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The Ghostly of Gram Parsons at the Joshua Tree Inn

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Haunting music is said to linger in the Joshua Tree Inn, said to be the ghost of the musician Gram Parsons, who died tragically in one of the rooms of the Inn. Now, musicians from all over the world come to the desert in search of inspiration as well as his ghost. 

In the vast expanse of the Californian desert lies a haven for artists, musicians, and free spirits alike – Joshua Tree National Park. Established on the hauntingly fitting date of October 31, 1994, this arid landscape draws thousands seeking inspiration from its mesmerizing rock formations. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from USA

Yet, amid the stark beauty of the desert on a seemingly simple roadside motel, a ghostly legend resonates – the spirit of the legendary musician, Gram Parsons. He is said to haunt the motel Joshua Tree Inn, the place he always stayed in for inspiration as well as the place he died. 

Joshua Tree State Park: There are many ghost stories connected to the desert landscape of the Joshua Tree State Park. The most well known is perhaps the ghost of that of Gram Parson who is said to haunt the Joshua Tree Inn.

Country Music Legend Gram Parson

Gram Parsons, left an indelible mark on the industry through collaborations with iconic bands like the Rolling Stones and Emmylou Harris, found solace and creativity in the desert’s embrace. The Joshua Tree Inn became a sanctuary for Parsons and his musical companions, where drug-fueled nights were spent jamming, creating, and forging memories that would echo through time. Tripping on acid, he also claimed to have seen UFOs there. 

He was raised in Georgia and Florida, and was heir to an orange farming empire with plenty of money, but he was drawn to the mostly penniless musical career. His brief career in bands like the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers as well as trailblazing writing some kind of country with a bit of hippie, he wanted to create a type of Cosmic Country genre. Perhaps this was not commercially successful then, but inspired people like Keith Richard with the Rolling Stones and discovering Emmylou Harris is also attributed to him.

Gram Parsons: The musician who died September 19, 1973 is one of the most well known ghost stories in Joshua Tree National Park. //Source: GAB ARCHIVE/REDFERNS

The career was filled with alcohol, drugs, fighting and at least one arrest. Some performances he was almost unable to stay on his feet, some shows were like magic where everything was right and the music was flowing. 

Tragically, the music came to an abrupt halt on the fateful morning of September 19, 1973, when Gram Parsons succumbed to a drug overdose aged only 26, right before his rise to fame. 

He had checked into room 8 at the Joshua Tree Inn in the Morongo Valley in San Bernardino. A highway motel on the side of the road that attracted musicians, poets, photographers and the like, already before he made the place infamous. He had lost his home and belongings in a fire and was planning to go on another tour in October.

After six double tequilas at the bar with friends, he bought morphine from a woman staying at the hotel who injected him. They tried to revive him, but to no end.

Joshua Tree Inn: Found at 61259 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, the Inn is believed to be haunted, most notably by the musician, Gram Parsons.

In a surreal turn of events, his friends, in adherence to his wishes, “kidnapped” his body before his stepfather could intervene. Friend and road manager, Phil Kaufman remembered a promise they had made to each other drunk: Whichever one of us goes first, we’ll cremate the other’s body in Joshua Tree Park.

Chaos ensued when the stepfather wanted to send his body east, something his friends felt it was the last he would have wanted. They stole his casket and brought it into the desert to Cap Rock. There they put on a big fire of the casket, turning the landscape into a final canvas for the artist’s unconventional farewell in a funeral pyre.

The friends were found, charged with grand theft larceny of the coffin and what remained of Gram were sent back east to his family. 

The Haunted Joshua Tree Inn

Guests, unsuspecting visitors to a musical sanctuary, have reported ethereal encounters – the faint strains of singing in the wind, the lingering aroma of cigarette smoke, and even companionship with the ghostly figure of Gram Parsons himself. 

It is especially the Room 8 that people claim strange things happen, like opening and closing of doors, a mirror on the wall rattling and a nightstand that seems to move. 

Read Also: Check out all ghost stories from Haunted Hotels

Outside the room, a small memorial of guitar shaped stones, beer bottles, candles and guitar picks, vinyl records and cowboy boots in honor of the late musician. A note reads: “It’s good to be back in room 8. Five years ago I almost died here. You kept me company in the early morning hours while I recovered and watched the sunrise & listened to the morning doves.”

Room 8: The Joshua Tree Inn is said to be haunted by the ghost of Gram Parson who died in the room after giving his all to country music. // Source: Wikimedia

Another note hinting to the haunted rumors: “Gram, it was a little trippy when you locked me in here,” 

The motel has leaned into the haunted stories and dark tourism, charging well over 100 dollars for a night at the haunted room. According to the man standing behind the desk at the motel, he says it “It’s definitely our most popular room,”  

Musicians in Search for Ghosts

The place has become a cult place, especially for musicians, wanting to make their tribute to his spirit, some park rangers and hikers call them the Grampires. Kacey Musgrave for example told about her encounter with his spirit when staying at the Inn, filming her Follow Your Arrow music video. 

It is also said that his only child, Polly Parsons sometimes takes the trip anc checks into the room to stay and tries to communicate with his spirit.

Other Haunted Rooms

But could it be that Gram is not the only ghost haunting the Inn, and that there are more haunted rooms? According to people working there, some believe there is. There has been a voice of a woman from Room 6 when there was no one there. There have also been said to be some sort of energy and presence in other places of the motel as well. 

In the realm of ghosts, Gram Parsons emerges as a benevolent spirit, offering a hauntingly beautiful connection to the creative energies that flow through the desert landscape. For those who dare to venture into the mystic realm of Joshua Tree National Park, Gram Parsons’ ethereal melodies and timeless presence await in the starlit nights of the Californian desert.

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References:

A Joshua Tree Motel Room, Haunted by the Ghost of a Country Legend – The New York Times 

 12 Haunted National Parks | Shaka Guide 

Gram Parsons Room 8 

How a beloved L.A. record store unearthed a long-lost Gram Parsons recording 

An evening at the Joshua Tree Inn and the Spirit of Gram Parsons 

Enough About Gram Parsons’s Death. It’s Time to Celebrate His Music. 

Gram Parsons’ Joshua Tree legacy endures 50 years after he died – Los Angeles Times 

https://eu.desertsun.com/story/desert-magazine/2015/12/09/haunting-allure/76982908

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Elche’s Historic and Haunted Library

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In the old town of Elche there is an old library that is said to be haunted. Securitas have claimed to have witness an entire procession of ghost monks wandering through the halls that once used to be a Franciscan Monastery.

The Historic and Haunted Library of Elche has a long and storied history. Originally established as a convent of Franciscan friars in the 16th century, it later served as a charity hospital before being converted into a library in the 18th century. This transformation laid the foundation for the library’s reputation as a place of both knowledge and mystery.

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain

The library’s location within the historic city center of Elche adds to its significance. Elche itself is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, and the library stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its past. 

The Historic and Haunted Library of Elche is no stranger to tales of paranormal activity. Over the years, numerous stories have circulated about ghostly encounters and unexplained phenomena within its walls. One of the most enduring legends is that of the spirit of the monks who once inhabited the library.

According to local folklore, the ghost of a friar roams the library at night, his presence felt by those who dare to venture into the dimly lit corridors. Visitors have reported hearing soft footsteps and murmured prayers, as if the spirit of the friar is still carrying out his duties even in death. Some have even claimed to have seen the apparition of a hooded figure, silently gliding through the shelves, disappearing into thin air.

Haunted Encounters in the Library

One such encounter of the paranormal involved a group of security guards who were stationed at the library during the night shift. They reported strange noises, cold drafts, and flickering lights that seemed to have no logical explanation. Some even claimed to have seen shadowy figures darting in and out of the corners of their vision, and even an entire monastic procession. 

On this particular night in the early 1990s, they were making their rounds as usual when one of them heard the sound of chains being dragged on the ground from the courtyard. Later that night, around 3 o’clock, he heard the same again inside of the library. When he went to check, he found piles of books stacked on the table, without anyone having gone inside. He tried to ignore it and went back to work. But then the specter of a ghost monk appeared and he fled from the library, running as fast as he could and spent the rest of the night in his car with his weapon ready, scared to death. 

The case reached the press, but the staff of the library was asked to not talk about ghosts and phantoms in the library. Their work was to offer the service of books, not ghost stories. What could it be?

Sure, there are many things that could explain strange things happening in an old building like the library. According to a staff member at the time, it was apparently a rat infestation in the air-went, making strange rattling and scratching sounds. The books could be a prank or just something the security guard forgot about. The wind can also create mystical sounds. But a whole procession of monks?

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LOS FANTASMAS DE LA BIBLIOTECA DE ELCHE
Los fantasmas de la Biblioteca de Elche

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The Scorched Ghosts of Rana Kumbha Palace and the Chittorgarh Fort

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A queen is said to haunt the Rana Kumbha Palace and the Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan, India. Legend tells she jumped into the fire to escape invaders visitors talk about seeing a ghost with a burned face. 

Within the formidable Chittorgarh Fort by the banks on the Berach River south in Rajasthan, the Chittorgarh Fort and the Rana Kumbha Palace stands as a haunting testament to Rajasthan’s turbulent history.

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

The foundations of the first signs of a fort were built by the Mauryan ruler, Chitrangada Mori in the 8th century and have been built and rebuilt, burned and torn down to be rebuilt again. Through many wars, sieges and inside of the fort there are several temples, palaces and towers thought to be haunted. 

Chittorgarh Fort: The fort was the capital of Mewar and is located in the present-day city of Chittorgarh. The city is located in the southern part of the state of Rajasthan, from Ajmer, midway between Delhi and Mumbai

The Legend of Queen Padmini

One of the most poignant stories associated with Rana Kumbha Palace is that of Queen Padmini. Rani Padmavati was a princess from Sri Lanka who moved to Chittor after Rawal Rattan Singh won her in marriage. 

She was known for her beauty and many kings wanted her. The king of Kumbhalner Devapal for example is said to have dueled her husband for her hand, where both died. This caused Alauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi to lay siege on the fort in 1303 for eight months to have her instead.  

Although most historians reject this legend, it is the most retold. Some also claim that the husband died during the siege, some say he surrendered and was pardoned. But what about Padmini, which legend claim was the reason for the siege?

Queen Padmini: An 18th-century painting of Padmini. So many stories have been told about her throughout the years that many claim that she was a historical figure. But what she really, or was she just someone from a story?

To protect their honor from the invading Sultan, Queen Padmini, along with all the other women of the palace, perhaps as many as over a thousand of them, performed Jauhar, a ritual of self-immolation. This means jumping into a big fire instead of facing the shame of being abducted and taken.

They did this when under a threat of the muslim Mughals, as the dead bodies of the women, kafir women in their mind, would be raped and desecrated even after being dead. To burn themselves would at least spare them for this and all women’s bodies would be gone. 

When the Rajputs women and children were pressed into a corner in a fight, they committed Jauhar. Rajput women would wear their wedding dresses in the night and would bring their children to throw them into the sandalwood flames. At the fort there would be three Jauhar throughout the times. 

In 13013 some sources state that 1600 women sacrificed themselves, in 1534 there were 13 000 women doing the same when Bahadur Shah defeated Chittor and in 1568, Phool Kanwarn Rathore did a Jauhar with 7000 women during the reign of Akbar. 

How much of the legend is through though, historians disagree on. The siege itself is a historic event, but if the Hindu Queen Padmini died to escape the massacre of 30 000 Hindus by the Muslim invaders as the legend goes is more uncertain. 

The Ghost of Queen Padmini

The story of this act of ultimate sacrifice has left a spectral mark on the palace. It is believed that the spirits of Queen Padmini and the women who performed Jauhar still haunt the palace grounds, their presence felt in the form of inexplicable phenomena.

According to stories, her ghost is said to have manifested as well and a tale getting passed around online claim to have seen her. A few years ago it is said that a group of friends decided to test their nerves and spend the night at the palace. They say while exploring the big area, one of them clearly heard a woman’s voice begging for help. When they turned, a figure appeared—a woman in royal clothes, her face horribly burned.

Even after all these years, an annual fair known as Jauhar Mela is celebrated every year to honor their sacrifices. It is said that she did it in what is now known as the Rana Kumbha Palace, and according to legend, she is not the only one haunting it. 

The Ghost of Queen Padmini: It is said that when a group of friends went exploring and claimed to have seen the burned ghost of the former queen who threw herself into the flames instead of being captured.

The King Haunting his Castle

The now ruined Rana Kumbha Palace is found at the entrance gate near the Vijaya Stamba, built in plastered stone. A lot of the big events are said to have happened here, and this is the place many referring to being haunted. 

The tragic legend of Queen Padmini is not the only ghost story linked to this palace though, as it is also said that the Maharana of Mewar, Rana Kumbha is haunting it. 

Read more: Check out all of the Haunted Castles around the world

He ruled at the start of the 1500s and transformed the Kingdom of Mewar into a mighty kingdom reaching far and wide, becoming the most powerful state in northern India.

In the war against the Mughals he promised he would not return to Chittor until he had defeated Babur of the Mughal Empire and conquered Dehli. But he never did and was poisoned by his own nobles who didn’t want another war, possibly by his own son, Prince Udaysimha who wanted the throne. 

It is said that ever since, his spirit has been lingering in his palace and visitors claim to have seen the shadowy figure of him passing through the halls.

Visitors to Rana Kumbha Palace often report a variety of paranormal experiences within the walls of the palace’s dilapidated state, with its crumbling walls and remnants of a bygone era. Strange sounds, whispers, and apparitions are commonly cited by those who dare to explore its dark corridors and rooms. 

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References:

Chittor Fort – Wikipedia 

Siege of Chittorgarh (1303) – Wikipedia 

Rani Padmini – Wikipedia 

RANA KUMBHA PLACE – India most haunted place

7 Haunted Places to Visit in Rajasthan: Complete Information 

8 Most Haunted Places in Rajasthan, India – Exemplore 

The haunting tales of Chittorgarh | Sanskriti – Hinduism and Indian Culture Website 

Best Haunted Places in Rajasthan – You Must Visit 

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The Ghost Temple of Gata Loops: A Haunting Tale on Manali-Leh Road

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A huge pile of trash marks on the side of Manali-Leh Road by the Gata Loops marks the grave and the ghost temple put up for a ghost allegedly haunting the area after dying in a snowstorm. What is the strange story behind The Ghost Temple of Gata Loops?

Are you planning an adventurous road trip from Manali to Leh in the Indian mountains of Himachal Pradesh? Chances are you’ll pass through the famous Gata Loops along the way through the mountainous landscape, a pretty unknown place except for the locals. While this stretch of road is known for its challenging 21 hairpin bends, it also holds a spine-tingling story that travelers often encounter.

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

Gata Loops, true to its name, is a series of winding and looping roads that form 21 hairpin bends. Situated on the Manali-Leh road at an elevation of approximately 17,000 feet, these loops stretch over 10.3 kilometers, with each loop spanning between 300-600 meters. However, the last two loops deviate from this pattern, being 800 and 1,000 meters long, respectively.

Gata Loops in the Indian Mountains: Sharp turns, remote mountainous area and treacherous weather can make driving on the Gata Loops on Manali Road dangerous and one particular ghost story about one who died on these roads have given rise to its own ghost temple at the side of the road.

What is the Ghost Temple in Manali

Among the bikers hiking up the mountains, or travelers passing through, they gather around and tell tales of mystery about the area. One of those tales is about the strange Ghost Temple of Gata Loops with a harrowing story behind it. 

A huge pile of trash and plastic water bottles and cigarettes marks the place of the Ghost Temple in Manali at around the 19th bend of the Gata Loops. But what exactly is it, and who is the ghost haunting this particular stretch of road?

Read more: Check out all of the Haunted Roads around the world

Exactly when this happened varies according to those that tell it. Some place it in 1999, perhaps an October night. A truck carrying goods found itself in a dire situation as the winters in these parts can be quite treacherous. 

The Ghost Temple of Manali-Leh Road: On the loops of Manali-Leh Road, a pile of trash have collected around the believed ghost temple of a driver that supposedly died and haunts these parts. //Source: The Ghost Of Gata Loops – Vargis Khan

While trucks are known to navigate these loops, for those seeking a less challenging route, shortcuts are available. The steeply elevated roads are wide enough for trucks, making them a preferred choice for transporting goods.

Crossing the treacherous Rohtang Pass during the cold autumn going to winter night when it had already snowed in places, this truck faced mechanical problems and the trucker was unable to fix it. With no help in sight and facing harsh weather conditions, the driver and his assistant helper decided to wait for assistance.

A Desperate Journey

The driver embarked on a challenging walk to the nearest village, Sarchu, to find a mechanic, leaving his unwell helper behind to protect the cargo. However, heavy snowfall held the driver and stopped him from returning.

Several days later, when the weather cleared, the driver returned to find his helpmate’s lifeless body. The severe cold, hunger, and thirst had claimed his life. Local villagers buried the deceased by the road’s 19th bend that soon turned into The Ghost Temple of Gata Loops.

The Ghostly Apparition of The Ghost Temple of Gata Loops

Over the years, travelers reported encountering a young man along their journey who sought water and provisions close to The Ghost Temple of Gata Loops. Those who stopped and gave the man a water bottle saw it slipped right through his hands. 

The Ghost Temple of Gata Loops: Source

Believing this figure to be the ghost of the deceased helper, local villagers established a small shrine to placate his spirit. Passersby often leave mineral water and cigarettes at the shrine to prevent potential wrath or calamities along the way.

What happened that winter night is hard to prove or disprove. People are still giving away water to the bricks that make a little clearing by The Ghost Temple of Gata Loops. Inside it is a real human skull placed inside. Or so the saying goes at least. 

Regardless, some travelers claim to have experienced the apparition of the ghostly helper around the area of The Ghost Temple of Gata Loops. If you dare to venture along this eerie path, tread with caution, but remember that a world of enchanting landscapes awaits you beyond Gata Loops.

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References:

https://gomissing.in/blog/travel/ladakh/ghost-of-gata-loops-other-mysteries-of-leh-ladakh

The Ghost Of The Gata Loops | TDA Global Cycling 

Do you know of the ghost temple on Gata Loops on Manali-Leh Road? | Times of India TravelThe Ghost Of Gata Loops – Vargis Khan

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The Wailing Woman in the Grand Canyon wearing White and Blue

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A grieving wife and mother took her life when her husband and son lost theirs to the Canyon. Now The Wailing Woman is said to haunt the Transept Trail as well as the Grand Canyon Lodge in the northern rim of the park.

As the second most-visited National Park in the vast expanse of the United States, the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona stands as a geological marvel, carved by the hands of time into the rugged landscapes of Arizona. From the depths of its chasms to the heights of its cliffs, the Grand Canyon is a testament to the raw power of nature and the rich tapestry of history woven into its very rocks.

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Preserved for posterity in 1919, thanks to the visionary efforts of President Theodore Roosevelt, the Grand Canyon National Park has since become a haven for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking the untamed beauty of the American Southwest. Yet, beneath the sun-drenched vistas and the majestic canyon walls, a ghostly legend lingers—a tale that whispers through the ages, haunting the Transept Trail.

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.

The Wailing Woman Haunting

In the late 1800s or in some versions, in the 1920s, tragedy unfolded on the precipice of the Transept Trail on the North Rim of the park, one of around 50 hiking trails through the canyon. 

Hundreds upon hundreds of people have died in the park, slipping on rocks, exposure, drowning. At least one of these is said to be haunting the park. It started with a father and son, caught unaware by a sudden rainstorm, plummeting to their deaths on the trail. 

Left behind in the wake of this fateful event, the grieving wife succumbed to the depths of despair and took her own life in a lodge.

Legend has it that this sorrowful woman, draped in a white dress, adorned with a blue scarf, and a garland of blue flowers around her neck, now roams the Transept Trail in a translucent form, still looking for her child and husband.

The Transept Trail: The view from the Transept trail on the Northern Rim of the Grand Canyon where the Wailing Woman is said to roam. // Source: Daniel Schwen

The ethereal entity, known as the Wailing Woman or the Wandering Woman, casts a haunting silhouette against the crimson hues of the canyon rocks. Hikers and explorers who venture along the Transept Trail speak of encounters with this spectral figure, recounting eerie sightings that blur the lines between the living and the departed. 

The Wailing Woman, true to her name, is often heard crying out in a disembodied voice, her mournful wails echoing through the canyon’s vast emptiness.

The Grand Canyon Lodge

The Wailing Woman is also said to be haunting the very popular Grand Canyon Lodge 8000 feet above water with a good view of the Canyon, and it is said that this is where she took her life. The lodge was first built in 1927, so this version pushed the story to have happened much later than the other versions.  

Read More: Check out more ghost stories from Haunted Hotels

As with the trail she is said to be haunting, The Wailing Woman is often said to wear blue flowers and a scarf over her head when spotted here as well. Either it is a white dress with blue flowers, blue scarfs or blue flowers around her neck. She is not only seen outside though and it is said that if you leave the door open to this day, it will most likely slam shut. 

Grand Canyon Lodge: Cabins by the Grand Canyon Lodge on the Northern Rim of the National Park.

According to the stories, many witnesses saw The Wailing Woman when the lodge burned down on the 1st of September, 1932, as a reminder that she never left, and perhaps never will.

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References:

Grand Canyon Lodge (U.S. National Park Service) 

Signs of Paranormal Activity in the National Grand Canyon – Part 1 

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The Haunting History of Spike Island

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On the hellish Spike Island that once served as the biggest prison in the British Empire, ghosts are said to linger from its time as a fortress, smugglers den and as the prison it ended up becoming.

Just off the coast of Cobh in Ireland, Spike Island looms as one of Ireland’s most enigmatic and haunted landmarks. Encompassing over 100 acres and boasting a history that stretches back to the 7th century, this island has witnessed centuries of transformation, from a peaceful monastic community to a formidable fortress of British Forces. 

Beneath its serene facade lies a harrowing tale of strategic significance, incarceration, and chilling paranormal encounters.

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

From Monastery to Fortress

Saint Mochuda founded a monastery there in the 7th century. In 1779, Spike Island underwent a significant transformation, evolving into a strategic fortress for the British Forces. 

The island’s unique location on the edge of Cork Harbour made it an ideal location for this military outpost. Casements were constructed to house guns aimed squarely at the harbor, serving as a formidable deterrent to potential adversaries.

From Fortress to Prison

As the pages of history turned, Spike Island took on a more ominous role. It transitioned into a prison and a holding site for convicts destined for the harsh life of penal colonies abroad. For a few years in the mid 19th century it was probably the biggest prison in the British Empire.  

Spike Island Prison: During the British Empire’s height, this was one of the biggest prisons in it. Here there were people waiting to be transported to Australia, IRA fighters as well as other criminals of all sorts and sentences. They all experienced the gruesome facilities the now haunted prison had to offer. //Source: Sameichel/Wikimedia

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

During the tumultuous years of the Irish War of Independence, the island served as a detention facility for IRA prisoners until 1921, earning it the ominous nickname of “Ireland’s Alcatraz.”

The Woman in White

While Spike Island’s physical role evolved over the years, its haunting history endured. Today, it stands as a tourist attraction akin to Alcatraz, replete with its own spectral inhabitants. One of the most notorious apparitions is the enigmatic “White Woman” who roams the island, her presence shrouded in mystery and who she was we will probably never know. 

The Ghost of the Soldiers

It is said that the haunting goes way back, at least as far back when the island was used as a fortress. The island’s soldiers, on duty in the dead of night, have recounted terrifying encounters with a ghostly officer. 

According to them, there is the ghost of a terrifying soldier, still on guard. Along the island’s perimeter walls, a phantom soldier stands guard, his eyes replaced by hollow voids that seem to peer into the abyss with his black holes as eyes.

People have been so frightened at this ghost that they have even opened fire at him, only to realize they are shooting at nothing. 

The Haunted Prison and the Ghost of John Mitchel

Within the confines of the gaol cells, where countless inmates once suffered, now simmer with paranormal activity, a testament to the enduring anguish of those who served time behind its cold stone walls they were confined to almost all day and night. 

John Mitchel: His activism and criticism of British rule garnered international attention and was convicted for treason.

One of the prisoners thought to haunt the prison is that of John Mitchel that apparently shows up in a white mist, although he did get released from the prison island.

John Mitchel was a prominent figure in Irish nationalism during the 19th century. Born in County Derry in 1815, he became a leading member of the ‘Young Irelander’ and ‘Irish Confederation’ movements. He was a solicitor, political journalist, and an outspoken critic of British rule in Ireland, especially during the Irish famine.

To silence Mitchel and prevent him from becoming a martyr, the British government passed the 1848 Treason Felony Act, which aimed to treat treason as a common crime. Mitchel was arrested and convicted of sedition under this act, receiving a fourteen-year transportation sentence. He was first sent to Spike Island in Ireland for three days before being transferred to Bermuda and eventually Australia in 1850.

During his journey, Mitchel began writing his famous ‘Jail Journal; or ‘Five Years in British Prisons,’ documenting his experiences from Dublin to New York, where he arrived in 1853. The journal, first published in 1854 in New York, exposed the harsh conditions in some prisons, including Spike Island, and garnered international attention.

The fort on Spike Island was renamed Fort Mitchel in his honor in 1951, and some GAA clubs in Ireland and sites in America bear his name.

The Haunted Cell 9

The most haunted cell was cell 9, that was known to be haunted, even when the building operated as a prison, and prisoners refused to stay in it as they never got a night’s sleep because of the haunting. They were either woken up, or flung from their bed. 

The Haunted Cells: Many of the cells in the prison on Spike Island is said to be haunted. It is said that the place was even haunted when it was used as a prison. //Source: Kondephy/Wikimedia

Spike Island’s Echoes of the Past

Spike Island’s haunting history, from its monastic beginnings to its turbulent tenure as a military fortress and prison, continues to cast its eerie shadow over this enigmatic landmark. The spectral White Woman, the phantom soldier, and the ghostly officer are but a few of the restless souls who wander its haunted grounds, ensuring that the island’s chilling past remains alive and well, for those daring enough to explore its dark history.

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References:

John Mitchel – Spike Island Cork 

Ghost stories, haunted cells, horrific history at Cork’s Spike Island After Dark tours 

Ireland’s 7 Most Haunted And Mysterious Islands | Spooky Isles Spike Island | Haunted Cobh, Cork, Ireland | Spirited Isle

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Haunted Wonderland Ranch and Wall Street Mill in Joshua Tree National Park

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Once a prosperous mill, now the ruins of the Wonderland Ranch and Wall Street Mill in Joshua Tree National Park are said to be haunted by the former workers who died in their search for gold. 

Deep within the rugged terrain of Joshua Tree National Park lies the eerie remnants of the Wonderland Ranch and the Wall Street Mill, both steeped in haunting legends and tales of ghostly apparitions of those who were once lured west in search of gold. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from USA

Joshua Tree National Park, located in southeastern California, is a vast desert landscape known for its rugged rock formations and iconic Joshua trees. Spanning nearly 800,000 acres, the park encompasses two distinct desert ecosystems: the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. Rich in cultural history, Joshua Tree also preserves evidence of past civilizations, including Native American petroglyphs and remnants of 19th-century gold mining.

The Wall Street Mill

The Wall Street Mill, once a bustling site where gold ore was processed, was abandoned in the 1940s, yet the spirits of its former workers are said to still linger in the area, forever tied to the labor and lives they lost there.

The mill was built by the miner, Bill Keys, who also appears in the ghost story of Johnny Lang and the haunting said to happen around the Lost Horse Mine. Adjacent to the mill, the ruins of the pink walled Wonderland Ranch stands as another testament to Joshua Tree’s haunted past. The ranch, now a decaying structure, was once home to workers and their families. 

The mill was a success and in a dispute about who got to access it, Keys shot and killed his neighbor, Worth Bagley. Keys then turned himself in and was convicted of manslaughter. He was sent to San Quentin State Penitentiary for 10 years. After he got out, Keys put up a monument to the murder saying: “Here is where Worth Bagley bit the dust at the hand of W. F. Keys, May 11, 1943.”

Wall Street Mill: Remains of the Wall Street Mill in Joshua Tree National Park

Ghost of the Wall Street Mill

Visitors who dare to explore the Wall Street Mill are often met with an unsettling atmosphere, but who is the one haunting it? The mill was in operation for many years, and although Worth Bagley is the most notable person who died there, could it be more than one? 

It is a ghostly way up the trail that is said to have no shade and little to no cell service. Shadowy figures are frequently reported, flitting through the remains of the mill or standing ominously in the periphery of vision. Strange lights, which seem to have no earthly source, flicker and dance among the decaying structures, casting an otherworldly glow that defies explanation. Many hikers speak of a profound sense of unease, as if unseen eyes are watching their every move, a chilling reminder that they are not alone.

Wonderland Ranch: Just the ruins of the walls remains of the Wonderland Ranch in Joshua Tree National Park.

The sound of footsteps, echoing through the empty expanse, sends shivers down the spines of even the most seasoned adventurers. Some have even claimed to hear the distant, mournful clink of machinery, as if the mill is still in operation, grinding away in a spectral echo of its former glory.

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References:

Wall Street Mill – Wikipedia 

Wonderland Ranch and Wall Street Mill – Twentynine Palms, California – Atlas Obscura 

3 Haunted Trails To Try Inside Joshua Tree National Park — WKNDR 

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The Haunted Calahorra Tower in Elche

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In Elche, Spain there is the notorious Calahorra Tower that has long been believed to be haunted by mysterious ghosts. Under the tower there is a hidden passageway were the people that have lived in the tower throughout times have been certain to have been haunted. 

From its strategic position on the banks of the Vinalopó River to its remarkable architectural features, the Calahorra Tower has witnessed centuries of triumphs, struggles, and cultural transformations.  From the ancient Iberians to the Roman Empire and the Moorish rule, each chapter of history has left its mark on this remarkable structure. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain

The first sign of the tower appeared as far back as the 12th century.Its strategic location made it a vital stronghold, guarding the city of Elche against potential invasions. The tower’s construction reflects the military architecture of the period, with its solid stone walls and defensive battlements. As you approach the tower, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the centuries of history it has witnessed.

Torre de le Calahorra: The Tower of La Calahorra rises up at the south of the Roman bridge, the far end from the city centre. It is a fortified gate originally built by the Moors. In the 18th century it was used as a prison and in the 19th century it was a girls school. It currently houses the Museo Vivo de Al-Andaluz.

But the historical significance of Calahorra Tower extends far beyond its military and religious roles. Over the centuries, it has served as a witness to Elche’s cultural transformations. The tower stands as a testament to the blending of different cultures, from the Roman Empire to the Moorish rule and the subsequent Christian reconquest. Each of these periods has left its mark on the architecture and cultural fabric of Elche, and the Calahorra Tower stands as a tangible reminder of this rich tapestry of history.

One of the most striking features of the Calahorra Tower is its rooftop terrace. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Elche and the surrounding countryside. It’s easy to imagine the soldiers who once stood guard on these battlements, scanning the horizon for any signs of danger. As you take in the breathtaking views, you can’t help but feel a connection to the past and the people who once called this tower home.

The Tower as a Mysterious Masonic Lodge

One of the strange uses the place has had except from prison, barracks and confinement during the plague is as the headquarter of a Masonic Lodge. The Masonic lodge of the Order of the Grand Orient of Spain is decorated with Egyptian motifs in the tower. It showed life and death as well as for ceremonies and different rituals. 

Legends and Mysteries Surrounding Calahorra Tower

No historical landmark would be complete without its fair share of legends and mysteries, and the Calahorra Tower is no exception. Over the centuries, numerous stories have been passed down, adding to the allure and intrigue of this remarkable structure. 

One of the most enduring legends surrounding the Calahorra Tower is that it is haunted. According to local folklore, the spirits of past inhabitants still wander its halls, unable to find peace. There is for example a passageway from the dungeons that leads out to the sea and many of those who have stayed there claim to have experienced something paranormal there. The last person who lived in the tower also claimed to have encountered a headless ghost.

Visitors have reported hearing strange noises, feeling cold spots, and even witnessing ghostly apparitions. There are especially talks about hearing footsteps and the sound of children on the second floor. 

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References:

La Torre de la Calahorra en Elche o la aparición de la Asunción a un pirata berberisco
Misterios de la Calahorra – VisitElche
Pasamos la noche en la torre de la Calahorra pese a las advertencias – Cuarto milenio

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The Haunted Mystique of Chand Baori and the Djinns Building the Stepwell

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One of the oldest and deepest stepwells in India, Chand Baori are said to have been built over the course of a night by djinns. Still to this day, the cool and dark place is said to be haunted by something. 

In the quiet village of Abhaneri in the eastern Dausa district of Rajasthan, Chand Baori stands as a testament to the architectural ingenuity of ancient India. Built during the 8th and 9th centuries by King Chanda of the Nikumbha Dynasty, this ancient stepwell is one of the deepest and largest in the country, although not always the easiest to find.

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

Its haunting beauty and the eerie ambiance is also supposed to be one of the oldest and largest stepwells in the world and have earned it a reputation as one of the most haunted sites in Rajasthan, drawing curious visitors and paranormal enthusiasts alike.

Photo by AXP Photography on Pexels.com

Architectural Marvel with a Dark Side

Chand Baori is an architectural marvel, featuring 3,500 narrow steps arranged in a precise geometrical pattern, descending 13 stories deep into the silent depth of the earth. The walls have images like Sheshasayee Vishnu reclining on the serpent Ananta and Mahishasuramardini. On the sides there are shrines to Ganesha. According to legends, there are also tunnels connecting Abhaneri to Dausa.

These stepwells served many purposes as well as getting water, being a place for gatherings of religious and ceremonial activities among others. 

The structure’s desolate appearance, combined with the echoes of footsteps reverberating through the empty well, contribute to its haunting reputation. All the way on the bottom the air is about 5-6 degrees cooler than at the surface. The sense of isolation and the shadows cast by the ancient stones create an eerie atmosphere, especially during the evenings or on cloudy days.

Photo by Yohantha Gunawarna on Pexels.com

Legends and Paranormal Tales of Chand Baori

Local legends whisper of spirits and djinns that are said to haunt Chand Baori. According to folklore, the stepwell was constructed overnight by spirits, and those who disturb its tranquility risk invoking their wrath. 

Visitors and locals alike have reported strange occurrences, from sudden drops in temperature to the feeling of being watched. There are also those who claim that they get a sudden feeling of being nauseous as they descend down the stairs.

The stillness and darkness within the depths of Chand Baori can be unsettling. Some visitors claim to have heard whispers and footsteps echoing in the silent corridors, while others report seeing shadowy figures lurking in the corners of the well. 

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References:

Chand Baori haunted | Times of India Travel

Chand Baori – Wikipedia

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The Haunting of Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel in India’s Hills

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Amidst the green hills is the red Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel which are said to be haunted by people that have stayed there. There are many legends, and there are even rumors that the hotel had to close down for a while because of the paranormal activity going on. 

In the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India, lies the Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel, a luxurious resort that boasts picturesque views of the lush Nilgiri Mountains covered in blue Kurunji flowers in Ooty town, known as “Queen of Hill Stations” in the country. 

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

Many have reported strange sightings and supernatural occurrences within the Swiss styled hotel’s walls, leading to its reputation as one of India’s most mysterious and haunted destinations. 

Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel: The old hotel is thought to be haunted. This rumor gre popular especially after a horror movie was set there and when the crew claimed to have experienced strange things during filming. // Source

The Haunting of Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel

The most famous ghost story retold from the hotel comes from a Bollywood production. In 2002, the Bollywood dance choreographer Saroj Khan traveled to Ooty to shoot the movie, Raaz. She and her troupe checked into the Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel and expected a relaxing night. During the night however, they were kept awake by the people upstairs where it sounded like they were rearranging the furniture, making such a ruckus that they couldn’t sleep. 

They called the receptionist, but there was no answer, like the phone was dead. They endured the night with all the moving upstairs without making any more fuss, and the next day they complained about it to the receptionist. 

The receptionist was confused and said: But there is no floor upstairs, and even took the time to show them from the outside when they all became confused. Indeed, there was no room above them. But what then, had kept them up all night?

The History of Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel

But let’s have a look at the hotel’s history to understand where the haunted rumors could come from. The Fern Hill Hotel, formerly known as the Palace Hotel, was built in 1844 as the summer residence of the Maharaja of Mysore. The Swiss Chalet gives it an alpine look where it sits in the lush greenery of cardamom and tea plantations. 

The hotel was also initially used as a summer retreat for British officials during the British Raj era and their families as an escape from the heat from the humid plains of the Madras Presidency to the much cooler climate. 

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

It was later converted into a hotel in the 1920s and was renamed the Fern Hill Hotel. The hotel has since undergone several renovations and is now a luxurious resort that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Ghost Sightings and Paranormal Activity

Over the years, many strange events have been reported at the Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel. Guests and staff members have reported hearing unexplained noises, seeing ghostly apparitions, and feeling a presence in their rooms. 

There are several theories behind the haunting at the Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel. Some believe that the hotel was built on land that was once a burial ground, which has caused the spirits of the dead to haunt the hotel. 

Others believe that the haunting are a result of the hotel’s dark history, which includes the deaths of several guests and staff members. One rumor of a particular woman who committed suicide at the hotel has been widely spread as well. 

The Controversy Surrounding Fern Hill Hotel

Despite its haunted reputation, there are some who believe that the haunting at the Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel are nothing more than a hoax. Some skeptics have pointed out that the hotel has a financial incentive to promote its haunted reputation, as it attracts visitors and increases revenue. 

As for the filming of the movie Raaz and what the dance troupe experienced during their night, it is worth noting that the movie is actually a supernatural horror movie, and that the stories of the haunted room upstairs that didn’t exist was all rumored to be a part of the movie promotion. 

For a long time the hotel closed down in March 2018. The official reason is that they closed down for renovation. Many claimed it was because of the haunted rumors that had started to accumulate around the hotel and the many incidents of paranormal activity. It has reopened again now however, the question is, with or without ghosts?

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References:

The Fernhills Palace, Ooty – Wikipedia 

Most Haunted Places in Ooty and Their Spooky Stories 

Secrets behind Raaz and more… | Bollywood – Hindustan Times  

Raaz (2002 film) – Wikipedia

Ghostbusting goals: the most haunted hotels in India