activity have arisen from the Lincoln Park Zoo grounds. Famed parapsychologist Ursula Bielski, who has conducted investigations at the site, called it “without a doubt the most active site” she’s ever explored. 

This reputation is reinforced by numerous sightings of apparitions, shadowy figures, and inexplicable events over the zoo’s 150-year history. From 2013 there have also been a ghost tour in the zoo that have reinforced the belief that this place is indeed haunted. 

People have experienced cold spots, feelings of being watched, and strange disembodied whispers. Some claim to see ghostly figures wandering the grounds, especially at night. Phantom shapes, believed to be the restless souls of those whose bodies were never moved, are said to occasionally be spotted near the zoo’s edge, gazing forlornly into the distance.

The Haunting in the Lion House

One of the more prominent stories that comes from the Lincoln Park Zoo is the ghost that is apparently lingering by the women’s restroom in the Lion House. The lion house was built in 1912 at the heart of the zoo close to the entrance. 

Women using the bathroom keep reporting about seeing the ghosts of people in Victorian clothing when looking in the mirrors. When they turn back, there is no one there. There are also stories coming from the staff members hearing voices, someone even hearing the words: “Get out”.

The Lion House: This part of the zoo is said to have a lot of paranormal energy. Especially the women’s bathroom. //Source: Richie Diesterheft

Some ghost hunters claim this is because of the mirrors themselves, lined up on two lines facing each other. They claim that this traps the ghosts inside of the mirrors. 

The Haunting of the Barn

In 1962 the Lincoln Park Zoo was building a barn and was digging in the ground. They then found a body, most likely from the cemetery. They discussed at length what to do with it, and the zoo director, Dr. Lester Fisher decided to return the body. The building didn’t stop though and they simply built the barn on top of it. 

According to people visiting, there is supposedly paranormal activity going on there as well and paranormal hunters frequently investigate these parts. 

The Suicide Bridge

Lincoln Park covers more than just the zoo, and there are more places around it that are said to be haunted. In the late 1800s there were also rumors about the park being haunted, but not from the cemetery. Most reports told about the High Bridge that was nearby from 1894 to 1919 just passed the zoo’s parking lot today. It was initially built for sightseeing in the park, but got a much more ominous reputation. 

They called this the Suicide Bridge and it is said around 50 to 100 people ended their life from this bridge. 

The Suicide Bridge: Postcard from Chicago were they even called the bridge by its local name, the Suicide Bridge. This was said to be haunted right after it was built and people started to spot something more ominous than the beautiful scenery.

The sightings of the ghosts were so common that newspapers started to publish stories about it and cops that were working in the Park in the night kept asking for transfers because of all the scary paranormal experiences they had. 

The Couch Tomb

There was also the case of the Couch Mausoleum. A strange mausoleum left untouched by the fire near the Chicago History Museum. This is the tomb of businessman Ira Couch who died in 1857. But is he really inside? According to official records, the tomb has never been opened. There was once a man who claimed he went inside it when he did some work. He claimed that it was empty. Couch’s grandson saw the news articles about it and claimed that it should be around seven people inside of the grave. Who is right? We simply don’t know.

The Couch Tomb: Couch Mausoleum in Lincoln Park, Chicago October 2013. A lot of mystery of what and who actually is buried there remains. It is also the only mausoleum remaining. Why wasn’t it removed together with the rest of the tombs that used to stand next to it? //Source: Wikimedia

In the 1880s there would be reports in the newspaper about a local legend that people told about the tomb. It said that at the stroke of midnight you had to face the tomb as you looked up at the name Couch. Three times you had to say: “The graves belong to the dead, not the living,”

If you did this, the door would open and a big white ghost would come out of the tomb and greet you. 

The Haunting of The Lincoln Park and the Chicago Zoo

Whether you’re watching the playful antics of the animals or strolling through the park, be aware that you may not be alone. The spirits of those buried long ago still seem to have a presence in Lincoln Park Zoo, making it not just a center for animal life but also for paranormal activity. So, next time you visit, keep an eye out for more than just the zoo’s famous lions and tigers—there might be more eyes watching you than you think.

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References:

Wild Nights: Ghosthunting Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo 

Chicago Hauntings: The Mysteries Of The Couch Mausoleum In Lincoln Park And Who, If Anyone, Is Entombed There

Lincoln Park Zoo – Wikipedia

The Bridge of Sighs: Chicago’s Lost Suicide Bridge 

1894-1919—Lincoln Park—Bridge of Sighs 

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The Hopi Keeper of Death and Doorway to the Underworld Sipapu

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In a certain part of the Grand Canyon, a passage to the underworld known as Sipapu is said to be according to the Hopi natives. And from the depths of the underworld, the keeper of death, Maasaw is said to roam. 

Looking out at the vast landscape of the Grand Canyon there is no wonder that people have thought about it as a sacred place and that many legends, myths and stories are set in this rugged landscape, both new and ancient ones. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

The canyon is sacred to many Native tribes that believe that when they begin sailing through the Colorado River inside the canyon, they journey from human life toward the next phase of their afterlife and that the Canyon itself is a doorway to another dimension, the afterlife and the underworld. The canyon is believed to hold magical energy that these tribes believe in and that travelers should respect.

The Grand Canyon: The National park of the Canyon encompasses over 1.2 million acres of rugged landscape, with the Colorado River carving a mile-deep gorge that stretches 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide around 5 or 6 million years ago. The park’s striking geological formations, vibrant hues, and dramatic vistas attract millions of visitors each year, offering opportunities for hiking, rafting, and exploring the highs and lows of the Canyon. It is also said to have several haunted places.

Sipapu and the Gateway to the Underworld

There are many legends about how the Grand Canyon came to be, like the Havasupai tribe telling the story of two rival gods who battled for world domination and flooded the entire world that created the Canyon.

According to the Hopi people though, the Canyon holds the door to the afterlife as well. 

In the area around the Crash Canyon, where legends of the ghosts of the Midair Collision in 1956 are haunting, there are also those who believe that the sipapu, a gateway to the underworld, is found. 

This is traditionally where the Hopi’s ancestors are thought to have come from and where the dead can come back. 

The place is described as a big reddish lump with a hole and this can also be found recreated in the ground of the floors of their kiva, or pithouse for political or religious meetings. The area is mostly closed off for tourists and the surrounding trails are known as some of America’s scariest trails. 

Hopi Mythology: Kachinas are spirits or personifications of things in the real world and are believed to visit the Hopi villages during the first half of the year. The local pantheon of kachinas varies from pueblo community to community, representing anything from a revered ancestor to elements of the natural world. This includes the sun, stars, thunderstorms, wind, and various other concepts. Gods of the underworld are also often depicted with similar masks.

The Underworld

The Hopi have a strong mythological tradition, but there are many different variations of each story, even from village to village. 

Central to their mythology is the story of the creation, where Spider Woman called Sotuknang, a powerful deity, helped create the world and guided the Hopi to emerge from the underworld through a door called Sipapu to the present world through a series of trials. 

They came through this hole as the first people, changing into humans before breaking into the different tribes as they migrated through the land. 

The Hopi also revere kachinas, spirit beings that represent various aspects of life and nature, and perform elaborate ceremonies to honor them, seeking their blessings for rain, fertility, and prosperity.

Maasaw Haunting the Canyon

Maasaw, a Hopi god known as the keeper of death, is said to reside in a particular region of the Grand Canyon that the Hopi people thought was the opening from the Third World into the Fourth known as sipapu. He is also known as the Skeleton Man and door keeper to the Fifth World.

He is described as wearing a terrifying mask, but underneath he is often said to be beautiful and bejeweled, although this depends on who you ask as he is also said to be a bloody and fearsome creature. 

Legends warn that if you see strange lights approaching from deep within the canyon at night or hear a tapping sound like rocks knocking against each other, it could be Maasaw coming through the Sipapu for you. 

Superstition of the area

Both Natives as well as the rangers working there are very superstitious about the place they think the Sipapu is located and some believe that you can encounter spirits around these parts where the veil between the two worlds is so thin. The Hopi people warn people to “avert” their eyes from it out of respect as well as safety. There are even stories about helicopter pilots who refuse to look down when they are flying over it. 

Visitors to this area often report feelings of nausea and anxiety and seem to be more prone to accidents like falling, some are even said to have been struck by lightning. 

There are also said to be strange whispers heard in the dark and according to some, this is also the place to see the spirits and ghosts of the Hopi people still on their migrating journey through the worlds.

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References:

Sipapu – WikipediaAmerica’s Scariest Trails: Tragedy in the Grand Canyon
The Most Bizarre Unsolved Mysteries Of The Wild West
Hopi mythology – Wikipedia

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Haunting of Hotel Monte Vista in Flagstaff

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Hotel Monte Vista is an iconic landmark in Flagstaff, Arizona, housing guests in their afterlife as well. There are many ghost stories coming from the rooms, but just how many of them are actually true? 

“Meet me at the Monte V.”

Hotel Monte Vista in Flagstaff, Arizona, has a reputation for housing more than just living guests close to its Route 66. Built in 1927, this historic hotel is a hub of paranormal activity. The Hotel Monte Vista on the corners of Aspen and San Francisco street was built as tourism was on the rise and the locals felt that Flagstaff needed something first class. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

The hotel staff are no strangers to the haunted rumors of the hotel and even encourage curious residents to explore its history, mentioning that it is the housekeeping staff that have the best stories. 

Among the most eerie reports are that of Room 210, where a long-term resident used to hang raw meat from the chandelier—a bizarre habit that lingers in the air even now. Two women who were thrown from the third floor are said to haunt the halls, asphyxiating male guests in their sleep. Disturbingly, a phantom infant’s cries echo from the basement, sending chills up the spines of those who hear it.

The Dancing Couple

Hotel Monte Vista Cocktail Lounge

One of the few hidden speakeasies in Flagstaff during prohibition was in Hotel Monte Vista. They had secret tunnels built by the Chinese railroad workers and ran underneath the hotel and it was known as the Cocktail Lounge. Moonshine, opium and other illegal activities could freely move in the underworld of the city. The Lounge was fronted as a newspaper publishing house until the local police shut it down in 1931, although it opened up again when prohibition ended.

In the Cocktail Lounge as it’s still called, the staff and guests claim to have seen a couple dancing in the room in the early hours. Transparent and dressed in formal clothing, they smile and laugh as they dance their way through the afterlife. 

When some asked the staff about the dancing couple though, it is said that it was a story made up by a TV show. Who knows by now where the legend originated, but it certainly isn’t the only haunted rumor from the bar.

The Bank Robber in the Bar

According to this urban legend, the Lounge is also the eternal home of a man who bled out having his last drink. Three men robbed a nearby bank in 1970 a couple of towns over and the bank guard managed to shoot one of the men. Although they had one injured man with them, they decided to celebrate the robbery at the local bar and went to the Hotel Monte Vista. They had a drink and the man who got shot bled to death. 

Ever since, guests and staff reported that barstools and drinks move on their own. There is also a voice greeting them with a “Good Morning”, they think must be the dead bank robber. 

But was it ever a bank robber though? Historical records can’t really support this story as there isn’t really any reports about someone bleeding to death in the Lounge or being shot by a bank guard. Some claim this haunting is rather from one of the many shootings that happened in the Lounge, but this is also without proof.

The Rocking Chair in Room 305

One of the most active haunted rooms in the Hotel Monte Vista according to themselves is the Room 305 and this have even talked about on TV shows, although some of the staff claim that the show exaggerated the haunting experiences people have had. But what does the legend actually say? 

People who have stayed here claim to have seen a woman in a rocking chair place close to the window that is said to rock by itself. There are also some reports that they hear a knock from within the closet. Some say that the chair is not rocking, but have simply moved by itself. Some even claim that it was the staff themselves who started the rumor when several people entered the room and moved around the furniture, confusing each other. 

But who is rocking the chair from the legend? It is said that the room used to belong to a long time renter, an old lady that would sit by her window on the chairs all day long. What she was looking for no one knows, but legend has it, she is still looking. 

The Meat Man in Room 210

One of the most notorious incidents revolves around Room 210, where a long-term resident had a macabre habit of hanging raw meat from the chandelier. No one really knows much about him and why he did this or even existed at all. Sometimes in the 1980’s the man was found dead in his room, three days after he died according to the legend. 

Though the tenant is long gone, the unsettling atmosphere of the room remains, with strange noises and inexplicable cold spots sending shivers through guests who dare to stay. Not long after his death, a maintenance worker was called to do some repairs. He left the room to get something and turned off the lights and locked the door. When he returned the TV was on full volume and the linens on the bed were ripped up and thrown around the room. 

Even today, the hotel claims that guests complain about the TV that turns off and on on its own. There are also some saying that they can feel the cold touch of a man’s hands when they sleep. 

The Murdered Women in 306

Two women who were allegedly thrown from the third floor now haunt the halls, targeting male guests. The Red Light District in Flagstaff used to be just south of the railroad tracks, two blocks from the hotel and one legend claims that two of the sex workers ended their days in the hotel. 

In the early 1940s there were two prostitutes that met up with a client in room 306. Inside of the room they were killed and thrown from the window.  

Hotel Monte Vista: So many legends are contained within the building. How much of it is really true?

Those who’ve stayed on the upper floors have reported waking in the night to the sensation of being watched Some even speak of invisible hands trying to asphyxiate them, mostly claimed by male guests. These spectral women are said to be vengeful, exacting their wrath on unuspecting male guests, making their presence terrifyingly clear through phantom touches and whispered threats.

Did sex workers really get murdered in the hotel though? There is no corroborating evidence like newspaper articles or police reports that are able to back this story up. 

The Wailing Baby in the Basement

Even more unnerving is the ghost of an infant whose cries echo from the depths of the basement. There is no clear history or theories that can explain this, but those working at the hotel claim that they really heard it. 

Staff members, mostly maintenance and laundry personnel, have fled the lower floors in panic after hearing the unmistakable wails of a baby. Despite searches, no source of the noise is ever found, leading many to believe the cries belong to a child long gone, yet somehow still present. Other suspects it is simply the echo and how you can hear everything that goes on on the upper floors when being downstairs.

John Wayne’s Paranormal Experience With the Ghostly Bellboy

The Hotel Monte Vista used to be a place where many of Hollywood stars went to in the 40s and 50s, especially those involved in western films that were shot near Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. 

John Wayne

Adding to the hotel’s spooky legend, famed actor John Wayne himself reported a paranormal encounter while staying at Hotel Monte Vista. He claimed to have sensed a ghostly presence in his room. Some even claim that he was the first to ever report the ghosts publicly as well. Many think that he encountered the Phantom Bellboy said to haunt the halls of the hotel. 

Read Also: Check out all ghost stories from haunted hotels

They claim to have heard a knock on their door followed by a muffled “Room Service”. But when they go to open the door, there is no one there. Unlike many of the other ghosts, the phantom bellboy is said to be more friendly. It is also said the ghost have been seen as well, some claiming he is standing outside of 210. Housekeepers also claim to have encountered him when they work the halls, seeing a young man in the old fashioned red uniform with brass buttons. 

Now, was there ever a young bellboy who died in the hotel? Unclear. It is even unclear if John Wayne really did speak about the ghosts in the late 1950s, and all we have to go on is what is coming from the hotel. It is also worth noting that Wayne was filming in Arizona in the late 30s, not 50’s as the story wants to narrate it as. 

A Night at the Haunted Hotel Monte Vista

Although it is without much evidence of it happening as the stories goes, the legends and haunting is said to go on in the Hotel Monte Vista. Staff will often reply with: It’s not exactly like the legend goes, but this one time… and then give a story of something strange that happened to them at work. So what truly happened over the years of the hotel, perhaps only the mountain view will know. 

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References:

The Haunted Monte Vista Hotel | Haunted Flagstaff 

Investigation of the Monte Vista Hotel, Flagstaff, AZ. 

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History and Haunting of Oregon’s Pittock Mansion

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The smell of roses and shadows in the corners makes people believe that the Pittock Mansion in Oregon, USA is haunted by the couple who built it. Now a museum, the ghosts are also said to welcome its visitors to their forever home. 

Deep in the heart of Portland, Oregon lies a majestic mansion that has captured the imaginations of locals and tourists alike overlooking Mount Hood and the Cascade Mountain Range. The Pittock Mansion in Oregon’s West Hills neighborhood, built in 1914, is a stunning example of French Renaissance architecture, and it is surrounded by breathtaking gardens and panoramic views of the city below. The inside of it is designed with oak-paneled cabinets and marble floors with a huge staircase worthy of the finest castles. But there’s more to this mansion than meets the eye. 

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For decades, rumors have circulated about strange happenings and ghostly sightings within its walls. Many believe that the spirits of former occupants still linger, and that the mansion is haunted by their restless souls. 

The History of Pittock Mansion

Before we dive into the ghost stories surrounding Pittock Mansion, let’s take a look at its history. The mansion was built for Henry Pittock, the owner and publisher of The Oregonian newspaper, and his wife Georgiana. Henry Pittock was originally from England, then Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania and had a start in his father’s printing business. After traveling west on the Oregon Trail when he was 19 for adventure and fortune, Henry transformed it into a successful daily newspaper and riches followed.

This was where he met his wife, Georgiana and they married in 1860. Together they built the house they wanted to retire in. It was originally intended as a summer home, but the couple moved into the mansion in 1914, and it quickly became a hub for Portland’s elite social scene. It was also known for its lush gardens as Georgina was loved gardening, even founding the Portland Rose Society and Rose Festival.

The Pittocks lived in the mansion until their deaths. Georgiana died at 72 in 1918 and Henry at 84 in 1919. The mansion changed hands several times within the Pittocks family. The last family members living there was their grandson Peter Gantenbein and his father, Edward who moved out in 1958 and sold it to the City of Portland in the 1950s.

In the 1960s, the mansion fell into disrepair and was almost demolished, especially after the devastating Columbus Day storm in 1962. However, a group of concerned citizens rallied to save the historic landmark, and it was eventually restored to its former glory. Today, Pittock Mansion is open to the public as a museum, showcasing the history and culture of Portland.

The Haunting of Pittock Mansion

Despite its grandeur and beauty, Pittock Mansion has a dark side. Dating back to the 1960s, visitors and staff members have reported strange happenings and unexplained phenomena within its walls, especially in the upper rooms. Some believe that the spirits of Henry and Georgiana Pittock still linger.

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One of the most commonly reported occurrences is the sensation of being watched or followed. Visitors have reported feeling a cold breeze or even a hand on their shoulder, despite there being no one else around. Others have reported seeing shadowy figures moving through the halls, or hearing the sound of footsteps when no one is there. One night an employee closed the museum for the night and turned back when they walked off. Every single light in the mansion turned on, although there was no one there. Or was it?

The Pittocks: Henry and Georgiana Pittock (center), wedding day, 1860. Georgiana also had an adventurous life, and when she was nine, she was captured by Sioux natives when she was riding her pony because she was a great rider. She was returned unharmed. She met Henry as she drove her horse and buggy past the Oregonian building. They had nine children. People believe that the couple is now haunting the mansion they built.

Georgiana Pittock and the Smell of Roses

Some have even claimed to have seen the figure of a woman in the window as the staff enters in the morning, looking back at them through the mirrors and welcomes them in the basement. 

There is also the scent of roses that lingers as they enter the upper rooms, making people think that it must be Georgiana who lingers in the mansion as she was very fond of them. There have also been seen an apparition of a woman wearing a long gown by the staff. One such story tells about one visitor who heard something fall to the floor and went to see. She saw a woman in the gown pick up the picture that had fallen off. A staff member came to see, and the visitor looked away for a second. But when she looked back, there was no one there anymore.

The Pittock Family: The family lived in the mansion for decades. The rumors about it being haunted started in the 1960s when it was sold to the city of Portland.

The Haunting of Henry Pittock’s Portrait

Another popular ghost story involves the portrait of Henry Pittock that hangs in the mansion’s library. According to legend, the eyes of the portrait follow visitors around the room, and some have even reported feeling as though they were being judged by the stern-looking figure.

Perhaps the creepiest legends claim that the painting is moving around on the wall by itself. This is also said about much of the furniture in the house, as it rearranges by itself when no one is watching. 

Ghost of the Groundkeeper in the Garden

Outside it is said that the sound of shovels digging in the ground can be heard, as if someone is working away there. This is said to occur on the northernmost side of the mansion in particular. After, the sound of heavy footsteps can be heard as if someone is coming towards the mansion. 

But there is not, and people think it is the ghost of one of the live-in groundskeeper who died at the estate on Gate Lodge south of the mansion. Although a strange experience, it is said that those working and visiting the mansion experience it as a kind spirit with no ill will. The ghost is simply lingering to take care of Georgina’s garden that she loved so much. 

The Welcoming Haunting of Pittock Mansion

The Pittock Mansion keeps inviting guests to enjoy the wonderful architecture and lush gardens, almost like it was when first built. Today it operates as a museum open every day and gets more than 80 000 visitors per year. And if we are to believe the rumors, the ghosts of Henry and Georgiana Pittock will be ready to welcome you into their dream home they at least got to enjoy in their afterlife. 

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References:

Pittock Mansion: America’s Happiest Haunted House? | Thought Catalog 

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/experiences/oregon/pittock-mansion-haunted-orhttps://www.onlyinyourstate.com/experiences/oregon/pittock-mansion-haunted-or 

Pittock Mansion Haunted By Ghosts Of Original Owners – HUS 

Inside Pittock Mansion, The Legendary Haunted Estate Of Portland 

History – Pittock Mansion 

Paranormal PNW: Pittock Mansion’s haunted history – The Mossy Log 

Pittock Mansion Museum – Haunted Houses 

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The Ghost Returning to Castle Ellen House Again and Again for Eternity

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Once the master of the house was seen returning to Castle Ellen House in Galway by his servants. Thing was, he had already died several hours and miles away. Since then his ghost has often been seen wandering around the estate. 

In the enchanting yet eerie landscape of Galway, Ireland, where ancient stone walls whisper tales of the past and shadows dance under the pale moonlight, stands Castle Ellen House. This magnificent manor, steeped in history and draped in legends, is said to be one of the many haunted sites that dot the Irish countryside. As twilight descends and a chill fills the air, locals recount spine-tingling stories of ghostly apparitions and mysterious happenings that have plagued this historic residence for centuries.

Beneath its stunning facade lies a darker narrative—one filled with sorrowful spirits and restless souls. Visitors often speak of strange noises echoing through its grand halls at night: footsteps when no one is around, soft whispers carried by the wind, and even glimpses of spectral figures roaming its grounds.

Castle Ellen House The House is thought to be haunted by one of the owners who keeps reappearing coming back to his home after he died far from it. //Source

Dating back to 1810, Castle Ellen House was the ambitious creation of the Lambert family and was their family home for generations. The need for more space to accommodate their growing family led them to construct this grand edifice, with remnants of their former castle still nestled within the sprawling 33-acre estate.

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

One of the most intriguing connections to Castle Ellen House is the marriage of Isabella Lambert to Edward Carson. Edward Carson, a prominent lawyer, rose to fame as the legal representative of the Marquis of Queensberry in a notorious libel case against the renowned playwright, Oscar Wilde. He was also heavily involved in the Jack the Ripper case as well as an advocate for British rule in Northern Ireland. 

It is also remembered for the strange haunting of the member of the Lambert family and his ghostly return to Castle Ellen House. 

A Ghostly Encounter at Castle Ellen House

It all started way back in 1892 when the owner of the house, Walter Peter Lambert and a member of the Lambert family, was enjoying breakfast at the Imperial Hotel in Tuam. Far from home, Walter began to choke during his meal and died at the age of 76. 

Back at Castle Ellen House, the maids were unknowingly preparing his room for his return. One of them looked out the window and said to another that the master had returned when she saw him walking towards the house on foot. Little did they realize, Walter had already passed away at the hotel for a couple of hours already. 

When an attempt was made to transport his lifeless body home, two sets of horses inexplicably refused to cross the estate’s boundary. The staff had to carry Walter’s body by hand up the driveway. More than two centuries later, Walter’s ghost is said to revisit his former home, an eternal resident in the house he loved.

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

The sightings of the ghostly Walter Lambert is said to be pretty frequent, especially in the later years. In 2020, a paranormal investigation group claimed to have gotten a picture of the ghost. The same claim was made in 2022. 

Preservation and Exploration

In 1974, the current owner took on the monumental task of acquiring Castle Ellen House, slowly but surely restoring the estate to its former grandeur. During the summer months, the property opens its doors to the public for limited hours, with proceeds contributing to ongoing restoration efforts. 

Adventurous souls seeking a truly authentic castle experience can even spend a night in the Walter Lambert room, as it is listed on Airbnb. It is here that guests may have the extraordinary opportunity to cross paths with the spectral figure of Walter Lambert himself.

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References:

History – Castle Ellen House 

https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/ghost-hunters-find-proof-19th-22230016

Castle Ellen House | Haunted Galway, Ireland | Spirited Isle 

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The Haunting of the Irish Fetch – the Living Ghost

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The Irish Fetch is a ghost from the underworld, coming as a bad omen to warn the living about an impending death. The ghost is said to take the shape of the person that is going to die. 

Within the rich tapestry of Irish folklore and mythology, the mysterious concept of the “fetch” has captured the imagination of generations. This supernatural phenomenon, deeply rooted in Irish tradition, represents an eerie duality—an apparition or spectral double of a living person that often heralds impending doom and is seen as a deadly omen. The sighting of a fetch is foretelling the imminent passing of its living counterpart.

The Spectral Twin and Bad Omen

A fetch is described as an exact, spectral replica of a living human being. Its appearance is uncannily similar to that of its earthly counterpart, creating an eerie sense of déjà vu for those who encounter it. 

The presence of a fetch is typically seen as a portent of the person it mirrors nearing the end of their life journey. If the person is dying in a fire, the fetch will look burnt. If the person is drowned, it would not be able to breathe. 

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

However, there is an intriguing twist to this belief. According to John and Michael Banim, if the apparition appears in the morning rather than the evening, it is interpreted as a sign of a long and extended life awaiting the individual. This dual nature of the fetch sets it apart as a harbinger of both hope and dread, reminiscent of the Germanic doppelgänger and certain interpretations of the British wraith.

Sometimes the fetch will not be like a mirror of yourself, but sometimes they appear like someone that has just died, just casually walking amongst the living and their loved ones. Although they look like they did in life, they are seemingly very distant and will vanish into the air in the edn. 

The Obscure Origins of the Name

The etymology and origins of the term “fetch” remain shrouded in mystery. While it is often suggested that it may be linked to the verb “fetch,” the true source of this enigmatic word remains elusive. 

The puzzle deepens with the existence of an Old English word, “faecce,” found in the Corpus Glossary and the First Cleopatra Glossary. Although “faecce” is presumed to be a Latin word, it defies classification, as no such Latin term exists. This conundrum led some scholars to propose that “faecce” may actually be an Old Irish word, shedding light on the potential link between Old Irish and Hiberno-English fetch traditions. The ambiguity surrounding this term continues to perplex researchers, and a definitive consensus has yet to be reached.

Fetch-Like Portents in Early Irish Literature

While the fetch may be a unique and intriguing concept, echoes of similar portents of death can be traced back to early Irish literature. These ominous predictions were associated with the Old Irish term “fáith,” denoting a seer or prophetess. 

In legendary tales such as Táin Bó Cuailnge, prophetic visions of impending demise were issued by individuals like Fedelm. Cormac Connloinges witnessed sinister visions in Bruiden Da Choca, including a mysterious woman washing bloodstained chariot wheels. A hag foretold the demise of Conaire in Togail Bruidne Da Derga, while in Cath Maige Tuired, the Mórrigán herself prophesied death. 

These early Irish traditions, steeped in mysticism and foreboding, laid the groundwork for the development of the fetch concept.

The Norse Connection: Fylgja and Vikings in Ireland

To gain a deeper understanding of the Irish fetch, it is essential to explore the Norse influence on Irish tradition. Within Norse mythology, the concept of the “fylgja” emerges—a personal alter ego, often taking the form of an animal, intricately linked to an individual’s fate. 

Unlike the Irish fetch, the fylgja is almost invariably portrayed as female. The prominence of the Vikings in Ireland during this era makes the Norse connection highly relevant. Scholar William Sayers has proposed a fascinating theory—that the term “fetch” may have evolved from the Hiberno-English adaptation of the Old Irish “fáith.”

Another thing that makes them different is that the Fetch, although scary and a bringer of bad news, they don’t really hurt anyone. The Icelandic Fylgja, though, is said to have killed people for vengeance as well as just getting a companion.  

The Mirror Ghost

The Irish fetch remains an enigmatic and captivating facet of Irish folklore, entwined with centuries of tradition and belief. Its duality as a harbinger of life and death, its obscure origins, and its connections to early Irish prophecies and Norse influences have imbued it with a sense of intrigue that continues to captivate those who dare to delve into the supernatural realm. 

While the true origins of the term “fetch” may remain elusive, the phenomenon itself stands as a testament to the enduring power of folklore and the human fascination with the inexplicable.

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References:

The Fetch | Emerald Isle Gods and Monsters 

Fetch (folklore) – Wikipedia 

Why Is The Fetch Seen As A Death Omen in Irish Folklore?