Haunt Spots

October 30 2008 by Mike Mason

hauntspots.jpgThis time of year many people are looking for an extra bit of excitement (read terror) to go along with their Halloween festivities. This probably explains the continued rise of local haunted house attractions and the fact Saw V has arrived in theaters. I can appreciate that, though I am more into the cutesy, kid friendly side of Halloween. It is more my speed. But for those that like the real thing when it comes to Halloween, there seems to be a fair amount of haunted locations from San Francisco to West Virginia. Here are a few popular haunts (if you believe in that sort of thing) across the US:

West Virginia Penitentiary, Moundsville, West Virginia
Prisons are popular places for ghosts. It is somewhat ironic that even death won't let these people out. The West Virginia Penitentiary was a functioning prison from 1876 - 1995, so it has a long, and violent, history to draw from for various ghost stories. One such story involves a maintenance man that still roams the prison halls.

Legend has it that he would report on the various misdeeds of prisoners. A group of prisoners got together and did away with the maintenance man in return. Geez, he was just trying to do the right thing. The penitentiary is open to the public and even has ghost hunts for those that would like a chance at seeing it for themselves.

The Molly Brown House, Denver, Colorado
If the Titanic couldn't sink her, death wasn't going to either. Employees have reported numerous "entity" sightings over the years ranging from a male servant's reflection appearing in a mirror to piano keys playing by themselves and the smell of pungent cigar smoke (Mr. Brown was an avid smoker). Doesn't he know those things cause cancer? Tours are available.

Enjoy All Hallow's Eve Full Tea and Tourif you are visiting on October 31.

Maumee Bay Brewing Company, Toledo, Ohio
For starters, part of the Brewery is built upon an ancient Indian burial ground. Uh oh. The original owner of the building, "The Captain" has been said to roam the corridors and basement, along with other apparitions. Historic tours are available or just stop in for some refreshment.

Adams House, Deadwood, South Dakota
Deadwood has quite a history. Adding a good ghost story here and there just adds to the richness. You can join a spirit tour to get the details of the ghosts that haunt the Adams House.

St. Louis Cemetery, New Orleans, Louisiana
Founded in 1789, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 on Rampart Street is the oldest existing cemetery in the city. There you will find the purported tomb of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. It is believed if you knock three times on the front of her tomb, mark it with an "xxx", knock three more times, then leave an offering she will grant you a wish. Hey, that doesn't sound so bad. Haunted history walking tours through New Orleans are available. This is the best way to get all the gory details.

Alcatraz Prison, San Francisco, California
Apparently Alcatraz has a haunted side. I visited there and can safely report not seeing any convicts serving out an eternal sentence. Various reports from the staff over the years have included hearing voices and strange noises in certain areas of the prison such as the solitary section and the mental ward. A few years back a well-known psychic visited Alcatraz and made "contact" with a mafia hit man that was murdered while serving his sentence. She tried to set him free, but he decided to stay and keep serving his time. He must have felt very guilty.

Tell us of other spooky haunts? Leave a comment and let us know.

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