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The Singing Ghost of May Yohé Haunting Hotel Bethlehem

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In the historic Hotel Bethlehem in Pennsylvania the famous singer and actress May Yohé grew up, singing and dancing to the guests. Her life didn’t end up as glamorous as she lived and it is said that she is still performing in her afterlife where it all started.

In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Hotel Bethlehem stands as a historical monument being Pennsylvania’s oldest hotel, a luxurious retreat, and, intriguingly, a haunted haven. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

Among its many ghostly legends lingering in the hotel’s 125 guest rooms, none is as captivating or as tragic as the tale of Mary Yohe, known to many as “May.” Her story, marked by stardom, misfortune, and nostalgia, echoes through the hallways and ballrooms of this grand hotel, particularly around Christmastime.

Hotel Bethlehem: The hotel of how it looked around in 1930.

The First House of Betlehem

Before it turned into the hotel of today, it was a place of Moravian missionaries. They named their new town Bethlehem on Christmas Eve in 1741. The original 1741 house was built by Moravian missionary Count Nicholas Von Zinzendorf. 

In 1794 they built the Golden Eagle Hotel, still a Moravian building. This is also the building and the time where many of the reported ghosts come from.  

The hotel lasted until 1919 when it was destroyed after having been used as a WWI military convalescent home. Then in 1922, Charles M. Schwab, a steel-tycoon, built the luxurious Hotel Bethlehem we know of today. 

May Yohé Rise to Fame

Mary “May” Yohe was born in April, 1866 and was the granddaughter to Caleb Yohe, who operated the hotel when it was called The Eagle. Born Mary Augusta Yohe, she grew up there and from a young age, she displayed an extraordinary talent for singing and performing and there are recordings of her singing and dancing for the guests in the lobby when she was young. 

The Moravians liked her so much their church got their money out and sent Yohéto Europe for a refined education, studying in Dresden and later at the Convent of the Sacré Coeur in Paris.

May’s abilities quickly garnered attention, propelling her into the limelight. Her voice and charm captivated audiences in Paris and across Europe, where she performed with great acclaim. By 1888 she made headlines in the country as one of the biggest stage stars as well as her love affairs. 

Her beauty and talent even caught the eye of a wealthy British lord, who whisked her away into the aristocracy with a lavish marriage. She married Lord Francis Clinton Hope and he gave her the very famous Hope Diamond that she wore many times. The diamond named after him, was thought to be cursed, something she also alluded to in the screenplay she wrote about it. 

May Yohe: A famous singer and actress is thought to be haunting the Bethlehem Hotel, the place of her childhood.

The Tragic Downfall of the Singer

They married in November 1894. She had gained fame on the London stage in 1893 and 1894, especially in the burlesque Little Christopher Columbus. He led an extravagant lifestyle, which the two continued together, and was discharged in bankruptcy in 1896. She ended up in the papers with her divorce in 1902 after they had both squandered away his fortune and Hope had to sell off the Hope Diamond to pay his debts. 

After this she had a string of marriages and affairs that were unhappy and she was stolen from, gave up a baby for adoption and was left broken and destitute. 

She died in poverty in Boston in 1938, having lost all her money and fame. Her husband sprinkled her ashes into the Atlantic Ocean before following her a few months later. Despite the turmoil and heartbreak, May often reminisced about her early years in Bethlehem, calling them the best of her life.

The Ghostly Presence of May Yohé at Hotel Bethlehem

To this day, the spirit of May Yohe is said to linger in Hotel Bethlehem, her ethereal presence felt by guests and staff alike, often appearing as the little girl she was. Visitors have reported seeing a young woman dressed in elegant attire, resembling the glamorous performer May once was, especially on the third floor. 

Guests claim to hear her sing and that the piano starts playing when there is no one there. She is often spotted near the piano, where she used to enchant audiences with her singing, or pacing gracefully beside the Christmas tree, as if lost in the memories of happier times.

The most chilling encounters involve hearing her voice—faint, yet unmistakably recognizable—singing one of her favorite songs. These ghostly serenades often occur during the quiet hours of the night, sending shivers down the spines of those who hear them.

Every year, as Christmas approaches, it is said that the sightings of May Yohe become more frequent. It is believed that the holiday season stirs her spirit, bringing her memories of joy and sorrow to the forefront. Guests staying at Hotel Bethlehem during this time often hope for a glimpse of the glamorous ghost, or to hear her melancholic melodies filling the air once more.

Read more: Check out more ghost stories from the Christmas season

Other Paranormal Activity at Hotel Bethlehem

Many staff report hearing their name being called when no one is there. Shadows, apparitions and reflections are almost common when staying at hotel Bethlehem. A tap on the shoulder, things falling from desks and electrical appliances not working as it should. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from Haunted Hotels

A man known as Frank Smith is wearing a suit and shows up on the third floor and a Moravian settler from the 1700s is said to be moving in the basement. In the basement is also the ghost of one of the former caretakers of the Eagle Hotel who is said to guard things in the basement. Mrs. Hops brought slaves from Virginia and hid them in the basement. She is said to still guard them in her afterlife. 

The Ghost of the Town Guide, Francis

Another ghost said to haunt the Hotel Bethlehem is the ghost of Francis “Daddy” Thomas, who was the Bethlehem’s Town Guide for many years. He was born in Wuttemburg, Germany, but moved to the Colonies when he was 6 years old. As many others in the area, he was very much influenced by the Moravian Bishop Spangenberg. He was known as a fearless man, working as a courier, not even almost deaths could stop him from doing his job. 

After many years on the horseback, he settled down as a cabinetmaker and town guide, marrying Anna Graeff. After he died on April 4th in 1822 at the age of 90, it is believed he is the one haunting the hotel, especially being seen around the Boiler Room of the hotel. 

Mrs. Bring – a ghost without socks

In 1833, the Eagle Hotel as it was known at the time, was still owned by the Moravian Church. They had employed Mr. and Mrs Bong, but had no idea of what kind of people they were. Mr. Bong was an alcoholic who never said no when a guest offered a drink. Many times the bartender had to move him to a nearby bench when he was too drunk. 

Mrs. Bong was apparently good at her job as a host, but too much of a rebel for a church owned establishment. She would often show up not wearing shoes or stockings, shocking guests and the rest of the staff. 

They were fired after six months, but to this day, kitchen staff and dinner guests claim to see a woman in period clothing, not wearing shoes or socks, most often seen around the kitchen or restaurant area of the Hotel Bethlehem.

Paranormal Activity in Room 932

Inside Room 932, there have been many strange stories that have no name or story attached to it. A couple staying there were awakened by a man in front of their bed. “Why are you in my room?” he asked, but as soon as they turned on the light, he was gone. 

There have also been stories about guests seeing a reflection in the mirror that isn’t them, lamps start flashing and paper on the desk comes flying off. One time a guest reported opening the bathroom and saw an entirely different bathroom. There are many pictures from guests where people say orbs appear and is today the most requested room in the Hotel Bethlehem.

The Haunted Hotel Bethlehem

For those brave enough to spend a night at Hotel Bethlehem, the possibility of encountering the ghost of May Yohe, Mrs. Bong without socks or experiencing something strange in Room 932, adds an extra layer of allure to this historic establishment. Whether you believe in ghosts or simply enjoy a good story, the legend of Bethlehem Hotel is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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References:

Who’s Haunting the Historic Hotel Bethlehem? 

Haunted Hotel Bethlehem – Ghosts of Gettysburg 

This 278-Year-Old Hotel Is One Of The Most Haunted Places In Pennsylvania… And You Can Spend The Night 

Haunted Hotels in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 

PAranormal (and True Crime) — Hotel Bethlehem This historically haunted hotel in… 

May Yohé – Wikipedia 

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The Crescent Hotel Dark and Haunting Stories

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The Crescent Hotel in Arkansas started and ended the 20th century as a luxury hotel among the many healing springs it is known for. In between it was also known as a notorious experimental cancer hospital, women’s college and an abandoned building. This has created a multitude of ghost legends. 

A beautiful spring day in the Ozark Mountains, a couple was trying to check into Room 221 at the old and historic Crescent Hotel. They walk out the elevator on the second floor and are greeted by a man wearing an all black Victorian style outfit. He asks if they need any help finding the room and they follow him, believing him to be an employee in uniform. He leads them to their room and unlocks the door, standing outside smiling, tilting his head from side to side. When they entered, they remembered they hadn’t tipped him and turned around, but he had disappeared. 

Thinking nothing more of this, they spent the rest of the day in the room, only leaving for dinner in the evening. But when they tried to reenter the room in the evening, their card didn’t work. When they asked about it at the front desk, they told them they had gotten the wrong card, as it was for Room 321. Confused, they told about the employee that had helped them. The front desk told them, perhaps knowing full well what had happened: “We don’t have a staff member like that working here”.

A Cure for Wellness at Crescent Hotel

Near the edge of the Ozark National Forest in northern Arkansas mountain region, the Crescent Hotel used to be famous for its healing springs around the city, now it is notorious for its eerie atmosphere and extensive ghost stories that it has accumulated over the years. 

The Native Americans had known about these springs for ages and when bottled water from the springs sold well in the 1800s, people started to flock to the place and by 1881 it was the fourth largest city in Arkansas and a hotel was needed to accommodate the people. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

Since its grand opening in 1886 with all the famous people of the time, this historic hotel has been a hotbed of paranormal activity, earning its reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in the United States within many of the 78 rooms. 

A Haunted Christmas Eve Like No Other

Among its myriad spectral tales, one particular story from Christmastime continues to mystify and intrigue visitors to this day.

It was during one particularly festive Christmas season when an unusual event unfolded within the grand confines of the Crescent Hotel. Guests had gathered to marvel at the beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the hotel’s opulent dining room, adorned with sparkling ornaments and surrounded by an array of carefully wrapped gifts. The tree stood as a beacon of holiday cheer, its lights casting a warm glow over the historic hall. The room known as The Crystal Dining was closed off during the night. 

However, the serene holiday setting was soon disrupted by a perplexing occurrence. One morning, guests and staff were astounded to discover that the entire Christmas tree, along with all its packages, had been inexplicably moved to the opposite side of the room. The initial reaction was one of confusion and disbelief. Who could have orchestrated such a prank without leaving any trace of their actions?

The next morning again, the tree and packages had moved again with the chairs circling it like a new holiday symbol they were facing. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories set during the Christmas season

As the guests pondered this mysterious relocation, whispers began to spread about sightings of ghostly figures. Several visitors reported seeing apparitions dressed in elegant Victorian attire wandering through the dining room. These spectral figures, seemingly from a bygone era, appeared to be in high spirits, as if engaged in their own Yuletide celebration. Witnesses described the phantoms as playful, with a mischievous gleam in their ghostly eyes, and it was believed that they were responsible for the eerie rearrangement of the room.

The following day, as the Crescent Hotel staff arrived to restore order, they found that everything had mysteriously returned to its original position. The tree and the gifts were once again exactly where they had been before the supernatural intervention. It was as if the ghostly revelers had finished their fun and tidied up before vanishing into the ether.

Year Round Haunting in the Crystal Dining Room

But it wasn’t only this one Christmas day that the Dining room felt like someone was haunting it as dancing and festive people in Victorian clothing can be spotted year round, the golden era of the Crescent Hotel. It is especially here in the room known as the Crystal Dining Room that a lot of the ghost stories come from. Employees could return in the morning and find the menus scattered throughout the room with everything else in place, well knowing that no one else had been inside it. 

A story often circulating comes from a waitress that worked in the Crystal Dining Room. Once, as she was tidying plates, taking orders and bringing food, the waitress caught her own reflection in a mirror between the dining room and the kitchen. Looking back was a man and woman wearing Victorian clothing, facing each other like for a wedding. As the groom caught her gaze, they both disappeared. The waitress quit her job right after. 

Another thing often seen and heard in the room is when a man wearing Victorian clothing again sits at a table by the windows alone. When asked what he’s doing by the unsuspected staff, he answers: “I saw the most beautiful woman here last night and I am waiting for her to return.”

Many of the stories we know of are told by the cook of the Crescent Hotel, Steve Garrison was just slicing up vegetables in the kitchen of the dining room when he saw a little boy. The little boy was weaning old fashioned clothes and knickers skipping around in the kitchen. Another morning as he was turning on the lights all of the pots and pans flew off the hooks and onto the floor. Garrison also would like to point out that he never drinks at all.

The Many Ghosts of The Crescent Hotel

The ghosts of the Crescent Hotel are numerous and varied, like Clifton “Brecki”, the 4 year old child of Richard and Mary Breckenridge Thompson who died in the hotel because of appendicitis, bouncing his ball throughout the Crescent Hotel, wanting to play with the children in the hotel. In the halls there is a waiter carrying butter, or Dr. John Freemont Ellis, who was the hotel’s in-house doctor in the late 19th century with his cherry tobacco smelling close to his office, now turned into room 212. 

In many of the rooms, guests experience strange things as they stay there. A couple said they had been sleeping only with the sheet. The husband woke up and found the comforter having been tucked over them. This happened three more times that night. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the Haunted Hotels around the world

There are also ghosts and things that happen that people seem unable to explain that have no names or history. Each spirit carries a story, adding to the tapestry of paranormal phenomena that envelops the hotel. Let’s have a closer look at some of them:

Morris the Cat Haunting the Crescent Hotel

Many of the ghosts are said to be old ghosts from the Victorian era to pre war times. One of the youngest ghosts though is said to not be a human though, but a ginger tabby cat. Morris, the cat known as the Hotel General Manager for 21 years, was beloved by guests and staff alike. There have been many cats at the hotel, but no one as famous as Morris who came in 1973. When he died over 300 attended his funeral when he was buried on the property. 

Today his picture is in the Crescent Hotel lobby and on the east lawn his headstone can be seen. But it is also said that his ghost can be seen and heard sneaking around the hotel and many guests have reported about a feeling of something feeling like a cat rubbing up against their leg.

Micheal’s Ghost in Room 218

When they built the Crescent Hotel, they brought many stonemasons from Ireland when they started construction in 1884. One of these was a 17-year old, that at least today goes by as Micheal. 

There is also said to be an Irish stone mason who fell to his death in the 1880s when they were building the hotel. He was said to have been attractive and flirtatious and died when he tried to get a woman’s attention allegedly. This is also said to have lasted in his afterlife and he is known for tapping women’s shoulders and even pulling back their shower curtain. 

Where he died is now room 218 and it is said it is one of the most paranormal active rooms at the Crescent Hotel. It is said the red-haired ghost is the most spotted one and the staff simply refer to the well known entity haunting the place as Michael today. 

Guests that have stayed at the place claim to have seen hands coming out of the bathroom mirror, and the screaming of a man in the ceiling falling. The lights and TV go on and off, the door is opening and closing, sometimes even being difficult to even open again. 

Guests sleeping say they have been shaken awake, felt dizzy and nauseated staying in the room or even just passing by, and there is banging on the walls. Once, a guest ran screaming out from the room, claiming to have seen blood splatter all over the walls. 

Crescent College and the Screaming Student

The Crescent Hotel’s haunted reputation is rooted in a history fraught with tragedy and intrigue. Built in 1886 as a luxury resort for the affluent that enjoyed the healing waters in the day, and the elaborate parties in the evening, it later served various roles, including as a girl’s college and a hospital. When some of the tourism to the healing springs dried up at the turn of the century, they made it into The Crescent College and Conservatory for Young Money in the off season to bring in money in 1908 to 1924.

From the time as a college student, people claim to see a young woman that is haunting from the time. This is a bit vague story, but it is said she was a love-struck student and is said to have either jumped or pushed off the third or fourth floor balcony on the east side where she died. 

Those staying close to the balcony report hearing screams as someone is falling, seeing her fall or looking up to the balcony where a shadowy figure is looking back at them. 

The Crescent Hotel as the Baker Cancer Clinic

The most infamous chapter in its history occurred in the 1930s, when the Crescent Hotel closed down in 1934 when the Great Depression hit the tourism business in full. But there were still people in need of a cure for wellness, but this time, it was a cure for cancer that was offered.

In 1937 it was transformed into a cancer hospital by a charlatan named Norman Baker that is seen in the hotel lobby at times, wearing his signature lavender tie and purple shirt. Baker had a strange background as a vaudeville actor, inventor and was a self made millionaire, running a radio show in Iowa. He had already fled to Mexico from Iowa for a time after practicing without a medical license, but now he was back in America about to start his most horrifying adventure. 

He started to claim he had a cure for cancer through his radio show. All five test patients who took the elixir he had made for cancer ended up dead. It was an injectable with a combination of ground-up watermelon seeds, corn silk, clover, water, glycerin, peppermint, and traces of carbolic acid—which he called “Secret Formula Number 5.” 

Baker’s fraudulent treatments and the suffering of his patients are said to have left a lingering aura of despair and unrest.

The Experiments in the Basement and the Morgue

Dr Baker was examining cancer patients in the basement as he was charging their families off all their life savings, making millions of them. A lot of the hotel’s haunted stories come from this time.

At the time on the 3rd floor, they built an annex into the Crescent Hotel that has seen some strange phenomena in later times. Guests seem to have a physical reaction to it, feeling faint and some are even passing out for a moment. It is said to happen very infrequently, sometimes going months and years between each time it happens, sometimes it happens weekly. 

Especially in 2019, when archaeologists found hundreds of bottles of Baker’s “secret formula” and jars of bits and pieces he had surgically removed from patients. Dr. Baker wasn’t known to operate on patients though. According to those working there, it looks like something has stirred up some of the paranormal energy that has been lingering and they claim that sightings of ghosts and strange occurrences have become more frequent. 

How many died is uncertain, although it is certain he didn’t cure anyone. As many as hundreds of patients died during the time under his care. It wasn’t necessarily the cure that killed them, but it definitely happened because they didn’t do any other treatments. When they did die, Baker would write letters to their families and pretend the patient was still alive. 

When they used the old switchboard they used to receive phone calls from the empty basement where the patients agreed to pay for his services. It is also in this basement the ghost of Dr. Baker also has been seen. 

Next to the morgue area is the laundry room and a maintenance man saw once all the washers and dryers turn on in the middle of the night. The laundry room still has his autopsy table and walk-in-freezer. 

The sound of a gurney being pushed by a nurse wearing all white in what was known as the doctors morgue area in the basement is heard, its squeaking wheels and rattling echoing down the hall. It is only said to happen at 11 in the evening as this is when they used to move the deceased out of the hospital so they could do it discreetly without any of the other patients knowing. The apparition vanishes as soon as they reach the end of the hallway.

The hospital was shut down after a few years though, and he spent a couple of years in prison from 1941 to 1945 before being released. He then lived very comfortably in Florida until he died himself, from cancer in 1958. 

The Woman Haunting in Room 3500

One of the rooms that are said to be haunted from this area is the Room 3500 where guests have reported about a lady seemingly wearing what looks like a Victorian nightgown. Today it is one of the hotel’s luxury suites, but back then, it used to be the servants quarter before it was turned into a hospice area for the critically ill cancer patients. 

It is said that she is only standing at the foot of your bed and stares at you. Many claim that there are only women that can see her, and if a man is in the room with a woman, he is unaware of her presence. 

Theodora’s Room at 419

In room 419, the housekeepers keep seeing the ghost they call Theodora who is constantly seen fumbling with her keys. She introduces herself to them as a cancer patient and vanishes after her greeting. 

Those who meet her describe her as a prim and proper older lady. The housekeepers also sometimes happen to find the room tidied up by her before having time to do it themselves, but allegedly only if she enjoys the guests company. She has even been said to have packed the guests’ luggage. 

What is the Cause of the Haunting

What makes this particular Crescent Hotel more haunted than others? Over 35 000 Paranormal investigators come by almost every year to find out, but there is no conclusive evidence. So much has been discussed though they even have two weekends “Eureka Springs Paranormal Weekend” to discuss their findings. 

The Crescent Hotel certainly has many people passing by and even passing on, and some of its history, like the part of Dr. Baker, is so awful that it almost makes sense to be haunted. 

Some point to it being built in limestone that has a particular ability to absorb and release certain electromagnetic and psychic energies. Both the 18 inch thick walls as well as the very hilltop the hotel is built on is of limestone. There are many examples of this, although plenty of brick and wooden houses that are also said to be haunted. 

Some point to the mediums that have come and done a reading of the Crescent Hotel. They claim that the hotel acts like a portal to the other side, most likely because of Dr. Baker’s play with life and death. 

In the end, who can really tell. The Crescent Hotel remains a captivating destination for those intrigued by the paranormal. 

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References:

Sleeping in the morgue of Eureka Springs’ Crescent Hotel, one of the most haunted places in the U.S. – Roadtrippers 

History of the Crescent Hotel Cats 

https://eu.news-leader.com/story/life/2016/10/14/relive-haunted-history-ghostly-grounds-crescent-hotel/91865592

Ghost Stories – 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa

Ghostly Happenings at the Crescent Hotel 

https://eu.news-leader.com/story/life/2016/10/14/relive-haunted-history-ghostly-grounds-crescent-hotel/91865592

The Haunted Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs – Legends of America 

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The Hitchhiking Ghost at Everett Road Covered Bridge in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

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Along the old bridge crossing the stream in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Everett Road Covered Bridge is said to be haunted by the ghost trying to catch a ride, often connected to a tragic tale that happened years ago.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park stands as a haven of rolling hills, bucolic farmland, and scenic historic structures along the Cuyahoga River that used to be so polluted it caught fire a couple of times in the past. 

The park between Cleveland and Akron in Ohio, offers a lush and diverse landscape that stands in stark contrast to the surrounding urban areas. Visitors can explore more than 125 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Towpath Trail, which follows the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal. The park is home to Brandywine Falls, a stunning 65-foot waterfall, and the Beaver Marsh, a vibrant wetland teeming with wildlife. Cuyahoga Valley also preserves numerous cultural and historical sites, such as the 19th-century buildings in the village of Peninsula and the scenic Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which offers a nostalgic journey through the heart of the park. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

While it may not boast the fame of some other national parks, with a staggering 2.2 million visitors annually, it conceals stories that transcend the ordinary – tales of specters and hauntings that linger within its scenic expanse.

Everett Road Covered Bridge: The red bridge, a rebuilding of what used to be there is said to be haunted by a hitchhiking ghost. Who could this ghost be? Someone who died crossing it, or something older, even before the Everett Road Covered Bridge was built?

The Everett Road Covered Bridge

One of the park’s eerie focal points is the Everett Road Covered Bridge over the Furnace Run stream, the last vestige of covered bridges in Summit County, Ohio. Steeped in history, this bridge holds a mysterious tale that intertwines tragedy and the supernatural as rumor has it that it is haunted. 

According to local lore, on a chilling winter night in 1877, a farmer named John Gilson and his wife embarked on their journey home from a holiday party with some friends. Usually they crossed another place of Furnace Run, but the rising water and ice blocked where they usually crossed.

As their sled wagon traversed the Everett Road Bridge, tragedy struck – one of the horses stumbled, sending them both, including the Gilsons, into the icy river below. Mrs. Gilson miraculously survived, but her husband did not.

However, historical discrepancies challenge this narrative, as records suggest the bridge did not exist at the time of Mr. Gilson’s purported demise, although the road was built in 1856 already. Some say that the incident is what sparked the construction of the bridge, connected to the United States Centennial in 1876. 

An alternative story suggests that the Everett Road Covered Bridge was constructed over a Native American burial mound, as some road construction workers claimed to have found, adding an extra layer of mystique to its already enigmatic history that no one really knows how or when it started.

The Ghost Haunting the Park

Regardless of the tale, an unsettling presence has left its mark on the Everett Road Covered Bridge – a ghostly hitchhiker, perpetually wandering in the hopes of catching a ride with an unsuspecting driver between the supposed burial ground and the wooden bridge. It is unknown when the rumors started to spread, but in the end, the tale sounds alot like the ghost story of the vanishing hitchhiker.

Is it the lingering spirit of Mr. Gilson, yearning to find his way back home? Or perhaps, a restless Native American soul of the Hopewell culture native to Ohio as far back as over a millennia, seeking its final resting place? 

Cuyahoga Valley National Park: One of the trail you can hike in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It is said that they are haunted by a spirit wanting to catch a ride.

People claim to have heard disembodied voices in the night, pleading for help as if they are in dire danger. Paranormal researchers make the claim of seeing orbs and mysterious fogs when seeking the ghosts.

The mysteries shrouding the Everett Road Covered Bridge invite brave souls to venture forth, to traverse the haunted span and uncover the secrets whispered by the winds that dance through the timeworn timbers. The original bridge was washed away in a spring flood in 1975, and another built close by years later. The Haunting is said to remain the same. 

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References:

12 Haunted National Parks | Shaka Guide 

Everett Road covered bridge’s haunted history | Ohio, The Heart of It All

Everett Covered Bridge – Cuyahoga Valley

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The Haunting Tale of the Starving Charlie Mott on Isle Royale

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Isle Royale in the Great Lakes in Michigan was once a wilderness frontier. A man named Charlie Mott once tried to tame the winter wild and died for it. Today, he is said to haunt the island, locking for food as he died from starvation one winter night. 

In the icy embrace of Lake Superior’s northwestern expanse, Isle Royale in the Great Lakes in Michigan stands as a testament to both the rugged beauty of nature and the haunting whispers of its storied past, being the fourth biggest lake island in the world close to the Canadian border.

Designated as an island National Park in 1940, this remote outpost off the shores of Michigan has been a home to humanity for millennia, harboring tales as ancient as the land itself.The Isle Royale National Park consists of the island itself among 400 small adjacent islands in Lake Superior. 

Isle Royale: Photo taken in August 2001 on Isle Royale. It shows the beach at the camping area at Huginnin Cove on the North-West edge of the Island. It is said to be haunted by Charlie Mott, a man who starved to death on the island.

The island is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including dense forests, sparkling inland lakes, and rocky shorelines. It’s also famous for its thriving populations of moose and wolves, which have been the subjects of long-term ecological studies. With over 165 miles of hiking trails, visitors can explore scenic ridges, ancient copper mining sites, and serene campsites. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

Among the legends that echo through the island’s dense forests and rocky shores, the spectral presence of Charlie Mott emerges as a chilling reminder of the island’s harsh winters and the unforgiving forces of nature. In the annals of Isle Royale’s ghost stories, the saga of Charlie Mott unfolds like a spectral tapestry, weaving tragedy, survival, and the lingering shadows of a bygone era.

Charlie Mott and Angelique on Isle Royale

The year was 1845 when Charlie Mott, a determined copper prospector, set foot on Isle Royale with his 17 year old wife, Angelique, an Ojibwe woman native to the Great Lake regions. He was hired to get a grip on the island’s copper deposits that they wanted to put a mine on. Lake Superior was an unsettled frontier at that time, and only the Fort Wilkins and Sault Sainte Marie in the Keweenaw Peninsula were settled at that time. Even the natives didn’t set up permanent camp there, and it was mainly used for summer hunting grounds for thousands of years.

Their aspirations echoed the dreams of many who sought fortune in the untamed wilderness. The couple’s fate, however, took a grim turn as they became reliant on the intermittent visits of supply ships for their sustenance. Winter’s icy grip on the waters between Isle Royale and the Canadian province of Ontario left the prospectors stranded without vital supplies as the ship never returned.

In the start they had their canoe to fish from, but a summer storm destroyed it and their fishing net fell apart from overuse. 

As the harsh winter months unfurled, the specter of starvation cast its long shadow over Charlie and Angelique Mott with only a half barrel of flour, six pounds of butter and some beans. 

Stranded on Isle Royale: Left to their own, the married couple were left for a year without any supplies. Charlie Mott is said to be haunting the island to this day after he starved to death.

Deprived of the lifeblood of supply ships, their dreams of prosperity turned into a desperate struggle for survival. Angelique told that in a fit of fever, Charlie Mott had pointed a knife at her, calling her a sheep and said he would kill and eat her. He didn’t though, and eventually died of hunger. 

Angelique survived the winter, and being raised in the Anishinaabe culture, had learned a few things to survive in the wild. When Charlie died, Angelique was forced to leave the body in the cabin and created a brush shelter for herself to live in. She lived of bark, berries and trapping rabbits in a snare fashioned with her own hair.

In May, the ship returned. The people claimed that they had sent the ship, but didn’t know what happened. Other people told her that the ship was never sent. 

In any case, she lived to tell the tale, and she lived for another 30 years. Her husband might have the ghost story, but she had the story of survival.The story was made into a movie in 2018 called Angelique’s Isle

Isle Royale: Together with her husband, Charlie Mott, Angelique survived an entire winter on the barren Isle Royale by herself. She survived and got off the island, her husband is said to still linger and haunt it.

The Haunted Isle Royale Today

To this day, the island is still preserving some of its wilderness, having no roads on the island, accessed only by private boat, seaplane or commercial ferries. 

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Visitors to Isle Royale report sightings of a ghastly figure of Charlie Mott prowling the wilderness alone—a spectral prospector forever condemned to wander the rugged terrain. The apparition of Charlie Mott serves as a haunting reminder of the island’s untamed wilderness, where the boundary between life and the afterlife blurs amidst the ancient pines and rocky cliffs.

People claim that his ghost is wandering the woods of the island, looking for food, eternally starving as he died, only leaving his wife to live and tell the tale.

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References:

Hauntings on Isle Royale – Cascade Vacation Rentals

Isle Royale – Wikipedia

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The 1956 Grand Canyon Mid-Air Collision: The Ghosts of Crash Canyon

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After two planes crashed mid-air over the Grand Canyon, people believe that the site of the tragedy, often called the Crash Canyon, is haunted by the ghost of those who perished there in The 1956 Grand Canyon Mid-Air Collision. 

The Grand Canyon, a natural wonder known for its breathtaking beauty and awe-inspiring vistas, harbors a darker, more tragic history in a place known as Crash Canyon. 

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This site is a solemn reminder of one of the deadliest aviation disasters in history, leading to a catastrophic crash that claimed the lives of all 128 people on board. The site of The 1956 Grand Canyon Mid-Air Collision is forbidden for people to visit, although there are those who have trespassed and come back with some haunting stories. 

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 1956 Grand Canyon Mid-Air Collision: A Tragic Tale in Aviation History

On June 30, 1956, the skies above the Grand Canyon were shattered by one of the most devastating air disasters in U.S. history. Two commercial airliners—United Airlines Flight 718 and Trans World Airlines (TWA) Flight 2—collided in mid-air, resulting in the tragic loss of all 128 passengers and crew members aboard both planes. This catastrophe not only marked a significant moment in aviation history but also led to sweeping changes in air traffic control and flight safety regulations.

Mid-Air Crash: Artistic illustration of how The 1956 Grand Canyon Mid-Air Collision happened. The incident left none alive and the passengers are believed to haunt the area known as Crash Canyon in the Grand Canyon National Park.

The collision occurred as both aircraft, a United Airlines Douglas DC-7 and a TWA Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation, were flying under visual flight rules in uncontrolled airspace. At that time, pilots had considerable discretion to navigate around weather and obstacles, often leading to crowded and unpredictable flight paths. On that fateful day, the two planes were maneuvering around a large cumulus cloud near the Grand Canyon, with both pilots unable to see the other until it was too late.

Read Also: Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 Disaster and Ghosts and The Haunting Tale of the Crashed Pilot by Wawona Hotel

The impact was devastating. One aircraft struck the wall of Chuar Butte, while the other plummeted upside down into Temple Butte. The remote and rugged terrain made the recovery operation extremely difficult, even though they called in Special Swiss Mountain rescue. 

Crash Canyon: Crash Site of The 1956 Grand Canyon Mid-Air Collision in the Grand Canyon

Of all the 128 dead on board the plane, only a few body fragments of the passengers from the DC-7 were found, and only thirty bodies from the Constellation were found. Three were identified and a mass funeral was held on the South Rim, just west of the Yavapai Overlook, to honor those who perished. Twenty-nine unidentified victims of the United flight were interred in four coffins at the Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery. Sixty-six of the seventy TWA passengers and crew are buried in a mass grave at Citizens Cemetery in Flagstaff, Arizona. Even to this day, pieces of the aircrafts can be found around the crash site.

The aftermath of the collision sparked public outrage and led to intense scrutiny of the existing air traffic control system. The disaster underscored the urgent need for better coordination and communication between aircraft in flight. In response, the federal government took decisive action, leading to the establishment of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 1958. This new agency was tasked with overseeing all aspects of civil aviation, including the development of a more sophisticated air traffic control system that could prevent such tragedies in the future.

The Haunting of Crash Canyon

Today, the memory of the 1956 Grand Canyon mid-air collision remains a somber reminder of the risks of early aviation and the importance of continuous improvement in flight safety. But there are also tales about strange things happening around the crash site, making people think it is haunted.  

Rangers, hikers, and other visitors to the Grand Canyon often report eerie sightings and unexplained phenomena near the crash sites, including ghostly apparitions and mysterious lights. These tales add a haunting dimension to the already dramatic landscape of the Grand Canyon, forever linking the natural wonder with the echoes of a tragic past.

Ghostly Sightings and Paranormal Activity

Witnesses claim to have seen spectral figures walking along the canyon’s edges and among the wreckage sites. These ghostly apparitions are often described as passengers dressed in mid-20th century attire, aimlessly wandering as if still searching for a way home. The sight of these forlorn spirits is said to evoke a profound sense of sorrow and unease among those who encounter them.

In addition to the ghostly figures, eerie lights have been spotted moving mysteriously through the canyon at night. These orbs of light, often seen hovering above the crash sites, are believed to be manifestations of the restless souls of the crash victims. The lights flicker and dance in the darkness, casting an otherworldly glow over the desolate landscape

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References:

1956 Grand Canyon mid-air collision – Wikipedia 

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

Hopi mythology – Wikipedia 

Ghosts of the Grand Canyon: Personal Encounters that Will Have You on the Edge

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The Headless Bride of Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone

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Within the rustic embrace of the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park, a haunting tale unfurls—a tragic narrative of love, rebellion, and a spectral bride forever bound to the halls of this historic lodge.

Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, spans across three states—Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Renowned for its stunning geothermal features, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser, Yellowstone encompasses a diverse landscape of majestic mountains, expansive forests, and picturesque lakes. 

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The park is home to an array of wildlife, such as grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk, offering visitors a rare glimpse into unspoiled natural habitats. With over 2 million acres of breathtaking wilderness, Yellowstone is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring its unique geological wonders. If we are to believe the stories, there are also ghosts haunting the park, with one story being more famous than the others of the ghost of the decapitated bride at the Old Faithful Inn.

The Old Faithful Inn and its Ghost

The story begins with the rebellious daughter of a wealthy shipping magnate from New York, who defied her family’s wishes and married an older servant. Many also said she was a modern woman who rejected an arranged marriage from a young man from a “better” family. When it was difficult to say, in some versions they say it was in 1915. 

Her father tried for a long time to convince her he was only a gold digger, but she refused to listen. In a bittersweet compromise, the father reluctantly granted a dowry for his daughter’s union, and the newlyweds embarked on their honeymoon to the heart of Yellowstone. In some version this compromise was done with her having to give up her family, her inheritance and had to leave New York. Perhaps he hoped this would scare away the man, but the wedding was held and they left for Yellowstone.

Their chosen abode was the Old Faithful Inn, a grand testament to rustic architecture nestled amid the park’s pristine wilderness built in 1903. The hotel was one of the first park lodges in the American west and one of the few still standing. The hotel is still in operation overlooking the Old Faithful Geyser Basin. 

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However, the idyllic honeymoon took a dark turn when a violent argument erupted between the newlywed couple within the confines of their room. Many say that it was room 127. It was said he was gambling their money away and they argued all the time. This night was the worst thus far though. After a mere month of honeymooning they had run out of money, and her father refused to help them with more. After everything that could kill you in the park—bears, forest fires and avalanches, the most dangerous thing for the bride was the one she was sharing rooms with. 

The Ghost in the Crows Nest

One night the man stormed out and was never seen again. After a few days of silence from the rooms got the staff worried and they opened the door:

The aftermath of what went down revealed a gruesome scene—the bride was found decapitated in the tub, her head gruesomely separated from her body and missing.

The Crows Nest: The head is said to have been found in the Crows Nest where they used to have bands playing. Although the whole detailed story was said to have been a bluff, the staff claim to really have seen something looking like a ghostly bride descending from it. // Source: Wikimedia

As if the tragedy wasn’t harrowing enough, the lore deepens with the discovery of the bride’s severed head in the hotel’s crow’s nest where the band played. The once-celebratory space now harbors the ghostly echoes of a love gone awry, forever etched into the timeworn walls of Old Faithful Inn.

The Haunting of the Old Faithful Inn

Since that fateful night, guests and staff alike have reported chilling encounters with the spectral bride. A phantom figure, adorned in a wedding dress, descends the inn’s staircase with an eerie calmness, her disembodied head cradled under her arm. 

The Crows Nest was damaged in the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake and is now not allowed to visit for the guests. So if you see something up there, they really aren’t supposed to be there. 

The Hoax of the Park or a True Haunting?

George Bornemann used to be assistant manager of the inn in 1991. Closing a night in the winter, it was only him and another staff member at the hotel. When investigating the sound of running in the hallway, he saw her on the stairs. After many years he told the story again and added the details, year and room number. 

But then, was it true? George himself said in 1983 that he had made the whole thing up himself to make the hotel seem more spooky and mysterious. According to the story told by Leslie Quinn working in the park, he was chased down by a reporter, and made the whole thing up to get rid of him. Even though he told the reporter to make it to whatever year he wanted, the story stuck as true for a long time. 

But the thing is, he never said that the sound of running in the hallway was false, and still claims that part is true. He is also been rumored to have said to see doors open and close mysteriously. So then, could there really be a true haunting within the Old Faithful Inn?

Other Hauntings at the Old Faithful Hotel

There may be no truth to the tragic tale of the decapitated bride, but the other stories, could there be something about those? 

Another story told from the inn is about a woman that woke up in Room Number 2. She was scared, woke her husband and asked if he too could see the woman in Victorian clothing at the foot of their bed. 

And although the inn itself was built decades after the Victorian area, the hotel was built upon the site of the Fountain Hotel that was destroyed. 

The newer addition of the Inn, the West Wing is said to have been built over some unmarked graves as well. The park is riddled with people that have died, from falling into the springs, eating poisonous mushrooms and in child labor at the inn. So even though the details of the story of the headless bride is made up, could there really be something haunting the Old Faithful Inn?

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References:

GHOST STORIES GIVE OLD FAITHFUL INN A HAUNTING REPUTATION – Deseret News 

Old Faithful Inn – Haunted Houses 

Haunted Yellowstone | Ghosts of Old Faithful Inn 

https://www.usparklodging.com/yellowstone/old_faithful_inn.php?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwkJm0BhBxEiwAwT1AXO3mvV_n1mnDiaR_2r1884Vq9gEZdPgZuwKVivw0cFQA6OP4-xgDOxoCcZ0QAvD_BwE

Ghost Stories from Yellowstone National Park 

Headless Bride Ghost of Old Faithful Inn 

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The Ghostly Presence at El Tovar Hotel in the Grand Canyon

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On the southern rim of the Grand Canyon, the El Tovar Hotel is right on the edge. There are many haunted rumors about the hotel, many claiming that the founder of the hotel, Fred Harvey as well as some of those working there must linger as ghosts. 

On the edge of the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon South Rim stands the historic El Tovar Hotel, a timeless gem that not only boasts breathtaking views but also carries with it the whispers of a spectral past. The tale that lingers within its halls tells of a distinguished visitor, none other than Fred Harvey, the visionary founder of the Harvey Company and the mastermind behind the hotel’s elegant design.

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Perched majestically on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the El Tovar Hotel is a testament to early 20th-century elegance and a beacon of historic charm. Opened in 1905, this luxurious hotel was designed to provide an opulent retreat for travelers exploring the natural wonder of the Grand Canyon. Its rustic architecture, inspired by European hunting lodges, blends seamlessly with the rugged landscape. Over the years, El Tovar has hosted numerous dignitaries, celebrities, and adventurers, making it an integral part of the canyon’s rich history. Guests are captivated by the panoramic views, the hotel’s storied past, and whispers of ghostly apparitions said to wander its hallways, adding a touch of intrigue to this iconic landmark.

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 Guest that Never Checked Out

Several years ago, an unsuspecting guest approached the front desk in search of a holiday celebration. “Where is the holiday party?” inquired the puzzled guest, their anticipation evident. The front desk clerk, equally perplexed, responded with genuine confusion, unaware of any festive gathering. The guest insisted, recounting an encounter with an employee in the hallway who had extended a gracious invitation to a grand holiday ball, adorned in fashion reminiscent of the early 1900s.

“I’m sorry,” the clerk admitted, “There is no holiday party, nor is there a gentleman dressed in period clothes working here.” The mystery deepened as the guest described the well-dressed man who bore a striking resemblance to none other than Fred Harvey himself. Could it be that he is haunting his hotel?

This encounter was not an isolated incident; it marked the beginning of a series of ghostly sightings that have left both guests and employees in awe. Mr. Harvey who died in 1901, four years before the hotel opened to the public, it seems, has not departed from the corridors of El Tovar. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from Haunted Hotels

Instead, he frequently graces the hallways, the third floor, perpetually adorned in the attire of a bygone era, wearing a very long coat and a prominent black hat, often observed gazing thoughtfully at the expansive beauty of the Grand Canyon from the front stairs of the hotel.

Fred Harvey: Born in England in 1835, he emigrated to the United States and eventually founded the Harvey House chain of restaurants, hotels, and dining cars along the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Harvey’s establishments set new standards for quality and service in a time when travel accommodations were notoriously poor. He is believed to still be haunting his hotel according to stories.

Legends of the El Tovar and the Ghost Residing there

There is also the legend about the hotel staff seeing a painting followed the guest with its eyes wherever they went. They also claimed to have seen a wandering ghost in front of the stairs before disappearing into thin air. 

There have also been watchmen working nights that have seen the body and left immediately, never returning to the job because of the paranormal fright they experience working the night shift. 

There has also been a female spirit, appearing to be from the 1930s as well as strange silhouettes seen by various guests and staff that have no way of explaining the strange things that seemingly happen in the hotel. 

The Haunted Hotel: El Tovar Hotel is believed to be haunted by more than one ghosts. Here from the front from around 1905 as it was when it opened.

On the premise it is a mysterious grave in the parking lot, only marked “Pirl A. Ward: 1879-1934.”. It is said to be a grave belonging to a Harvey girl, working at the hotel. This looks like it is just a rumor though as according to Find a Grave it is the grave of Mr. Ward, a construction worker at the hotel who stayed for many years and died when he was 55 years, and it is in fact a cenotaph, not a grave since no one is actually buried under it.

But who are these Harvey Girls and who could it be that are reported to haunt the strange grave?

The Harvey Girls Haunting the Hotel?

The Harvey Girls, renowned for their impeccable service and hospitality, played a pivotal role in the history of the El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon. Employed by the Fred Harvey Company at his chain of hotels, these young women were recruited from across the country and brought a touch of sophistication and professionalism to the rugged wilderness. Dressed in crisp uniforms of starched white aprons over black dresses, they provided top-notch service in the hotel’s dining room, serving travelers with grace and efficiency. 

The Harvey Girls: When talking about who is haunting the hotel, people often start talking about the Harvey Girls, working at the hotel. Pictured is the Grand Canyon Harvey Girls pose for a photo in uniform. Circa 1906.

They also had to adhere to strict rules about not getting married and the likes. Although perhaps a bit strict, it really served as a chance for young women to experience an adventure and travel. Could some of them be haunting the premise?

Some claim to have seen a figure in a black cape and veil over the face, standing by the grave or disappearing behind the Hopi House right by. Perhaps a relative of the one working there coming to grieve? Perhaps one of the Harvey Girls that ended her days working in the Grand Canyon?

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References:

Pirl A. Ward (1879-1934) – Find a Grave Memorial 

The Grand Haunted History of the Canyon’s El Tovar Hotel 

Grand Canyon Ghosts! ooohhh. Ready to go Ghost Hunting? 

12 Haunted National Parks | Shaka Guide

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The Haunting Legend of the ghost in the mudflats in Kenai Fjords National Park

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It is said that you can hear the desperate screams over the mudflats in Kenai Fjords National Park after a tragic accident where the tide took the life of a woman now believed to be haunting the place.

Kenai Fjords National Park, located in south-central Alaska, is a breathtaking expanse of rugged coastal beauty where ice meets ocean. Encompassing nearly 670,000 acres, the park is renowned for its stunning fjords, dramatic glaciers, and abundant marine wildlife. The Harding Icefield, one of the park’s most prominent features, spawns around 40 glaciers, including the tidewater glaciers that calve icebergs into the sea. 

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The untamed beauty of Alaska, Kenai Fjords National Park unfolds its haunting tales amid ghostly forests and the treacherous embrace of glacial silt. Among the unsettling urban legends that echo through this icy wilderness, a tragic incident from July 1988 casts a spectral shadow over the rugged landscapes.

Kenai Fjords National Park: The park is named for its numerous fjords, which are deep, glacially carved valleys filled with seawater. Visitors to Kenai Fjords can witness the awe-inspiring sight of tidewater glaciers calving into the ocean, creating thunderous splashes. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including humpback whales, sea otters, harbor seals, and a variety of seabirds.

The Tragic Death of Adeana Dickison

In the heart of the wilderness, where the elements hold dominion, newlyweds Adeana and Jay Dickison embarked on a fateful gold dredging expedition at the notorious Turnagain Arm mudflats on a July day in 1988. They lived in Eagle River and had only been married for a month. Jay had lived in alaska for several years and had a small portable dredge with him they were going to use to dredge for gold on his claim.

The once-promising adventure took a tragic turn when their ATV became ensnared in the unforgiving mud near Portage. When about a half mile out on the flats, the Jeep bogged down. Adeana jumped out to push on the Jeep and Jay got the Jeep out with out her help. Determined to free their vehicle, 18-year-old Adeana found herself trapped as the relentless tide crept ever closer.

The Turnagain Arm mudflats: located in the northern part of the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, are a mesmerizing yet perilous natural feature within the broader region encompassing Kenai Fjords National Park. These expansive mudflats, formed by the extreme tidal variations of Turnagain Arm, stretch along the shores of the scenic Seward Highway. At low tide, the mudflats appear deceptively solid but are actually composed of quicksand-like silt that can trap unwary visitors. The area is renowned for its dramatic tidal bores, where the incoming tide rushes in with a wave that travels up the narrow inlet.

As the cold waters rose, attempts to rescue Adeana were met with the cruel whims of the Alaskan wilderness. There was nothing the rescuers could do and they as well as her husband had to watch her drown before their eyes as she became cemented into the mud. 

They all worked furiously to free Adeana, but they could not, she was sinking deeper all the time. There were a lot experienced men there, but they could not get the girl out where even two helicopters arrived on the scene without the means to do anything but circling around, waiting.

The chilling tale recounts how the would-be saviors were forced to endure agonizing hours, waiting for the tide to recede sufficiently to reach the young woman’s lifeless form. It took six hours until she got out again.

The Haunting of the Mudflats

The haunting cries of a desperate man, the eerie echoes of an ATV stuck in the mud, and the ghostly gasps of a drowning maiden are said to linger along the edges of the same mudflats where tragedy struck.

Adeana Kay Scherer Dickison: 12 Aug 1969 to 15 Jul 1988 (aged 18). From Anchorage, Alaska, USA

Those who dare to tread upon the mudflats at Kenai Fjords National Park may find themselves enveloped in an otherworldly atmosphere, where the past merges with the present. 

The cries for help, frozen in time, weave a spectral tapestry that resonates with the haunting energies of the Alaskan wilderness. The young newlyweds were not the first ones to die, and many of those becoming trapped by the tide were never found either. It is said you can hear the cries for help at times in the dark, echoing through the Kenai Fjords National Park over the mudflats. 

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References:

The true history of Cook Inlet’s deadly mud flats – Anchorage Daily News 

Scary Stories from National Parks 

Rescuers try, but rising tide claims woman – Anchorage Daily News 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/83363890/adeana_kay-dickison

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Ship Harbor Trail and the Shipwrecked Ghosts

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It has long been said that there are ghosts haunting the Ship Harbor Trail on the Mount Desert Island in Maine from the victims from a shipwreck in the winter months that left few survivors. We will have a closer look as to why this is most likely wrong. 

There are not only ghost roaming the Southwest side of the Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park, but there is also a part of the park that are thought to be possible cursed after a shipwreck in 1739 with over 200 people, costing the life of most of the crew.

Ship Harbor Trail is today seen as a family friendly hike forming a figure-8 loop through thick spruce woods and rocky headland in the Maine park, but once it was a death sentence, especially during the winter months. 

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Along the Main coastline the unruly waters caused many lives and wrecked a lot of ships, and although we don’t really know why it is called Ship Harbor as it is a very misleading name in this story, it could be that it used to be place for small ships to seek shelter in the cove. Or it could be in reference to the very shipwreck the story is about. 

Ship Harbor Trail: The trail in Acadia National Park is said to be haunted by the ghosts of the passengers that got shipwrecked on the island. But how true is the story? // Source: Flickr

The Shipwrecked Grand Design

The most circulated story about the Ship Harbor Trail goes like this:

In 1739 there was a ship that wrecked and the surviving sailors sought refuge in the area now called Ship Harbor. The ship was an English vessel called Grand Design that was carrying Irish Immigrants to Pennsylvania that October month everything went wrong. 

They reached the mainland swimming through the frigid water, but saw the area was uninhabited. Their supplies ran low and food was scarce and sickness spread among the crew. Half of the original group perished because of this before finally a ship from the English settlement in Thomaston in Maine came and rescued the few survivors. 

The bodies of those that perished were buried in unmarked graves around the area, although exactly where? Who knows, although the hiking trails probably goes right over them. What happened to the ones seeking help remains a mystery, perhaps even a haunted one. 

Historical Inaccuracies of the Shipwreck

How much of this story is true though? It happened so far ago in such a remote area, and there is not much that we really know about it except from hearsay. Despite of this, the legend is retold in many haunted legends from the area. 

In 2008 a maritime study even put forth a theory and a debate among historians about whether or not the Grand Design disaster even happened in this area. This legend is based on the research of historian Cyrus Eaton. 

The Grand Design was actually the program of relocating Scots-Irish people prosecuted by the Church of England, luring them away from their land in hopes of a new place with religious freedom. 

One of the reasons there is not much written record about it is the war between England and France at the time, and to go discreetly, they sailed off record under the corrupt Captain Rowen. A man despite being the direct cause of so many deaths became the governor of North Carolina in 1758.

The Real Story of the Shipwrecked

Turns out though this story is mostly connected to the ship Martha & Eliza that wrecked at Grand Manan in the Bay of Fundy, today a part of New Brunswick in Canada. It was a 90 foot, two misted bark, often used to transport passengers and goods from Ireland to the colonies. It set out from Londonderry in Northern Ireland July in 1741, going to Newcastle in Pennsylvania. 

The ship had perhaps 200 paying passengers, a heavy overload for the ship, and four weeks into the journey, the ship caught caught up in a hurricane and drifted in the North Atlantic for weeks overcome with starvation, fever and death. 28th of October they drifted ashore on one of the islands around Grand Manan that has over 250 shipwrecks there according to local lore. 

Read More: There are plenty of stories of haunted ships. Have a look at our archive of tales of them around the world.

The captain and his crew left the passengers there and left to drink at Fort Frederick at Pemaquid. 35 of the men tried to get to the mainland in search of help, but never returned. 

The captain together with his crew returned a month later to loot the ship, and when the survivors asked for rescue, they only took 48 of them to Cushing where they stripped them for whatever possession they had as payment for their rescue. 

The people of Cushing, many of them Irish themselves welcomed them though and rescued the almost the rest of remaining wrecked in late December after one group complained to the Governor in Boston. 

Grand Manan Island: The real ship actually wrecked on one of the islands around Grand Manan in Canada.

The Native American Rescue on Holy Land

The last few dropped off another place on the island were found in April by the Native Americans, Passamaquoddy and arranged their rescue as they risked their own life crossing 100 miles on open boats. 

Among the last survivors were nine women as well as a mother and her infant child that had survived on shellfish and dulce. 

The island was sacred to them as they worshiped Dawn, the daughter of sea and sky deities. She had been chased by a pack of wolves and ran into the sea before transforming to the island where the shipwrecked spent the cold winter on. 

Perhaps it was this that made them rescue them instead of selling them to the French, believing that Dawn herself had protected the women through the winter. 

The Haunted Rumors on Ship Harbor Trail

Today the place is not so remote and it is said that as many as 300 to 400 hike the Ship Harbor Trail every day. Historical accuracy or not, the legends about the ghosts are still alive and well. Some of them claim to have seen or heard something that they reckon must be the ghost of the shipwrecked people that didn’t make it out alive. 

Read More: Check out ghost stories like Haunted Trails and Tales of Ballyboley Forest, The Ghost of Bicycle Larry on Old Narrow Gauge Volunteer Trail in Randolph Forest and The Evil Spirit Po-ho-no of Bridal Veil Falls in Yosemite National Park for alleged haunted trails. 

The ghost left behind by the rest of the crew is said to haunt the park and people hiking the trail claim to have heard ghostly howling, desperate, cold and hungry still.

But the question remains. If there were no shipwrecked that ended up on the island, what is it that people claim to see haunting the Ship Harbor Trail?

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References:

The Grand Design, a Shipwreck, Betrayal and Rescue by Indians 

Castlebay – The Grand Design 

“Grand Design” lured 18th century immigrants to a tragic end – The Working Waterfront Archives 

Acadia’s Ship Harbor ideal for hiking Maine coast year-round 

Acadia National Park – Ship Harbor Trail – Maine Trail Finder 

Hike Ship Harbor Trail (U.S. National Park Service) 

The Ship Harbor Nature Trail In Maine Said To Be Haunted By The Ghosts Of Those Who Perished Here

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Lucy of Roaring Fork: The Vanishing Hitchhiker of Smoky Mountains

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On the scenic route in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the ghost of Lucy of Roaring Fork is said to roam the road of Roaring Fork Motor Trail through the historic part of early settlers as a vanishing hitchhiker. 

On the outskirts of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail winds its way through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering a scenic journey by car through the remnants of early settlers’ homesteads of cabins, mills and historic buildings along the way. 

Named after the fast-moving mountain stream it parallels, the trail offers a captivating drive through lush forests, vibrant wildflower meadows, and historical log cabins that paint a picture of early Appalachian life. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely drive while making stops at various points of interest, including cascading waterfalls, like the popular Grotto Falls, and old-growth forests teeming with wildlife. 

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Amidst the beauty of this historic trail, a haunting legend unfolds – a tale that has earned Roaring Fork a reputation as one of the most haunted roads in America. At the center of this spectral narrative is the enigmatic figure known as Lucy of Roaring Fork.

Roaring Fork Motor Trail: In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park the Roaring Fork Motor Trail by Gatlinburg will take you through the historic parts of the mountains where the early settlers lived and the ghost of Lucy remained.

Lucy the Ghost of a Girl

But who is Lucy of Roaring Fork? There are many legends, but some say she was a young girl or woman who died when her family cabin burned down and is now haunting the surrounding roads and forest. Exactly when this was supposed to happen is uncertain, but it is mostly said to be around the turn of the century or early 1900s.  

Read More: Check out ghost stories from Haunted Roads

The story of Lucy of Roaring Fork is told as a vanishing hitchhiker story, an urban legend that spread in the latter part of the 20th century, but if there was any tales about her haunting the area before turning into an urban legend, is uncertain. 

The Cabin: In the story, Lucy died in a fire Roaring Fork Motor Trail is filled with little cabins as pictured along the way.

Lucy as the Vanishing Hitchhiker

As the legend goes, at the turn of the twentieth century, a young man, sometimes given the name Foster, traveled the trail on a chilly autumn evening. To his surprise, he encountered a young woman clad in rags, wandering barefoot through the ancient forest. Driven by kindness, he extended an offer to drive her home, a gesture she graciously accepted. After safely depositing the mysterious woman at her doorstep, the young man continued on his journey. Yet, the memory of the beautiful hitchhiker lingered, a ghost in his thoughts.

Unable to shake the enchantment, the man returned to her home the next day, seeking to reunite with the captivating Lucy. When he inquired about her with Lucy’s mother, he received a chilling revelation that sent shivers down his spine.

“I gave Lucy a ride home last night, and I would very much like to see her again,” the young man explained.

“That’s impossible!” exclaimed the mother. “Lucy passed away many years ago.”

The Tale of Lucy of Roaring Fork

The tale of Lucy, the vanishing hitchhiker, echoes through the decades, a classic tale heard many places in the world with its own local twists and lore being added to this phenomenon known as the vanishing hitchhiker. 

Read More: The Vanishing Hitchhiker

Lucy of Roaring Fork’s ghostly presence lingers, weaving through the mist-laden trees, eternally hoping for a journey home that transcends the realms of both the living and the departed.

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The Ghost of Lucy on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail