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Hell on Earth and the Haunting in Port Arthur, Australia

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In one of the biggest penal settlements in the British Empire, many thousand convicts served their time here, and some never made it out. Ever since then, Port Arthur has been one of the most haunted places in Australia.  

The Separate Prison and the historic building around, located in Port Arthur, Australia, is a place that is steeped in history and intrigue. Built in the 19th century, the prison was designed to be a place of punishment and reform for some of Australia’s most notorious criminals as well as for petty criminals and families living in Port Arthur. The prison was known for its strict regime of silence and solitary confinement, and the conditions inside were brutal. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from Australia

However, there is more to the story of the Separate Prison than just its history. Many people believe that the prison is haunted by the ghosts of the past, and there have been countless reports of paranormal activity over the years. 

The Haunted Port: Port Arthur is a small town located on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, Australia. The town is known for its beautiful natural scenery, but it is also known for its dark past. It started as a timber station in 1830, but soon transitioned to a penal colony in 1833.

The History of Port Arthur and its role in Australian history

In the 19th century, Port Arthur was home to one of the largest prisons in the world. The prison was established in 1830 and was designed to be a place of punishment and reform for convicts who had been transported to Australia from Britain.

Penal Colony: Convict labourers in Australia in the early 20th century

More than 1000 people are said to have died at Port Arthur during its 47 years as a penal settlement. After their death they were sent to the nearby Isle of the Dead where 1646 unmarked graves belong to the convicts. 

Named after Lieutenant-Governor George Arthurs, the place was known as one of the strictest  prisons in the colonies. The prison was known for its harsh conditions, and prisoners were forced to work long hours in difficult conditions. However, despite the harsh conditions, the prison was seen as a progressive institution at the time. The prison was designed to be a place of reform, and the authorities believed that prisoners could be rehabilitated through hard work and discipline.

In newer times, there is also a dark history that put Port Arthur on the map. In 1996, a gunman shot dead 35 people and injured 23. This was one of the events that changed Australia forever and gave new and strict gun control laws.

Inside the ruins of the prison: Source

The Purpose and Life of the Separate Prison

The Separate Prison was built in 1849 as part of a new approach to prison reform. The prison was designed to be a place of punishment and reform, but it was also designed to be a place of isolation and silence. The authorities believed that prisoners could be reformed through reflection and introspection, and the only way to achieve this was through solitary confinement. Sort of like a prison within the prison.

The prison was designed with this in mind, and each cell was designed to be completely isolated from the outside world. The cells were small, and prisoners were only allowed to leave for a short period each day to exercise in a small courtyard. The rest of the time, they were confined to their cells in complete silence.

Inside the Separate Prison: Source

Life as a prisoner in the Separate Prison was brutal. Prisoners were confined to their cells for up to 23 hours a day, and they were only allowed to leave for a short period each day to exercise in a small courtyard. The cells were small and cramped, and prisoners were only allowed to bring in a Bible or other religious text.

The conditions inside the prison were harsh, and prisoners were forced to live in complete silence. The only sound they heard was the sound of their own breathing, and the only light they saw was the dim light from a small window. The food was basic and unappetizing, and prisoners were forced to perform hard labor for long hours each day.

Despite the progressive intentions of the Separate Prison, the reality was much darker. The prison was known for its harsh punishments and brutal treatment of prisoners. Punishments included flogging, solitary confinement, and hard labor.

In some cases, prisoners were subjected to even more extreme forms of punishment. The “dark cell” was a punishment cell located in the basement of the prison. Prisoners were confined to this cell for up to three days, and the conditions were unbearable. The cell was completely dark, and prisoners were forced to stand in ankle-deep water for the entire time they were confined.

The Haunted History of the Separate Prison

The Separate Prison has a long and haunted history as the buildings of the penal settlement turned into ruins. Over the years, there have been countless reports of paranormal activity in the prison. Many people believe that the ghosts of the past still haunt the prison, and there have been numerous sightings of ghosts and other unexplainable phenomena.

Ghostly sightings of three young children have been captured standing in a window in Port Arthur: Source

There are the stories about the ghost of a boy that is forever waiting for his execution and that his screams can be heard in the night. 

In the cell where the prisoner William Carter hanged himself, visitors have been said to be overwhelmed by sadness, some found huddled on the bed or the floor as they cry hysterically. 

The Gothic Church and the Lady in Blue in the Accountant’s House

There have been countless reports of ghost sightings and paranormal activity around the gothic church that the convict slaved away on. A lot of blood was spilt on the ground here, like when William Riley beat Joseph Shuttleworth to death with a pickaxe. For this he was hanged. 

Port Arthur Church: Convict-built church ruins at Port Arthur convict settlement, Tasmania. It was never consecrated and several denominations shared the building. Source

Visitors have reported hearing unexplainable sounds, feeling cold spots, and even seeing apparitions of the past. But strangely, it isn’t the ghosts of the violent convicts that are mostly spotted here, but a Lady in Blue.

She is believed to be a young lady married to a Port Arthur accountant. The Accountant’s house is right next to the church. They are said to have lived in the penal colony in the 1800s and who died during childbirth and is now wandering on the grounds, searching for her child she never got to meet in life. 

Especially in the bell tower of the church she appears in front of people with her bonnet and her pale blue or gray crinoline dress, before fading away. Sometimes she is said to talk with children. 

In 2011, visitors claimed that a three year old girl jumped out of her mothers arms to “play with the nice lady who lives her.” She ran down the veranda with her arms outstretched and was picked up by someone not visible to anyone else. 

Accountant’s House and the Parsonage/source

The Haunted Parsonage and the most Haunted House in Port Arthur

The most haunted building at Port Arthur historic site is said to be The Parsonage or Reverend George Eastman’s home. 

Reverend George Eastman worked as a parson at Port Arthur for almost fifteen years. One day the weather was terrible, but a dying convict needed him. When he came back from the storm, he fell ill and died in his bed two days later. It is said that when he was lowered out of his window in his coffin, the rope broke, the coffin smashed open and his body fell out on the ground. Near where his body landed, visitors sometimes complain on the stench of rotten flesh. 

There are plenty of stories circulating of flashing lights in the dark, loud banging when and the sound of footsteps although no one is there. It is said that it is the reverend who is haunting the place and is said to be a particular aggressive ghost. Some of the more extreme experiences people claim to have is the strangling feeling as they enter the building.

Source

Just a couple of weeks after his death, the new family moved into the parsonage and the haunting started. Reverend Hayward moved to Port Arthur together with his wife and six children for a fresh start at his new posting. 

Everyone became convinced that the house was haunted except Mrs Hayward. In 1870, she wanted to get to the bottom of what was going on in her home and made a trap one night after the children had gone to sleep. 

She tied several threads zigzagging the stairs and waited hours without hearing anything. She decided to call it a night when she suddenly heard something and got her husband. Together they checked the stairs where every single piece had snapped on the stairs, but they saw nothing. They did feel hot air if someone was breathing next to them and hearing footsteps coming down the stairs. The Haywards packed up and left Port Arthur forever. 

As mentioned, it is not a new haunted place, and we have written documents back to 1893 about the strange things happening in the house. This is an article from The Clipper: 

“On one particular night, Mrs. Price was unable to sleep… Suddenly she became conscious that somebody had entered her room, and glancing towards the door beheld a human figure draped in white. Her first thought was to make a move or to speak, but it struck her that the intruder might be a burglar in disguise intent upon robbing her of her jewel-case… and that to attract attention to herself might possibly mean something serious against her life. She therefore lay motionless, but with half open eyes followed the movements of the supposed burglar.

The mysterious figure having entered the room went through the motion of striking a match upon the wall, and immediately afterwards there was the appearance of light as from a lucifer. This done it then made its way round the foot of the bed to a cot in which one of the children slept. For a moment it stood looking at the sleeping child, then turning round, glided silently out of the room and was gone.”

It’s not only old stories about the hauntings either. In recent times, although how recent is debated, two builders and their apprentice spent the night at the house. They were working long hours restoring the house and decided to just sleep there. 

One night their apprentice woke up pinned to the bed and felt like he was strangling. Both of the builders had to pull him up and when he recovered, he said he felt like there was something heavy, sitting on his chest. When he had opened his eyes, he saw a bearded man telling him to leave his house and never return. 

There is also a story of a mother, asking what her daughter was doing, seeing her talk to no one outside the house. Her daughter answered that she was talking and playing with another child. 

When the parsonage was converted to a restaurant for a while, it is said they had to close it down because of strange occurrences with flying cutlery, the light that kept going on and off and the furniture that kept moving around in front of the customers. 

The Medical Officer’s House

There is also a ghost story about a little girl seen outside the Medical Officer’s Residence. People inside have seen out the window and claim to have seen her face pressed up against the glass, looking in at them. 

There is also a story of when some contractors had sanded and varnished the floors in 2003 in the Junior Medical’s House. They locked the doors and let it dry overnight, but when they came back the next morning, they had found footprints, looking like a woman and a child by the fireplace. 

Other Ghosts Roaming Port Arthur

There is also said to be a soldier wearing red around the Tower Cottage and people have seen a head without a body, hovering in the dissection room underneath the Visiting Magistrate’s House. 

A little girl has been seen in The Commandant’s House. They think she died after falling down the stairs as she is seen laying at the bottom of the stairs in a pool of blood with her arm twisted as if broken. There are also those claiming that the rocking chair, called The Nanny’s Chair has been seen rocking on its own. 

Haunted Rocking Chair: Interior of the Commandant’s House/Source
Commandant’s House: Built in 1833 as a four room timber house before expanding. It was later used as the Carnavon Hotel. // Source

In the asylum right next to the separate prison, there have been stories of an elderly woman and a young girl. The light is flickering and there is supposedly the sound of footsteps. This building also functioned as a schoolhouse for a while. 

Port Arthur Asylum: Source

A short boat ride from Port Arthur is the Isle of the Dead, where over 1,100 people were buried—including convicts, soldiers, and settlers. The tiny island is known for its uneasy silence and ghostly apparitions and visitors have reported on spirits standing above the graves..

Source

The Haunted Legacy of the Separate Prison and Port Arthur

The Separate Prison in Port Arthur, Australia, is a place that is steeped in history and intrigue. It was designed to be a place of punishment and reform, but it was also a place of isolation and silence. The conditions inside the prison were harsh, and prisoners were subjected to brutal punishments and torture.

Despite its dark past, the Separate Prison is also a place of great historical significance. It provides us with a glimpse into the past and reminds us of the importance of prison reform and the need to treat prisoners with dignity and respect.

The haunted history of the Separate Prison is also a reminder of the power of the past. The ghosts of the past still haunt the prison to this day, and their presence serves as a reminder of the harsh conditions that prisoners were subjected to in the past. By exploring the history and hauntings of the Separate Prison, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the past and the lessons it has to teach us.

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Marimari.com : Ghosts of Port Arthur 

Port Arthur Ghost Tour 

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Shadows in the Sand: The Restless Spirits of Playa Grande Beach, Costa Rica

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Was the popular surfing spot at Playa Grande Beach in Costa Rica an ancient burial place? Do the spirits of those buried here come back the same way the turtles return to this beach to lay eggs?

On the sun-kissed Nicoya Peninsula, Playa Grande Beach near Montezuma, Costa Rica, is famed for its powdery sands, rolling surf, vibrant sunsets and laid back vibes. But beneath its natural beauty lurks something far older — and far darker. Whispers among locals and travelers alike tell of spirits that rise with the evening tide, remnants of an ancient people unwilling to let the living forget.

For centuries, this tranquil stretch of coastline, also known as Salinas, has been believed to rest upon an indigenous burial ground, where the remains of Costa Rica’s earliest peoples were laid to rest long before the arrival of European settlers. And though time has weathered away many of their markers, the spirits endure.

Playa Grande: Sunset over Playa Grande Beach, a serene spot in Costa Rica steeped in indigenous history and local myths. Source: Federico Mata/wiki

No One Stays After Dark

Playa Grande may welcome visitors by day and the nearby city of Montezuma is nicknamed Montefuma because of the big party scene there. Playa Grande ends in a wooded headland and the point is filled with caves, and small coves where pirates and Nazis hid. This is the western-most point in Costa Rica – a landmark included on every map of the region. Some call it Cerro Morro, some call it El Encanto where the turtles return to lay eggs.

But by custom and quiet warning, no one is permitted to remain overnight. Local lore holds that those who linger after sunset risk disturbing the slumber of the dead — and inciting their wrath.

Beachgoers have long reported spectral shapes moving through the palm trees, strange whispers in forgotten tongues, and cold pockets of air in the warm, tropical night. Many claim to have seen shadowy figures along the shoreline, watching, waiting. Some visitors have fled after hearing disembodied voices urging them to leave… or else.

A recurring tale tells of a pair of travelers who defied the warnings, camping near the dunes. In the dead of night, their tent was surrounded by a circle of unseen figures, chanting in a language neither recognized. By morning, they left the beach pale and trembling, their belongings inexplicably soaked with saltwater, though the tide had not risen near their camp.

The Ancient Burial Place

But what is it about the tranquil beach that makes people flee at night? Some people claim that it used to be some kind of ancient burial ground, and that those buried there, are lingering on the beach. 

To have a look at why this rumor has spread and might ring true, we have to look at CAbuya Island close by that truly does have an ancient burial ground, still in use as intended. 

The Silent Dead of Cabuya Island

Just off the coast lies Cabuya Island, a small, eerie landmass only accessible at low tide. It remains home to one of Costa Rica’s oldest cemeteries,  a somber place where whitewashed tombs and weather-beaten crosses are battered by ocean winds. Several trees have a bleached, hollow appearance. It has been in use since the 1700s, and funerals still happen several times a year. These ceremonies sometimes take place in the black of night as mourners transport the body from the town of Cabuya.

“They put lights on the entire path, like candles,” César Benavides, a tour guide for Proyecto Montezuma says.. “When the moon is full and the tide is low, they bury the person under the full moon.

“It is very beautiful.”

However, long before it was used by the colonizers, it was used by the indigenous tribes, even before the Pacific Ocean divided the landmass from the rest of Costa Rica. Can this be the same thing that seems to be haunting the Playa Grande Beach?

Taradsf/Wiki

At night, locals say, the island takes on a life of its own. Fisherman Wilber Mendez, whose family has worked these waters for generations, recalls unsettling nights at sea:

“In the night, there are times when I hear voices coming from there… The sounds are not birds; they are something else.”

Others claim to see glowing orbs hovering above the graves, or hear mournful wails carried across the water. The most chilling reports describe figures — thin, pale, and cloaked in mist — wandering the shore of Cabuya, vanishing before dawn.

The Old Ones Remember

Folklorists say the hauntings of Playa Grande and Cabuya Island are deeply connected to the region’s indigenous history. Before the conquest, these lands were sacred, their dead carefully interred with rituals meant to protect both the living and the departed. The violent disruptions of colonization, followed by centuries of neglect, are believed to have left these spirits unquiet, forever yearning for recognition.

Visitors to Playa Grande today are subtly cautioned: respect the land, move with care, and when night falls — leave.

For in this beautiful, haunted stretch of Costa Rica, the dead still keep watch.

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The Pirate King Blackbeard Haunting the Beaches of Ocracoke Island

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After losing his head to the sea, the infamous pirate, Blackbeard is thought to be haunting the Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks. His body is seen wandering on the beaches, calling out for anyone to help him find his head. 

Tucked into the misty crook of North Carolina’s Outer Banks lies Ocracoke Island, a lonely, wind-swept strip of land long known for shipwrecks, pirates, and spectral legends. The history of piracy in the Outer Banks dates back to the time of the first colony in Roanoke. As early as 1585, men were sent here by the British crown to rob the ships of the Spanish Armada. Here, the past clings like a damp fog to the shoreline, and no figure casts a longer, more fearsome shadow over these haunted sands than Edward Teach — the pirate world remembers him as Blackbeard.

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More than 300 years have passed since the infamous buccaneer’s brutal demise, yet the restless spirit of Blackbeard is said to still roam the beaches and waters of Ocracoke, eternally seeking something he lost to the bloody surf: his head.

Edward Teach: Better known as Blackbeard, was one of the most notorious pirates of the early 18th century, infamous for his fearsome appearance and ruthless tactics. Born in Bristol, England, around 1680, he operated around the West Indies and along the American colonies, commanding a ship named the Queen Anne’s Revenge. With his long, thick black beard and a penchant for intimidation, often lighting slow-burning fuses in his beard during battles, Blackbeard became a symbol of piracy itself.

The Bloody End of a Pirate King

In November of 1718, the pirate scourge of the Atlantic met his end at Teach’s Hole, his favorite anchorage near Ocracoke’s sheltered coves. Back then it was called “The Point”.

Capture of the Pirate: Blackbeard, 1718 depicting the battle between Blackbeard the Pirate and Lieutenant Maynard in Ocracoke Bay

He had actually given up his days as a pirate at this point and swore allegiance to the British Crown. However, the Governor of Virginia, Alexander Spotswood wanted him gone.  In a violent clash against British naval forces led by Lieutenant Robert Maynard, Blackbeard fought with the ferocity of a man possessed, sustaining over twenty sword wounds and five gunshots before finally falling.

His lifeless body was unceremoniously tossed into the water while his severed head was lashed to the bowsprit of Maynard’s sloop as a grim trophy. His shackled pirate crew were forced to watch as the headless body swam three times around the ship before sinking, according to legend. 

His head sailed to various ports in eastern North Carolina until it was impaled on a stake at the entrance to the harbor in Hampton, Virginia as a warning to other “Brethren of the Coast.” 

The waters, locals whisper, turned dark as pitch that day — and the legends say they’ve never quite settled since.

The Phantom of Teach’s Hole

It’s along this stretch of water, now ominously known as Teach’s Hole at Springer’s Point covered with ancient live oaks and cedars, that eerie sightings persist. Strange lights bubble up from beneath the waves, swirling like will-o’-the-wisps before vanishing into the depths. On storm-thrashed nights, when the wind howls through the twisted live oaks and rain lashes the old gravestones, some say you can hear a guttural, ghostly cry echoing across the surf:

“Where’s my head?”

Fishermen, kayakers, and intrepid ghost hunters have all reported the chilling phenomenon — a voice born of salt and fury, forever cursing the fate that separated a pirate from his crown.

The Bearded Ghost of Springer’s Point

Ocracoke’s spectral lore doesn’t stop at the shoreline. At Springer’s Point, a dense maritime forest overlooking the inlet where Blackbeard made his final stand, tales abound of a large, bearded figure in tattered seafarer’s garb, appearing and vanishing like smoke in the early morning mist.

One particularly unsettling account comes from Roy Parsons, a former resident and musician of the island, who claimed that as a boy he was chased along the Point by a towering man whose boots left no mark in the sand and whose form dissolved into nothingness before his terrified eyes.

Springers Point: Wikimedia

Springer’s Point, long considered cursed ground by Ocracoke’s older residents, was one of the pirate’s favorite haunts. The centuries-old live oaks still loom like sentinels over the site of his last debauched gathering, and visitors to this day report a suffocating, otherworldly heaviness that descends upon the path at dusk.

A Pirate’s Curse on the Graveyard of the Atlantic

Ocracoke is no stranger to death and the uncanny. Known as part of the Graveyard of the Atlantic, these treacherous waters have claimed over 5,000 ships since Europeans first braved its shifting sands and shoals. The locals, fiercely proud and intimately acquainted with tragedy, take their ghost stories seriously.

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Today, Teach’s Hole and Springer’s Point remain must-visit spots for thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts. Today Teach’s Hole is a shop where you can buy all things Pirate. The latter, a secluded nature preserve accessible only by foot, offers eerie solitude, where the veil between past and present seems paper-thin.

Whether you’re drawn by the legends, the restless spirits, or the whisper of pirate gold still hidden beneath the sands, one thing’s certain — on Ocracoke Island, the dead never truly sleep.

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References:

A Circle, A Line, An Island: Ocracoke Ghosts | Our State

Hunting ghosts on Springer’s Point at Ocracoke | Island Free Press

Confessions of a Ghost Tour Guide and Skeptic 

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The Gray Man of Pawleys Island: The Phantom Who Warns of Storms

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Right before horrible hurricanes, there is supposedly the ghost appearing to warn people to leave the island. Nicknamed The Gray Man of Pawleys Island, many attribute sightings of him to that their homes were spared from the destructive winds. 

Beneath the swaying Spanish moss and salt-laden winds of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, a ghostly figure walks the shore — a silent sentinel wrapped in gray. Locals call him The Gray Man of Pawleys Island, a spectral presence who appears in the dead calm before a storm, his arrival as ominous as the thunderheads gathering on the horizon.

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A tiny, unassuming barrier island with a history as old and restless as the tides themselves, Pawleys Island is no stranger to storms. But when this ghostly figure emerges from the mist, wise islanders know to gather their families, pack their belongings, and head inland — for when the Gray Man appears, disaster is sure to follow.

Ghost Lore at Pawleys Islands: A serene beach scene at Pawleys Island, South Carolina, where the legendary The Gray Man of Pawleys Island is said to appear before storms to warn the locals.

The Legend Behind the Phantom

The tale of The Gray Man of Pawleys Island stretches back centuries, winding through the tangled history of colonial plantations, shipwrecks, and violent coastal tempests. Like all good ghost stories, there are several versions of his origin, though each ends in tragedy.

The most popular telling speaks of a young sailor, racing home to his beloved on horseback after a long voyage at sea. It is said that it was around 1822 and that he was coming from Charleston. Impatient to reach her side, he took a shortcut through the marshes of Pawleys Island, where both horse and rider became hopelessly mired in quicksand. Neither survived the night. 

The Marches of Pawleys Island: A tranquil pier stretches over the marshes of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, under an ominous sky. Is this where the ghost of the Gray Man comes from?

In some versions, he was a young master travelling with his manservant. His servant had to watch in horror as both his master and horse disappeared into the quicksand and had to be the one relaying the news to his girlfriend. 

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Ever since, his mournful spirit has wandered the shore, doomed to walk the beaches he longed to see in life.

Some say that his girlfriend mourned for ages after his passing. She used to take long walks on the beach they used to stroll on together before he died. It is said that one day while she was walking he appeared for the first time, warning her about an oncoming storm. Since then, he has repeated it for others walking the beach. 

The Ghost of George Pawley

Some locals, however, insist the Gray Man is none other than George Pawley, the island’s namesake, whose own stormy fate was lost to history. He was a prominent rice planter and original owner of the, although records show that he would have been a child when the first sighting occurred. Born in 1819, Charles Jeannerette Weston, was the original owner of the house on Pawleys Island now known as the Pelican Inn. 

He died of tuberculosis during the civil war and warns people about the weather as he once warned his neighbors about the risks of the oncoming war they would go through. 

Others claim he was a victim of one of the island’s devastating hurricanes in the early 19th century, one of many souls claimed by the Atlantic’s fury.

The Pelican Inn Ghost

Still another version of The Gray Man of Pawleys Island legend exists. Mrs. Eileen Weaver, owner of Pelican Inn, has encountered the Grey Man multiple times, whom she believes is someone from a nineteenth-century photograph. Her first sighting was during bread-making in the kitchen. She saw a woman with French features, dressed in a grey-and-white checkered dress with pearl buttons, observing them.

The Pelican Inn: a historic site in Pawleys Island, known for its ghostly encounters and connections to The Gray Man of Pawleys Island legend.

This spirit became a regular presence at Pelican Inn, with guests occasionally mistaking her for a living person. Mrs. Weaver also had an encounter with the Grey Man, dressed in period attire.

Mrs. Weaver’s daughter recounted a story about her sister-in-law, Gayle, who, while cleaning, felt tugs at her shirt tail. After realizing it couldn’t be anyone else, she suspected a spirit was present.

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Mrs. Weaver shared these experiences with historian Julian Stevenson Bolick, identifying photographs of a woman and a man resembling the spirits in her home. The pictures were of Mr. and Mrs. Mazyck, relatives of the original owners, the Westons, who inherited and operated the inn. Mrs. Weaver believes Mr. Mazyck’s spirit is the Grey Man.

A Harbinger of Hurricanes

While his backstory might vary, his purpose is chillingly consistent: to warn the living of approaching storms. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The Gray Man’s appearances have become a spectral tradition in Pawleys Island folklore. One fisherman spotted the Grey Man in Murrells Inlet, a coastal town about 10 miles north of Pawleys Island.

Those who claim to have seen him describe a figure clothed entirely in gray, with an otherworldly stillness. He appears suddenly along the dunes or walking the tideline, sometimes speaking in a voice muffled by the wind — other times, offering only a solemn gaze before vanishing like mist.

The Ghost of the Gray Man: A year after the 200th anniversary of the Gray Man legend, he was spotted on Litchfield Beach during Idalia on August 30, 2023. The picture was taken during the early hours of Tropical Storm Idalia’s impacts. The photo was captured at 7:12 p.m. and appears to show a shadowy gray figure walking along the surf and dunes

His appearances are always followed by disaster.

In 1954, residents reported seeing The Gray Man of Pawleys Island mere hours before Hurricane Hazel unleashed its fury on the Carolina coast, leveling homes and taking lives.

In 1989, just days before the catastrophic arrival of Hurricane Hugo, witnesses claimed to have encountered the Gray Man, prompting some to evacuate while the skies were still deceptively calm. Residents Jim and Clara Moore were interviewed about these sightings on Unsolved Mysteries that aired in 1990. They told in their interview:

“You see so many people walking on the beach at that time of day. That particular afternoon we only saw the one, and he was coming directly toward us. When I got within speaking distance, I raised my hand to say ‘hi’ or ‘beautiful evening’ and he disappeared.”

As recently as September 2018, his shadow was spotted once again ahead of Hurricane Florence, sending seasoned locals scrambling to higher ground. The latest reports of him was in 2022 when Hurricane Ian closed in. 

The Gray Man of Pawleys Island With a Kind Streak

Oddly enough, the Gray Man’s warnings come with a peculiar side effect. In nearly every account, homes whose occupants have heeded his warning are spared the worst of the storm’s wrath. In a region battered by hurricanes for generations, this chilling coincidence has only deepened the legend.

One family recounted in local lore claims their home was left untouched by Hugo’s catastrophic winds and storm surge after a man in gray appeared at their door and urged them to flee. When they returned days later, their neighbors’ homes lay in splinters, while theirs stood unscathed — not a single window shattered.

The Lingering Spirit of the Lowcountry

To this day, Pawleys Island remains a place where the line between the living and the dead is paper-thin. It’s a land of antebellum ruins, restless marshes, and whispers carried on the tide. The Gray Man of Pawleys Island is perhaps its most famous specter, a reminder of the sea’s merciless power and the thin veil between this world and the next.

Ken Lane/Flickr

Visitors and locals alike know to keep a wary eye on the shoreline when the weather turns heavy. Because should you glimpse a figure cloaked in gray where no one should be — silent, watchful, and impossibly still — it might be time to pack up and run.

After all, when The Gray Man of Pawleys Island walks, the storm is never far behind.

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References:

The Gray Man (ghost) – Wikipedia

The Grey Man – Legendary Ghost of Pawleys Island

Hurricanes, history and hauntings – USC News & Events | University of South Carolina

Tales of The Grey Man – James W. Smith Vacation Rentals

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Haunted Ford Island: Echoes of Pearl Harbor

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After the attack on Pearl Harbor, it is said that the ghosts of the dead are still haunting Ford Island. Could it be that the ghosts of war is still haunting the deep blue water?

Ford Island, in the heart of Pearl Harbor, holds a significant place in American history. This strategic location was at the center of the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, a day that left a lasting impression on the island and its surroundings. Over the years, numerous reports of paranormal activity have surfaced, suggesting that the spirits of those who perished during the attack may still linger, haunting the island with their unresolved energy.

Ford Island: Aerial Shot of Ford Island and Control Tower. Several places on this little islet is said to be haunted.

Ford Island’s History

Ford Island is an islet in the center of Pearl Harbor. Originally known as Moku’ume’ume by native Hawaiians, the island was used for fishing and farming as well as the place for a fertility ritual. The U.S. Navy acquired Ford Island in 1916, transforming it into a central hub for aviation and naval operations. 

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The little islet’s most notable moment came on December 7, 1941, during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, when Ford Island’s airfield and battleship moorings were primary targets. 

Post-war, the island continued to serve as a critical military installation, housing naval personnel and playing a role in various military operations. Today, Ford Island is home to several historic sites and memorials, including the Pacific Aviation Museum and the USS Missouri. It is here most of the haunting ghost stories come from.

The Tragedy of Pearl Harbor

As the sun rose, the tranquil harbor suddenly erupted into chaos when the Japanese Imperial Navy launched an attack on December 7, 1941. Although the attack is often described as a surprise attack, Japan and the US had been through months of negotiation of the Pacific they both wanted to take. The US was also one of the nations putting an embargo on the nation after they waged war against China. The Japanese needed the oil trade from the US and after the Hull note, telling them to withdraw from China without any conditions, the Japanese task force left for Pearl Harbor. Not only did they attack Pearl Harbor, but the American-held Philippines, Guam, Wake Island as well as the British Empire in Malaya, Singapore and Hong Kong. 

The sky darkened with swarms of fighter planes, and explosions echoed across the base, shattering the morning calm. Within hours, over 2,400 American lives were lost as well as 129 Japanese, numerous ships were sunk or severely damaged, and the Pacific Fleet lay in ruins. This assault galvanized the United States, propelling it into World War II the next day.

Ford Island Naval Air Station: Sailors at Ford Island Naval Air Station look on as the USS Shaw explodes in the distance. This view is of the PBY ramp with assorted aircraft scattered among the debris. Barely seen in the background is the beached USS Nevada.Sailors at Ford Island Naval Air Station look on as the USS Shaw explodes in the distance. This view is of the PBY ramp with assorted aircraft scattered among the debris. Barely seen in the background is the beached USS Nevada.

Today, Pearl Harbor stands as a poignant memorial to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The USS Arizona Memorial, perched solemnly above the sunken battleship, draws visitors from around the globe, watching the oil droplets still seeping from the wreckage, known as the “tears of the Arizona,” 

Attack on Pearl Harbor: Photograph taken from a Japanese plane during the torpedo attack on ships moored on both sides of Ford Island shortly after the beginning of the Pearl Harbor attack. View looks about east, with the supply depot, submarine base and fuel tank farm in the right center distance.

The Haunting of Ford Island

Residents and visitors alike have encountered eerie phenomena that have no explanation. Disembodied voices and phantom footsteps echo through empty rooms, leaving an unsettling feeling in their wake. Objects in people’s homes mysteriously move or stack themselves without human intervention, and appliances turn on and off at odd hours of the night, as if manipulated by unseen hands. 

Among the most common spectral sightings are glowing, misty apparitions that float through homes and shadowy figures that appear around trees and buildings. These ghostly forms often resemble people, only to vanish when approached, leaving witnesses in a state of bewilderment and fear. 

There is especially one building on the island where people are reporting strange things that people claim the doors keep getting locked and open on their own, with a draft of cold air coming out of nowhere.

Ford Island Airstrip

The airstrip on Ford Island is another area rife with ghostly encounters. Many report feeling an overwhelming sense of urgency and panic while visiting, accompanied by the unmistakable sounds of men running in boots and distant moaning as if they are in pain. But they never really see any living people actually come running, although it can sometimes sound like there is someone running right past them. 

A strange, glowing mist is often seen drifting across the tarmac, adding to the airstrip’s eerie atmosphere. These hauntings are believed to be connected to the many servicemen who lost their lives during the bombing, their restless spirits forever bound to the site of their demise.

The USS Arizona Memorial

Most reports about supposed paranormal activities and strange things happening are said to be around the USS Arizona Memorial. This was a battleship in Pearl Harbor and the only one of the sunken battleships not raised in the aftermath and is still there underneath the surface.

Both staff and visitors claim to have heard weird sounds, footsteps, hushed voices. Some even claim to have heard the sound of distant explosions. 

One of the ghosts said to haunt the memorial is from a sailor who was shot during the bombing and left to die. At low tide, his spirit is said to haunt the deck of the sunken USS Arizona. 

People visiting it claim to smell something burnt and hear the knocking on metal from the hull, like someone is banging a wrench from the inside. 

The Ghost of Charley

Perhaps the most well-known ghost on Ford Island is Charley, whose presence is so pervasive that it has become a part of local lore. Officers often dismiss strange occurrences with a resigned “That’s just Charley.” 

Faucets turn on by themselves, radios switch stations unbidden, and heavy doors swing back and forth without any apparent cause. Charley’s presence is frequently accompanied by the jangling of keys and the sound of loud footsteps echoing through empty hallways.

The Ghosts of War Still Haunting Pearl Harbor

Is the place really haunted? Sites like this certainly hold an eerie vibe, much like any other battlefields where many lives were lost. While the paranormal activity on Ford Island is compelling, it also serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the sacrifices made during one of the most pivotal moments in American history. 

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References:

The Attack Hasn’t Ended For Some Of These Spirits – Paranormal Housewife 

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The Haunting of Ford Island 

Attack on Pearl Harbor – Wikipedia 

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The Most Haunted Places on Mackinac Island in Michigan

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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. 

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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.

Read the whole story: Fort Mackinac and the Ghosts of War 

Fort Holmes and the Ghost of Lingering Soldiers

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.

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Post Cemetery and the Ghost of a Grieving Mother

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.

Read the whole story: The Haunted Post Cemetery on Mackinac Island 

Rifle Range Trail and the Hanging of James Brown

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.

Read the whole story: The Soldier Ghost at Rifle Range Trail at Mackinac Island 

The Grand Hotel Built on Top of Human Bones

Grand Hotel at Mackinac Island

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.

Read the whole story: The Luxurious Haunting at the Grand Hotel at Mackinac Island 

The Ghost of Lucy Roaming the Island

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.

Read the whole story: The Ghost of Lucy of Mackinac Island Looking for her Parents

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.

Read the whole story: The Ghost of a Heartbroken Student Haunting the Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island 

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.

Read the whole story: The Native and Métis Children Haunting the Mission House at Mackinac Island 

The Ghost of the Witches in the Drowning Pool

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.

Read the whole story: The Witches of the Drowning Pool on Mackinac Island 

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.

Read the whole story: The Ghost of Madeline La Framboise at Mackinac Island 

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.

Read the whole story: Is Arch Rock One of the Reasons Mackinac Island is so Haunted? 

The Inn at Stonecliffe and Murray Hotel

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.

Read the whole story: The Inn at Stonecliffe on Mackinac Island

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.

Read the whole story: The Little Girl Haunting Bogan Lane Inn at Mackinac Island

Skull Cave and the Spirits of those Buried there

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.

Read the whole story: Skull Cave on Mackinac Island and the Spirits Haunting it 

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The Inn at Stonecliffe on Mackinac Island

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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.

Read more: Check out all ghost stories from Mackinac Island

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. 

Read Also: The Ghost of a Heartbroken Student Haunting the Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island 

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.  

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SyFy’s ‘Ghost Hunters’ on Mackinac Island Wednesday 

Inn at Stonecliffe

The Inn at Stonecliffe on Mackinac Island 

Devil’s Kitchen (cave) – Wikipedia 

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The Ghost of Madeline La Framboise at Mackinac Island

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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.

Read more: Check out all ghost stories from Mackinac Island

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. 

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References:

Ghostly or ghastly: There’s a Mackinac Island tour for you when you win $500 prize – mlive.com

St. Anne’s Church | Upper Peninsula Wiki

Magdelaine Laframboise – Wikipedia

Haunted Places to Sleep at in Michigan

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Skull Cave on Mackinac Island and the Spirits Haunting it

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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.

Read more: Check out all ghost stories from Mackinac Island

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.

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Haunted Locations: Mackinac Island, Michigan – GhostQuest.net

Skull Cave – Mackinac Island 

Skull Cave (Mackinac Island) – Wikipedia

Skull Cave Mackinac Island: Exploring a Hidden Landmark 

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The Little Girl Haunting Bogan Lane Inn at Mackinac Island

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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.

Read more: Check out all ghost stories from Mackinac Island

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. 

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Shadowlands Haunted Places Index – Michigan 

Does anyone know of haunted spots in lower michigan?

Haunted Locations: Mackinac Island, Michigan – GhostQuest.net