In 1996 a picture was taken in Boot Hill Cemetery allegedly showing a ghost in the background. But what was the truth behind this wild west mystery?
Boot Hill Ghost is a captivating picture taken in 1996 by Ike Canton in Boot Hill Cemetery, a historically rich site located in Tombstone, Arizona, USA. This iconic cemetery is known for its storied past, which includes the final resting places of many infamous figures from the Wild West era.
In the photograph, Canton and his friend Kelly from Southern California are dressed up in classic cowboy gear, donning wide-brimmed cowboy hats and gripping authentic six-shooters, which lend an air of authenticity to their old-timey appearance. As the camera clicked, only Ike Canton’s friend was clearly visible in the frame, while the mysterious man wearing a hat lurking behind him was not. This shadowy figure has sparked numerous theories and debates among enthusiasts, who speculate about the possibility of capturing a ghostly presence in such a significant location steeped in legend and lore.
The Boothill Cemetery Ghost: After the photo was taken and developed, the two friends noticed a third person present they hadn’t seen the day they took the picture.
The film was developed in an ordinary Thrifty Drug Store and surprised them all. Canton later looked more closely at the photo and decided the figure was in fact holding a knife, with the point ending just above his collar. Even stranger, it seems like the figure is buried from the stomach down.
The Haunting of Boot Hill Cemetery
People notice strange lights and see apparitions there regularly at Boot Hill Cemetery, a place steeped in eerie legends and local folklore.
Boot Hill refers to several cemeteries, the first being in Dodge City, Kansas. The name originates from the idea that many buried there died with their boots on, suggesting a violent or unnatural death. It was opened around 1879 and closed in 1884 after burying around 300 people, as a new cemetery had opened.
Haunted Cemetery: Boothill Graveyard in 1940, before it was fully restored. Several ghost sightings have been reported.
Visitors often recount their spine-tingling experiences, claiming to have felt an inexplicable chill in the air, as if unseen spirits are present among the gravestones. Ghostly figures are said to wander the grounds, creating an atmosphere thick with the echoes of the past, drawing both the curious and the brave to seek out the phenomena that has intrigued generations. With each sunset, the cemetery transforms into a realm where the line between reality and the supernatural blurs, leaving many to ponder the mysteries that linger within its haunted landscape.
The Haunted Saloon in Tombstone
But who was the photographer behind the photo in Boot Hill Cemetery, and what was his connection to the supernatural? The photographer was Ike Clanton, a remarkable figure who, intriguingly, is a descendant of the infamous Clantons of the OK Corral. With a deep-seated interest in historical re-creations of the wild west, he has dedicated much of his life to exploring the eerie mysteries that surround the historic town of Tombstone.
He also offers ghost tours and has a show about his paranormal investigations as well as owning Ike Clanton’s Haunted Hotel – Tombstone Ghosts and Legends Tour.
Tombstone: The town in Arizona have a very rocky history and several gun fights have happened, the most famous one being The gunfight at the O.K. Corral. It took place on October 26, 1881, between lawmen and a group of cattle rustlers and horse thieves known as the Cowboys. Lasting less than a minute, it has inspired many books and films. It occurred in Tombstone, Arizona Territory, and has become a symbol of the American Old West. The fight stemmed from a long-standing feud involving five outlaws and four lawmen, including three brothers. The local marshal sparked the conflict by enforcing a city ordinance that banned weapons in town, leading to the disarmament of the Cowboys..//Source: James G. Howes/Wikimedia
Investigation into the Photograph
Although digital manipulation was possible in 1996, software’s like photoshop was still in the early days, and most would agree that the image looks untouched when talking about editing like that. So then, what happened that day in the cemetery?
People who have believed that it had to be a third person present in the cemetery meets a problem when we state that the person looks half buried in the ground. Although possible, it is not probable that someone would do for a prank. But could it be a mannequin or something of the sorts? And investigators like Blake Smith for the Skeptic thinks that the actual mannequin has been found, or at least something similar.
The Haunting of Boot Hill Cemetery Continues
The mystery of Boot Hill Cemetery continues as whispers of restless spirits echo through the winds on moonlit nights, drawing in curious visitors with their eerie tales. Perhaps we will never really know the truth behind the picture, and what mystery the Boot Hill Cemetery have. Or perhaps the simple answer is already there, and we already know the truth.
Mackinac Island is often listed as one of the most haunted islands in America, if not the most haunted city overall. Here is a list of some of the more famous ghost stories from the vacation island.
In the glistening waters of Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, Mackinac Island is a serene retreat known for its picturesque beauty, historic charm, and an eerie reputation for the supernatural. In fact, Mackinac Island was called the most haunted town in America in 2021, with many stories having been covered over the years. And with only a full time population of around 583 people, the ghosts perhaps even outnumber the living.
Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA
With no cars allowed and transportation limited to bicycles and horse-drawn carriages, the island offers a unique step back in time. Some come to enjoy the quiet seaside and enjoy the famous fudge. The island has become a perfect summer destination for Americans, but after the tourists leave in the fall, the fog from the Straits comes rolling in, and the leaves turn color, the ghost of the island remains to haunt it.
A Brief History of Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island’s history stretches back thousands of years, with indigenous peoples such as the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Huron considering it a sacred place long before European settlers arrived. The island’s name itself, derived from the Ojibwe word “Michilimackinac,” means “big turtle,” referring to the island’s shape when viewed from above.
The French established a fur trading post here in the 17th century, and the island later became a strategic military outpost during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. In the late 19th century, it became more of a summer colony and a tourist destination that it still is.
Fort Mackinac and the Ghosts of War
Fort Mackinac: The Straits of Mackinac quickly became an important French fur trading location. The British took control of the Straits after the French and Indian War and built Fort Mackinac to protect their settlement from attack by French-Canadians and native tribes.//Source: Wikimedia
Perched on a bluff overlooking Mackinac Island, Fort Mackinac is steeped in Revolutionary War-era history and is considered one of Michigan’s most haunted sites. Though it was decommissioned in 1895, its ghostly reputation lingers. Visitors report disembodied footsteps, spectral soldiers in 18th-century uniforms, and mysterious orbs appearing in photos. The fort’s old hospital, dating to 1828, is infamous for eerie phenomena, including motion detectors triggering inexplicably, phantom cries of infants, and floating limbs appearing in photos. The Officer’s Stone Quarters, Michigan’s oldest building, is said to be haunted by playful ghost children. After dark, the fort echoes with ghostly cannon fire, marching soldiers, and children’s cries, blending history with the supernatural in an unsettling harmony.
Fort Holmes: On the highest top on Mackinac Island, is the reconstructed Fort Holmes. Those visiting it claim to have seen the ghost of soldiers still guarding the fort. //Source: Wikimedia
Perched on Mackinac Island’s highest point, Fort Holmes, originally Fort George, was built by the British during the War of 1812 and renamed after an American major killed in battle. Though it never functioned as a standalone fort, it served as a defensive outpost for Fort Mackinac. The site, reconstructed in 2015, now draws tourists for its scenic views and ghostly tales. Visitors report sightings of three Colonial-era soldiers who vanish when noticed, and the fort is believed to be haunted by both Native Ojibwe spirits and European soldiers, as it may have been built over native burial grounds.
Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery: Located a half mile north of Fort Mackinac, near Skull Cave, a burial site for American Indians. The earliest interments in the post cemetery likely date to the mid-1820’s and is considered haunted. The military occupation of Fort Mackinac throughout the 18th century suggests there was an earlier post cemetery, yet the location of pre-1820’s burials remains elusive.//Source
Mackinac Island’s cemeteries, particularly the Post Cemetery, are shrouded in ghostly legends and mystery. Established in the early 1800s, it holds the remains of British and American soldiers from the War of 1812, as well as Civil War veterans and civilians. Of the 108 graves, only 39 are identified, with the rest lost to time due to poor record-keeping. Visitors report ghostly apparitions, faint weeping, and the lingering presence of a grieving mother believed to mourn her two children. This ties to the tragic story of Josiah and Isabel Cowles, siblings who died in infancy during their family’s time at Fort Mackinac. Their mother, Mary Ella Cowles, deeply mourned their loss and is said to haunt both the fort and the cemetery, helplessly watching over her children’s graves. With 13 children buried here, the Post Cemetery remains a poignant and haunted reminder of Mackinac Island’s tumultuous past.
Ghost Haunting the trail: There are miles and miles of trails on Mackinac Island. Some of them, like the Rifle Range Trail where the hanging occurred are said to be haunted by the ghost of the soldier. // Source/Zachary V. Sunderman
On February 1, 1830, Mackinac Island witnessed its only public hanging when Private James Brown was executed on Rifle Range Trail for the murder of Corporal Hugh Flinn. The crime occurred in December 1828 when Brown’s rifle discharged, killing Flinn during an argument in the Soldier’s Barracks. While Brown confessed the shot came from his musket, he insisted it was an accident. Despite pleas for clemency from Governor Lewis Cass to President Andrew Jackson, Brown was found guilty and hanged. His ghost is said to haunt the Rifle Range Trail, pleading his innocence to those who encounter him. Visitors report hearing footsteps, feeling watched, and even hearing a ghostly fife playing military tunes near Fort Mackinac, adding to the island’s eerie legacy of military hauntings.
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, built in 1887, is celebrated for its grandeur and haunted reputation. Constructed over land believed to house unmarked graves—possibly from native tribes, European soldiers, or early settlers—the hotel’s foundation may have disturbed the dead, sparking tales of restless spirits. Among its ghostly legends is the “Lady in Black,” a Victorian-era guest who never left, seen wandering the halls and porch, sometimes with a spectral dog. Guests and staff also report sightings of a cigar-smoking man in a top hat near the bar and a child ghost named Little Rebecca on the fourth floor. The most unsettling figure is a sinister black mass with glowing red eyes, said to have attacked a maintenance worker. Coupled with tales of mysterious furniture movements and eerie encounters, the Grand Hotel remains one of Mackinac Island’s most luxurious yet haunted destinations.
The ghost of Lucy, a 12-year-old girl in a light sundress with curly hair, is a well-known spirit on Mackinac Island. She roams freely, appearing at places like Pine Cottage B&B, where she peeks from windows, and the staircase at Crow’s Nest Trail near Anne’s Tablet. Legend says Lucy died of illness while her family was away, and now she wanders, calling for her parents. Pine Cottage itself is a hotspot for hauntings, also hosting spirits known as the Man, the Woman—believed to be a murdered guest—and a mysterious creature. Lucy’s origins remain unclear, as no records match her story.
The Ghost of the Heartbroken Student Haunting Mission Point Resort
Mission Point Resort: This fine resort with an outlook over the blue water has gone through many stages and has been the home of many different organizations and schools. Today it is a hotel, but it is said it is still haunted by the ghost of a former student from when it was Mackinac Island College. //Source: Mary McGuire/Flickr
Mission Point Resort, located on Mackinac Island’s southeast side, is as famous for its scenic sunrise views as for its haunted past. Once part of a religious community led by the controversial Moral Re-Armament group in the 1940s and later home to Mackinac College (1966–1970), the site carries a storied history. The resort’s most infamous spirit is Harvey, a college student who allegedly committed suicide in 1967 after a heartbreak, though rumors suggest foul play due to inconsistencies in his death. Harvey’s ghost is said to haunt the resort, particularly its theater, where he reportedly flirts with women, pranks men, and creates eerie sensations like cold drafts and whispers. Visitors have also reported shadowy figures, phantom lights, and mysterious voices in the surrounding woods.
The Native and Metis Children Haunting the Mission House
Mission House: In 1825, this mission house was built at the site by a building crew led by Martin Heydenburk, a fellow missionary who was a teacher and carpenter. Today the Mission House is believed to be haunted by the indigenous children who were sent to school here. //Source: Wikimedia
The Mission House on Mackinac Island, now housing state park employees, has a long and complex history tied to tragedy and haunting. Built in 1825 by missionaries William and Amanda Ferry, it originally served as a boarding school for Native American and Métis children, aiming to assimilate them into European culture under the controversial motto “Kill the Indian, save the man.” While some records suggest the school treated students more leniently than similar institutions, stories of harsh discipline and alleged abuse persist, particularly from accounts by figures like Jane Schoolcraft. At least 16 children reportedly died from illnesses like tuberculosis while quarantined in the cellar, and their spirits are said to haunt the house. Ghostly activity includes the sounds of children laughing, footsteps, and objects moving during the night, particularly on the first and second floors. The building’s troubled past, including the lack of formal investigations into its history, adds to its eerie reputation.
The Drowning Pool: Said to be haunted by witches, what is the truth beneath the tales of the haunted lagoon?
The Drowning Pool on Mackinac Island, a small lagoon near Mission Point, is shrouded in eerie legends, though its true history is murky. Local lore claims it was used by Native Americans for rituals and tells of a young Native girl who died there, still searching for her lost love. The most infamous tale involves seven women accused of witchcraft in the 1700s or early 1800s, allegedly tied to rocks and drowned during a trial by water. However, historians question the story’s validity, noting the decline of witch trials by then and the lack of evidence of brothels or even the pool’s existence at that time—it may have been created in the late 20th century during island development. Despite doubts, stories persist of pale faces, ghostly lights, and chilling sensations near the water, adding to its reputation as a haunted site.
Madelaine LaFramboise Haunting the Harbour View Inn and Saint Anne’s Church
Born Marguerite-Magdelaine Marcot: The youngest child of a French fur trader and his Odawa wife, Marie Nekesh. Her maternal grandfather was Chief Kewinoquot of the Odawa.
The Harbour View Inn, formerly Chateau LaFramboise, was the home of Madeleine LaFramboise, a successful fur trader of French and Odawa descent. After retiring in 1822, she built the mansion on Mackinac Island and contributed significantly to the Catholic Church, founding a school for Native children and donating land for Sainte Anne Church, where she was later buried. Her grave was disturbed in the mid-20th century during church renovations, sparking rumors of a curse and hauntings. Guests at the inn report feeling watched, while churchgoers claim to see her spirit, encounter flickering lights, and witness a blue mist near her original burial site. To appease her, the church installed statues in her honor, hoping to bring her spirit peace.
Arch Rock and the Mysterious Portal to the Afterlife
The Arch Rock on Mackinac Island is steeped in legends. One story tells of the Ottawa nation’s shameful act, punished by the Master of Life, who sent a powerful wind to carve an arch in the rock. The Anishinaabe people believed the rock was a portal to the afterlife, where both spirits could enter and return. A famous Ojibwe legend speaks of She-Who-Walks-Like-the-Mist, a beautiful woman who rejected all suitors but was eventually carried to the sky by her Sky Person lover after mourning by the arch. The rock has long been considered a holy place by Native tribes and later attracted Freemasons who built lodges in the area. The island is believed by some to be haunted, with spirits lingering at the arch, a place once sacred to the Great Spirit, Gitche Manitou.
The Inn at Stonecliffe, built in 1904 by industrialist Michael Cudahy, is a luxury hotel on Mackinac Island known for its serene atmosphere, making it a popular wedding venue. Though details about its haunting are sparse, guests have reported paranormal encounters, including sightings of a ghostly servant and a little girl playing in the halls. A tragic legend involves a woman who was left heartbroken after her fiancé, a British soldier, died before their wedding and is said to haunt the venue. Additionally, the unsolved murder of Frances Lacey, a wealthy widow found strangled on the property in 1960, is linked to the inn’s haunting, with her ghost reportedly appearing near the location where her body was found, as well as at the hotel where she was staying before her disappearance.
Bogan Lane Inn and the Piano Playing Ghost Wanting to go Home
Bogan Lane Inn: Said to be one of the many haunted places to book a room at Mackinac Island, it is supposedly haunted by a little girl.
The Bogan Lane Inn, built in the mid-1850s as a private residence on Mackinac Island, has long been rumored to be haunted, particularly by the ghost of a little girl. Originally part of the fishing industry boom, the house was vacant for 40 years before being transformed into a hotel in 1957. Guests and staff report strange occurrences, including sightings of the girl with dark hair playing the piano and saying she wants to go home. Other paranormal experiences include flickering lights, televisions turning on and off, rattling doorknobs, and unexplained voices. While the ghost’s identity remains a mystery, the inn, like many old buildings on Mackinac Island, is believed to be haunted by its long history.
Skull Cave: Mackinac Island has a long history of being a sacred place for the natives and a burial ground for their chiefs. One of those places were the Skull Cave on the island. It is said that the bones buried there were removed and their spirits are now haunting the place.
The Skull Cave on Mackinac Island, named for the human remains discovered inside, has a dark history tied to the Pontiac’s War of 1763. English fur trader Alexander Henry, seeking shelter during the conflict, woke up in the cave to find himself surrounded by a heap of human bones and skulls. The cave, a long-used burial and spiritual site for Native Americans, is believed to have been disturbed when the remains were removed, angering the spirits. Visitors to the cave report eerie experiences, including shadowy figures, sudden temperature drops, and an unsettling feeling. The cave is now closed off to protect it as a sacred site.
On the summer vacation Mackinac Island, there are plenty of dark and haunted stories. At the Inn at Stonecliffe, there are rumors that the ghost of a little girl just wants to go home.
In the glistening waters of Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, Mackinac Island is a serene retreat known for its picturesque beauty, historic charm, and an eerie reputation for the supernatural. In fact, Mackinac Island was called the most haunted town in America in 2021, with many stories having been covered over the years. And with only a full time population of around 583 people, the ghosts perhaps even outnumber the living.
Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA
With no cars allowed and transportation limited to bicycles and horse-drawn carriages, the island offers a unique step back in time. Some come to enjoy the quiet seaside and enjoy the famous fudge. The island has become a perfect summer destination for Americans, but after the tourists leave in the fall, the fog from the Straits comes rolling in, and the leaves turn color, the ghost of the island remains to haunt it.
A Brief History of Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island’s history stretches back thousands of years, with indigenous peoples such as the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Huron considering it a sacred place long before European settlers arrived. The island’s name itself, derived from the Ojibwe word “Michilimackinac,” means “big turtle,” referring to the island’s shape when viewed from above.
The French established a fur trading post here in the 17th century, and the island later became a strategic military outpost during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. In the late 19th century, it became more of a summer colony and a tourist destination that it still is.
Mackinac Island: Cars were banned at the end of the nineteenth century due to health and safety concerns for the island’s residents and horses, as local carriage drivers said it scared their horses. This, together with the old historic houses and lush nature makes you feel like stepping back in time and welcoming old ghosts to linger.
The Ghost Haunting The Inn at Stonecliffe
The Inn at Stonecliffe is an old establishment two miles from the downtown. It was built in 1904 by an industrialist named Michael Cudahy and is considered a luxury hotel. The hotel is both the central Mansion as well as the Summer House. Placed high on a bluff near the airport on the west side of the island it is a popular wedding destination, and retreat for those wanting something calm and away from the bustling city life.
Not much is known about the haunting at the Inn at Stonecliffe itself and the sources are few, except from all the confused and sometimes scared customers leaving reviews about seeing something that could have been paranormal.
One of the stories that have reached online is the alleged haunting of the ghost servant, still toiling away at the hotel and a little girl heard playing in the halls.
The Woman Haunting Brides at Inn at Stonecliffe
There also is a legend of a woman who was engaged to be married to a British soldier. When this was, if it was before the building that is now the Inn at Stonecliffe was built when the British had control over the fort, or after the building was built is unknown.
In any case it was said that he died before the wedding and she was inconsolable. Whatever happened to her after, the story doesn’t speak much of, but she returned to this popular wedding venue to haunt it after she died. She is said to wreak havoc on some of the wedding ceremonies performed at the Inn at Stonecliffe.
The Ghost of Frances Lacey of Dearborn and her Unsolved Murder
Another story tied to the property rather than the building itself is the unsolved murder said to haunt the island.
On a Sunday, July 24 in 1960, Frances Lacey of Dearborn, a rich widow went missing. She was staying at The Murray Hotel. Five days later, she was found murdered.
Her body was found on the Stone Cliff property, then owned by the Moral Re-Armament Organization who owned most of Mission Point. So not exactly connected to the Inn at Stonecliffe, but at the property. The organization owning the property at the time is probably also why her story often comes up with tales of Mission Point Resort. Although this particular resort is closer to Murray Hotel, it is from the other side of the island from where she was found.
It was said her body was found in the bushes close to what was called Devil’s Kitchen. That is a small cave on the island with local stories claiming that the Native Americans considered the cave to be a spiritual location inhabited by bad spirits. Allegedly, the spirits were cannibals who would capture and eat victims who ventured too close to the ill-omen location. How true this legend is though is unsure, or if it was something made up in the later years for tourism.
She had been strangled, but her murder went unsolved. After this, people have talked about experiencing her ghost haunting the premise as well. Both in the area where she was found as well as the hotel she went missing from known as The Murray Hotel.
The Chinnery Backseat Driver ghost is now a famous photo used to prove that ghosts exists. but does it? What was the story behind the photo at the time, and what do the experts say about it today?
The Chinnery Backseat Driver ghost, or the backseat ghost, is a picture that has become quite popular on lists of pictures proving the existence of ghosts. This intriguing image not only captures the attention of paranormal enthusiasts but also raises numerous questions about its authenticity and the narrative surrounding it. But what is the true story behind the now famous picture?
Many believe it to be a chilling reminder of the past, while others are skeptical, suggesting that it could be a simple case of double exposure or a cleverly staged scene. This has sparked debates among both believers and skeptics, igniting curiosity about the origins of the photograph, the circumstances in which it was taken, and the identity of the spectral figure appearing in the backseat.
The Story Behind the Picture
March 22, 1959, 44 year old Mrs. Mable Chinnery from in Ipswich in Suffolk, England packed up their car and took off to visit Mable’s mother at the cemetery with her husband, Jim. When they arrived, Mr. Chinnery stayed in the Hillman Minx car as his wife went to the grave of her mother.
Mable had just gotten a new camera, some saying it was an Eastman-Kodak Brownie. She had brought it on her trip to take some pictures of her mother’s gravestone who had died a week prior. After taking several photos, Mrs. Chinnery saw that she had one picture left. So, she pointed the camera at her husband in the car and took the picture.
When they got the film developed though, she saw it was more than her gravestone Mrs. Chinnery had taken a picture off. Sitting in the backseat of the car was the clear image of a person. When Mrs. Chinnery showed the pictures to her friends they pointed out the figure in the backseat saying: “But there’s your mother in the back!”
According to Jim, she loved sitting in the back of the car. One of the final things she had told them before she died was: “you’ll never come to any harm ’cause I’ll still be with you.”
Investigating The Chinnery Backseat Driver
The photo has since gone through rigorous tests by professional photo analysts. This includes Skeptics who did a deep dive into this picture not too long ago. According to the experts that were examining the picture, the figure in the photo is not a reflection or a double exposure. Perhaps a bit of controversial take on a ghost photo. This comes from an article about the photo claiming because the door’s upright wouldn’t block off part of her face. And she can’t be a reflection in the window, either, according to them. So what can she be? And is a double exposure impossible?
According to many photographer, the camera she was using, could easily have taken a double exposure by mistake. These skeptics suggested that whatever was in the photo wasn’t a ghost, but rather the mind making familiar patterns out of light and shadow. Some also think the most likely scenario is that Mrs. Chinnery took a photo of her mother in an armchair shortly before the old woman died.
What Mrs. Chinnery ended up believing about the picture is never mentioned, neither is the further haunting from her mother. This together with all the possible explanations for the image distortion makes it difficult to come up with a single simple answer of what happened the day they snapped The Chinnery Backseat Driver.
One of the most successful fur traders in the Northwestern Territory was a Metis woman named Madeline La Framboise. After her grave was disturbed she has been known to haunt Saint Anne’s Church as well as her former home, Harbor View Inn.
In the glistening waters of Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, Mackinac Island is a serene retreat known for its picturesque beauty, historic charm, and an eerie reputation for the supernatural. In fact, Mackinac Island was called the most haunted town in America in 2021, with many stories having been covered over the years. And with only a full time population of around 583 people, the ghosts perhaps even outnumber the living.
Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA
With no cars allowed and transportation limited to bicycles and horse-drawn carriages, the island offers a unique step back in time. Some come to enjoy the quiet seaside and enjoy the famous fudge. The island has become a perfect summer destination for Americans, but after the tourists leave in the fall, the fog from the Straits comes rolling in, and the leaves turn color, the ghost of the island remains to haunt it.
A Brief History of Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island’s history stretches back thousands of years, with indigenous peoples such as the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Huron considering it a sacred place long before European settlers arrived. The island’s name itself, derived from the Ojibwe word “Michilimackinac,” means “big turtle,” referring to the island’s shape when viewed from above.
The French established a fur trading post here in the 17th century, and the island later became a strategic military outpost during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. In the late 19th century, it became more of a summer colony and a tourist destination that it still is.
Chateau La Framboise: House of Madeline La Framboise on Mackinac Island taken sometime prior to 1900. Her home as well as her church are said to be haunted by her spirit after her grave was disturbed.
The Ghost of Harbour View Inn or Chateau La Framboise
Born Marguerite-Magdelaine Marcot: The youngest child of a French fur trader and his Odawa wife, Marie Nekesh. Her maternal grandfather was Chief Kewinoquot of the Odawa.
The mansion now known as the Harbour View Inn used to belong to the successful business woman, Madeleine La Framboise. Back then it used to be called Chateau La Frambouise. Her husband was murdered and she took over his fur business and expanded, doing well and amassing a fortune, becoming one of the most successful fur traders in the Northwest Territory. Born in 1780, she was of French and Odawa descent, speaking English, French and native languages, giving her an advantage in the trade.
The mansion Madeline La Framboise built on Main Street as a place for her to retire in 1822 from the trade, often nicknamed as The Chateau La Framboise. Her plan was to live a quiet life with her family, sitting on the massive fortune she had amassed. In her time at Mackinac Island she founded a catholic school for native children and was a big supporter for the catholic church on the island.
Madeline La Framboise life of tragedy and death didn’t stop when she came out from the fur business filled with conflict and intrigue. She had a daughter who died in 1820 during childbirth and it hit her very hard. Madeleine herself died in April, 1846. The whole family was buried on Mackinac Island together, under the white marble sepulcher altar of Sainte Anne Church.
This church was a Roman Catholic one. After the War of 1812, the parish was saved by Madeline La Framboise, who worked with a succession of visiting priests to restore the church’s status as a place of worship. Built on the land Madeline La Framboise donated, she was hoping for eternal rest underneath the altar.
The Haunting starts in the Saint Anne’s Church
But Madeline La Framboise eternal rest seemed short lived. During the 50s or 60s, the church wanted to add to the basement and moved the remains of Madeleine, her daughter as well as the daughter’s baby. The reason for it was that they wanted to build a gift shop in the basement. Meanwhile, they were storing them in a yard crypt for a time before returning them in 2013 and giving them a proper burial.
The Haunted Church: St Anne’s Church where Madeline La Framboise were buried
Many believe that this is when the haunting started, as if Madeline La Framboise had cast a curse on the church and a ghostly presence at the old mansion as well within the church. Even the foundation of the church itself started to crumble, leaning to the side. Some say it started even earlier, perhaps as far back as her time of death.
Many people staying at the inn claim to feel a strange presence, like if they are being watched by an unseen entity. Could this be the ghost of Madeline La Framboise?
Madeleine La Framboise Haunting Mackinac Island
Because of her grave being disturbed, they think she is haunting this place as well, and churchgoers claim to have encountered her spirit, even after her body was re-interred in her final resting place. There is also said to be a strange blue mist hovering above the altar where her grave was originally, which individuals have reported seeing during late-night vigils, casting an otherworldly glow that both fascinates and terrifies those who witness it.
Despite the church having upgraded their wiring four times due to the persistent electrical problems believed to have been caused by her restless spirit, the lights continue to flicker sporadically, casting an eerie glow on the ancient stone walls. This unsettling phenomenon has led many to speculate about the lingering presence of the spirit, with some congregants even reporting ghostly whispers during evening services and unexplained cold drafts that sweep through the nave.
To appease her spirit, the church decided to install two statues in the courtyard of Saint Anne’s Church. Perhaps this will soon give her ghost peace.
After some tourists took a picture when visiting the Queen’s House in Greenwich, they came back with a strange image now known as The Tulip Staircase Ghost. Even today, people still debate if the ghost in the image was real or not.
If there’s one thing the British serve exceptionally well besides tea, is haunted history. And the Queen’s House in Greenwich? Oh, it serves up ghostly chills with photographic evidence. This stunning piece of 17th-century architecture might be a vision of classical elegance, but beneath its beauty lies a paranormal playground.
There were already ghostly legends circling around the old house before the picture was taken with children laughing in the hallways, a ghostly maid mopping up blood. At the heart of its spectral reputation is one particularly famous spirit: the Tulip Staircase Ghost.
Queen’s House in Greenwich: Royal Naval College North East Building Queen Anne’s Quarter. The mansion became popular for the paranormal community after a picture allegedly showing a ghost by the stairs. // Source: Tony Hisgett/Flickr
A House Fit for a Queen… and Her Ghosts
The Queen’s House was commissioned in 1616 by Anne of Denmark, wife of King James I as an apology from him after swearing at her in public. It is worth noting though, she did just shoot his dog, although it was an accident. Designed by the revolutionary architect Inigo Jones, it was England’s first consciously classical building—a stark contrast to the Gothic styles that came before.
The home has been inhabited by many female royals over the centuries. However, Anne never got to enjoy her royal retreat, as she died in 1619 before its completion. The house was eventually finished in 1635 under Queen Henrietta Maria (wife of Charles I), but from the get-go, it seems this regal residence was destined to be haunted.
Ghosts Haunting the House: There is said to be more than one ghost haunting the place. A lot of the paranormal activity is said to be around the grand tulip stairs. // Source: Elliott Brown/Flickr
Over the centuries, the Queen’s House has been home to royalty, naval officers, and later, the National Maritime Museum. With so many lives passing through its halls, it’s no wonder that whispers of eerie encounters began to surface. Strange voices, phantom footsteps, and inexplicable shadows have all been reported within its grand walls. But none of these compares to the chilling mystery of the Tulip Staircase.
The Ghost Caught on Camera
Let’s rewind to 1966—when the famed image of The Tulip Staircase Ghost was taken at the stairs. A retired Canadian reverend, R.W. Hardy, and his wife were visiting the Queen’s House on a casual tourist outing. Around 5.00pm Rev Hardy was taking photographs of the interior of the building. He was using a Zeiss Ikon Contina camera with a Zavar Anastigmat lens and skylight haze filter and K2 daylight film. He took a seemingly innocent photograph of the house’s famous Tulip Staircase, an architectural marvel with its elegant spiral design and delicate wrought-iron railings.
At the time there was no one there, this was according to his wife as well, standing by his side. There was also a ‘no admittance’ sign, and no one was around them.
Ghost on the Stairs: The picture was said to be sent to experts to check the validity of the image. Although it certainly could be a classic case of double exposure, the image of The Tulip Staircase Ghoststill holds a lot of credibility with some.
When the film was developed, what should have been a simple snapshot became one of the most famous paranormal images in history. The photo clearly shows a shrouded, shadowy figure ascending the staircase, gripping the railing with an almost skeletal hand. Not one, but two hands, in fact, as if someone—or something—was climbing upward.
Experts—including Kodak in their laboratory—examined the negative, ruling out tampering or double exposure. The eerie, translucent figure remained unexplained, solidifying its place in ghost-hunting lore.
Who—or What—Haunts the Queen’s House?
Theories about the Tulip Staircase Ghost abound, but the Queen’s House doesn’t just have one restless spirit. Some believe the spectral figure belongs to a 17th-century maid who was murdered on the staircase. Legend has it that she was pushed—or fell—to her death, and her tormented soul lingers to this day. Visitors and staff have reported hearing phantom footsteps on the staircase, feeling unseen hands brush against them, and even spotting a woman in old-fashioned clothing drifting through the halls, cleaning up the pool of blood before vanishing into thin air.
But she’s not alone. Other ghostly residents allegedly include the sound of disembodied children laughing, the echoes of mysterious chanting, and the sudden appearance of shadowy figures that dissolve when approached. One particularly unnerving report comes from a group of restoration workers in the 1960s, who claimed to hear loud, violent footsteps following them—only to turn around and find no one there.
The Haunting Continues Through a Séance
As news of the spectral photograph of The Tulip Staircase Ghost spread, seven members of paranormal investigation organisation The Ghost Club decided to spend the night of Saturday 24 June 1967 in the Queen’s House to investigate the claims. They had to wear soft-soled shoes, synchronise their watches and carry a working torch, notebook and pencil at all times. Everything was to be noted down, from odd noises and smells to any feeling of a presence.
Séance in the Queen Anne House: held at night by members of The Ghost Club at the Queen’s House on 24th June 1967 after they saw the photo of the The Tulip Staircase Ghost.
According to some sources, they found some startling discoveries, such as bells ringing and shadowy figures. However, the vigil and séance produced no conclusive evidence of the paranormal that night, or any other night after.
A Haunting That Stands the Test of Time
Today, the Queen’s House is a part of the Royal Museums of Greenwich and what is now known as the Old Royal Naval College. While it’s best known for its art collection and architectural significance, those with an eye for the supernatural know better. The Tulip Staircase Ghost remains one of the most compelling pieces of paranormal evidence ever captured, and the building itself continues to exude an air of mystery.
Skeptics might scoff, dismissing the ghostly figure as a trick of light or an overactive imagination. But those who’ve felt the chill of unseen eyes watching them, or heard the spectral echoes of the past, know that the Queen’s House is more than just a historical landmark—it’s a place where the past refuses to stay buried.
So, if you ever find yourself in Greenwich, take a stroll through the Queen’s House. Admire its beauty, soak in its history… and maybe, just maybe, glance over your shoulder. You never know who—or what—might be following you up the Tulip Staircase.
Used as a burial place for centuries, Skull Cave on Mackinac Island is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who were laid to rest there and disturbed when they removed their bones.
In the glistening waters of Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, Mackinac Island is a serene retreat known for its picturesque beauty, historic charm, and an eerie reputation for the supernatural. In fact, Mackinac Island was called the most haunted town in America in 2021, with many stories having been covered over the years. And with only a full time population of around 583 people, the ghosts perhaps even outnumber the living.
Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA
With no cars allowed and transportation limited to bicycles and horse-drawn carriages, the island offers a unique step back in time. Some come to enjoy the quiet seaside and enjoy the famous fudge. The island has become a perfect summer destination for Americans, but after the tourists leave in the fall, the fog from the Straits comes rolling in, and the leaves turn color, the ghost of the island remains to haunt it.
Skull Cave: Mackinac Island has a long history of being a sacred place for the natives and a burial ground for their chiefs. One of those places were the Skull Cave on the island. It is said that the bones buried there were removed and their spirits are now haunting the place.
A Brief History of Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island’s history stretches back thousands of years, with indigenous peoples such as the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Huron considering it a sacred place long before European settlers arrived. This serene island served as a significant cultural and spiritual hub, where various tribes gathered for trading, ceremonies, and the sharing of traditions. The island’s name itself, derived from the Ojibwe word “Michilimackinac,” means “big turtle,” referring to the island’s shape when viewed from above.
The French established a fur trading post here in the 17th century, serving as a crucial hub for commerce and cultural exchange between native tribes and European settlers. Over time, the island gained prominence and later became a strategic military outpost during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, playing a vital role in the defense strategies of the time. This rich history laid the groundwork for its transformation; by the late 19th century, it evolved into more than just a trading site and military stronghold. It became a charming summer colony and a sought-after tourist destination, attracting visitors with its picturesque landscapes, recreational activities, and rich maritime culture—a character it retains to this day, drawing in new generations eager to explore its storied past.
The Skull Cave and How it got its Name
A place with a horrifying history behind it is the Skull Cave. In 1763 an English fur trader named Alexander Henry was out a bad night and had to take shelter somewhere. It was in the midst of the Pontiac’s War where Native Americans tried to overthrow British rule around the Great Lakes area. Twenty were killed and one scalped alive. Alexander Henry managed to escape to Mackinac Island as he was friends with the Ojibwe warrior Wawatam who brought him.
He found a cave hidden away in the Mackinac Island State Park and slept there, seeking shelter from the chilly night air. When he woke the next morning to the bright light of day, he was greeted by a horrifying sight that made his heart race in terror. The cave floor was filled with human remains, strewn about in a terrifying display that gave it its infamous name. The ghastly scene was accentuated by the eerie silence of the cave, broken only by the distant sound of water dripping from the cave roof. In his diary he wrote:
On awaking, I felt myself incommoded by some object upon which I lay, and, removing it, found it to be a bone. This I supposed to be that of a deer, or some other animal, and what might very naturally be looked for in the place in which I was; but when daylight visited my chamber I discovered, with some feelings of horror, that I was lying on nothing less than a heap of human bones and skulls, which covered the floor!
Skull Cave: To honor the place as a sacred burial ground, the cave is now closed for visitors, and you can’t go inside. Although the bones are said to have been removed, the spirits of those buried there are said to haunt the cave.
The Legends of the Haunted Skull Cave
The cave is one of the island’s oldest geological features. The limestone cave had been used as a burial site as well as other spiritual rites by the natives well into the 1700s when Alexander Henry happened upon it. It has never really been officially confirmed, but is still believed and the local natives in the area had a tradition of burying their dead close to water. .
The cave’s background gave rise to its eerie reputation and stories. The skulls ended up being removed, someone thinking this would have angered the spirits and they are haunting the cave.
Tourists visiting the site claim to have seen shadowy figures and apparitions sneaking along the cave walls, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to the location that draws many adventurous souls. These eerie encounters have fueled local legends and stories, making the cave a hotspot for those intrigued by the supernatural.
There is also said to be sudden drops in temperature and an unexplainable odd feeling when getting closer to the caves, as if the very atmosphere shifts and thickens, leaving an unsettling yet compelling sensation that keeps visitors at a distance, contemplating the hidden secrets that lie within the shadows of the cave.
To preserve the cave and respect it as a sacred burial ground, they have closed it off so you can’t go into the cave, ensuring that its historical and cultural significance is honored and protected from the wear and tear of modern exploration.
In a cozy inn at the charming Mackinac Island in Michigan, a girl is said to haunt the house. Playing the piano at night, messing with the electronics as well as appearing in front of guests, her ghost is begging to go home.
In the glistening waters of Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, Mackinac Island is a serene retreat known for its picturesque beauty, historic charm, and an eerie reputation for the supernatural. In fact, Mackinac Island was called the most haunted town in America in 2021, with many stories having been covered over the years. And with only a full time population of around 583 people, the ghosts perhaps even outnumber the living.
Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA
With no cars allowed and transportation limited to bicycles and horse-drawn carriages, the island offers a unique step back in time. Some come to enjoy the quiet seaside and enjoy the famous fudge. The island has become a perfect summer destination for Americans, but after the tourists leave in the fall, the fog from the Straits comes rolling in, and the leaves turn color, the ghost of the island remains to haunt it.
Bogan Lane Inn: Said to be one of the many haunted places to book a room at Mackinac Island, it is supposedly haunted by a little girl.
A Brief History of Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island’s history stretches back thousands of years, with indigenous peoples such as the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Huron considering it a sacred place long before European settlers arrived. The island’s name itself, derived from the Ojibwe word “Michilimackinac,” means “big turtle,” referring to the island’s shape when viewed from above.
The French established a fur trading post here in the 17th century, and the island later became a strategic military outpost during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. In the late 19th century, it became more of a summer colony and a tourist destination that it still is.
Mackinac Island: Cars were banned at the end of the nineteenth century due to health and safety concerns for the island’s residents and horses, as local carriage drivers said it scared their horses. This, together with the old historic houses and lush nature makes you feel like stepping back in time and welcoming old ghosts to linger.
The Haunting Inside of Bogan Lane Inn
The inn on the island was built in the mid-1850s as a private residence on Bogan Lane downtown on Mackinac Island, a quaint inviting house with white painted wood and a cozy porch.
The inn was built when the fishing industry developed by many Irish families coming to the US after the Potato Famine was in large parts. It was left vacant for 40 years before being reinvented as a hotel. First in 1957 a new foundation, heating system and bathrooms were installed.
As with many of the old buildings on Mackinac Island, the Bogan Inn has its haunted legends and has been rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of a little girl.
Read More: Check out all ghost stories from haunted hotels
The ghost is said to be a little girl with long dark hair, playing the piano and telling people she wants to go home, has also been reported at Bogan Lane inn. No one knows who she is or could be or when the haunting was started. The online postings about it go back to at least 2005.
It is not the only haunted inn in the street either as Pine Cottage Bed & Breakfast across the street has its own ghost stories as well. In this inn, there is a ghost story of a little girl called Lucy said to haunt the whole island. Although similar stories, they are often told separately and Lucy is often described very different, although both are looking for their parents. Check out he Ghost of Lucy of Mackinac Island Looking for her Parents
In addition to seeing the apparition of the little girl, guests and staff also talk about having difficulties with their electronics when staying at the inn. Lights in their room flicker and their television keeps turning on and off by itself. Something paranormal going on or simply old wiring?
There are also those claiming to hear strange voices when no one is there, whispering in the middle of the night, being woken up by something rattling the doorknobs, as if someone is trying to get in.
Who is Behind the Haunting?
When did this haunting start? Who is the ghost of the little girl and where is her home, really? As with most of seasonal open places there is always a reason to make up a ghost story as the summer tourists leaves and the halloween season sets in. But then again, all old houses tend to have their own ghost story, and as the season passes, we all have to acknowledge, Mackinac Island and its white painted houses are starting to get old and haunted.
The ghost photo of Corroboree Rock has captivated the imagination, piquing curiosity about its origins and the stories behind it. The image, said to depict a ghostly apparition close to a rich cultural history of the site, is known for its significance in Aboriginal traditions. What is the truth behind The Watcher of Corroboree Rock?
In 1959, sometimes it says 1956, this famous ghost photo was taken by Reverend R.S. Blance at Corroboree Rock near Alice Springs, Australia. The Presbyterian priest was visiting the area for a spiritual retreat and claimed that nothing was present when he took the picture, emphasizing that he was completely alone in the rugged and remote landscape. When it was developed though, a strange apparition appeared and has sparked debate to this day.
Read More: Check out all ghost stories from Australia
The photo of The Watcher of Corroboree Rock soon sparked intrigue and debate among paranormal enthusiasts and skeptics alike, as many wondered what could have possibly caused the mysterious anomaly captured in the photograph. Investigations into the site revealed a rich cultural history, steeped in Aboriginal lore, which suggested that the rock might be a sacred place, adding another layer to the already captivating story surrounding the mysterious figure that appeared in Reverend Blance’s remarkable photo.
The Watcher of Corroboree Rock: What apparition is appearing at this picture? How much of the legend behind it is true?
What Apparition Appears in the Image?
People see different things in this photo and even this debate is still not finalized. Some see an aboriginal woman in traditional clothing stands among the bushes. Some see a woman wearing a night dress from a different time period. Moreover, some viewers have described the image as resembling an ancient priest.
More intriguingly, the figure appears to be holding something similar to how a person might hold a camera or binoculars, which has led to the charming nickname ‘The Watcher’. This idea opens up the speculation that this apparition could be a glimpse into the future, where someone is actually observing us.
Haunted Legends Behind The Watcher of Corroboree Rock
Do some areas of the landscape retain some form of energy that makes sightings of ghosts and paranormal activity more common than in other places? This intriguing question has fascinated both enthusiasts and skeptics alike for centuries. Many believe that certain locations, such as ancient battlefields, historic homes, or natural sites with unique magnetic properties, are imbued with residual energy from past events or entities.
Corroboree Rock is an unusual rock formation found approximately 50km east of Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia. Formed more than 800 million years ago by ancient salt lakes that have long since evaporated, the outcrop is not only a geological marvel but also a registered sacred site, steeped in cultural history. The rock itself is a significant dolomite outcropping, which holds great importance to the Arrernte Aboriginal people, providing a tangible connection to their ancestors and heritage.
Corroboree Rock: The Image of The Watcher at Corroboree Rock was taken close to this rock formation at MacDonnell Ranges. It has long been a sacred place for the Arrente Aboriginal People or the area.
The local Aboriginal community, deeply intertwined with the land, is elusive and don’t really talk about why the area is so important to them. Although the cultural significance is a tightly held secret of the lands senior male traditional owners, it is known that the area was considered spiritually dangerous for Aboriginal women, children and uninitiated men. It is also considered taboo to climb the rock itself. This enigmatic silence adds to the mystique of Corroboree Rock, drawing visitors who are eager to learn more about its sacredness and the rich culture of the Arrernte people.
Missing Woman in the Area?
As well as having ties with the ancient aboriginal people, it is also a part of the Australian wilderness that so many people have disappeared. Many thousands of people go missing in Australia every years, and although almost all cases are solved, there are some that never return home.
This has led to the speculations that this is actually the spirit of one of the women that have gone missing in the area, pointing to that her body is somewhere to be found nearby.
What is the Truth about the Picture?
So what happened in this picture of The Watcher of Corroboree Rock? We know the place it was taken and by who. When looking for evidence that Reverend R.S. Blance actually existed, it turns out he was working in Adelaide. Although not much else is found about his motives and thoughts about the picture he took.
It wouldn’t be difficult to fake this photo with modern photo manipulation software but it would have been nearly impossible to do so in 1959. But do we know for certain that this is how the picture really looked when it was taken, and not only after it was uploaded to the internet?
One possibility is that this is a double exposure of a living person, which is an intriguing photographic technique that combines multiple images into a single frame, creating a unique artistic effect. In 1959, this image would have been captured on film, a medium that was not only popular but also required a certain level of skill and understanding from the photographer to achieve such results. The process of developing film introduced an additional layer of complexity, as the timing, chemicals used, and the environment could all influence the final image.
Many legends are told of the Arch Rock on Mackinac Island and its origin. Thought to be a portal to the afterlife, many people tie the many haunted ghost stories from this little island to the legends behind this mysterious rock formation.
In the glistening waters of Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, Mackinac Island is a serene retreat known for its picturesque beauty, historic charm, and an eerie reputation for the supernatural. In fact, Mackinac Island was called the most haunted town in America in 2021, with many stories having been covered over the years. And with only a full time population of around 583 people, the ghosts perhaps even outnumber the living.
Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA
With no cars allowed and transportation limited to bicycles and horse-drawn carriages, the island offers a unique step back in time. Some come to enjoy the quiet seaside and enjoy the famous fudge. The island has become a perfect summer destination for Americans, but after the tourists leave in the fall, the fog from the Straits comes rolling in, and the leaves turn color, the ghost of the island remains to haunt it.
The Arch Rock: A place of legend on Mackinac Island. The Arch Rock are said to have been a portal to the afterlife, where spirits on the other side could come and the living could go.
A Brief History of Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island’s history stretches back thousands of years, with indigenous peoples such as the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Huron considering it a sacred place long before European settlers arrived. The island’s name itself, derived from the Ojibwe word “Michilimackinac,” means “big turtle,” referring to the island’s shape when viewed from above.
The French established a fur trading post here in the 17th century, and the island later became a strategic military outpost during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. In the late 19th century, it became more of a summer colony and a tourist destination that it still is.
The Arch Rock and it’s Legends
Many believe that many hauntings on Mackinac Island come from the stored energy the island holds. Some believe that the energy is stored inside of the many limestone and quartz the state park has. One of these places is the rock formation on the east coast of the Island called Arch Rock.
It is one of the more famous places to visit on the island, arching 140 feet above the water of Lake Huron and is more than fifty feet wide.
It is not only in recent times that people have begun talking about energy coming from the stones. Archaeologists have found evidence for the island being inhabited since AD 900, 700 years before any European settlers put their foot on the land.
The Legends of the Arch Rock
Over the years the rock formation took place in more than one legend. One tells of the Ottawa nation committing a shameful act once upon a time, so shameful that the Master of Life punished them for it. He sent a wind to earth, so powerful, the rocky hills trembled for a whole day, even blowing the sun away. The Ottawa nation could only watch as when the sun turned into the color of blood before falling into the island, carving a hole through it, making an arch. Ever since then, the Ottawa have kept away from the rock and not even the bravest of them all walked over it.
The Anishinaabek natives have long roots to the island and used to believe that the Arch Rock was a portal to the afterlife. According to their belief, it worked both ways. People would be able to cross over into the spirit world, and the spirit could return to the world of the living.
The Anishinaabe people believed the island to be the home of the Gitche Manitou, or the Great Spirit. This was said to be the first land to appear after the Great Flood, and was a gathering place for tribes who made offerings to Gitche Manitou and a burial place of tribal chiefs.
The Legend of She-Who-Walks-Like-The-Mist
One of the famous legends comes from a book by Dirk Gringhus’s, The Lore of the Great Turtle about an Ojibwe Chief and his daughter called, She-who-walks-like-the-mist, or ‘Mist Woman’.
Misty was a beautiful woman, always smiling as she went about her chores, although she rejected every suitor giving her gifts. One day, her smile faded, and she didn’t do her chores as she used to, only sitting down and looking miserable.
The chief wanted her married and angry that she didn’t care to make an effort. He asked her what’s the matter. She answered that she would only marry the Sky Person:
“Two moons ago…..a handsome brave appeared to me…..‘Oh, lovely one,’ he said. ‘Long have I watched you in the village wishing that you might be mine for all time. In my home, high above you, I am the son of a chief, Evening Star, and therefore, a Sky Person…..(I descended) to earth that I might ask you to join me in my sky home.’”
“You should marry no one at all then!” her father said and put her in his canoe and paddled out to the Island of Turtle Spirits we today know as Mackinac Island, already a holy place for the natives.
He took her to the rocky formation and said she had to stay there until she was ready to obey him. She didn’t fight or move, only cried, her tears turning into an arch as she mourned her loved one she didn’t believe would come. One night however, the stars shone so bright it was a ray of light through the arch and the Sky People came down for her. He picked her up and carried her home to live in the sky for all its time.
Ties with Freemasonry
Also when the Europeans arrived, there was a lot of mysticism over the place. The mysterious Freemasonry came to the Great Lakes region in the 1700s and built lodges around the area. Mackinac Island was home to St. John’s Lodge No. 15 (1782–1813), holding meetings at the newly constructed Fort Mackinac in the rooms in the Officers Stone Quarters.
What really happened when they arrived is unknown as there are few records of the lodge in existence. Was it only a boys and mens club for the military people stationed there? Or something else? The second Masonic Lodge was Mackinac Lodge No. 71, operating as a so-called moon lodge, with meetings on Monday evenings on or proceeding full moons until the 1860s.
The Haunting of Mackinac Island
For those believing in the paranormal, the Arch Rock is often said to be one of the sources of whatever strange things happening on the island. Truth is, going back to before the Europeans settled here, the whole island was considered somewhat holy to the local tribes.
This is were they came to make offerings to Gitche Manitou or the Great Spirit they believed created the island and whose home it was after the Great Flood receded. Today the island is considered to be the home of more spirits than living.
An online magazine about the paranormal, haunted and macabre. We collect the ghost stories from all around the world as well as review horror and gothic media.
