That time of year has come for traveling thrillers who seek spine-chilling, paranormal activities. The fall season is when spooky becomes “in” and curiosity rises. Haunted attractions open for business and many partake in a good scare. Beyond the holiday havoc of haunted attractions lies the true ghost hunters. A plethora of places throughout the U.S. are known with tales of torment and haunts. So what are the most haunted places to travel to in the United States? Let’s see if you’re brave enough to read them all.
THE LALAURIE MANSION | NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
Located in the french quarter of New Orleans, the Lalaurie Mansion is known for it’s decadent soirees hosted by Madame Marie Delphine LaLaurie, with ritz and glamor in the 19th century. Unbeknownst to the party guests lavished in champagne, two floors above them held deformed, deceased bodies of slaves.
Delphine LaLaurie infamously became the “slave killer” and was forced to flee to France– leaving behind the phantom screams of her victims. Although this is now a privately owned property and not open to tours, a few street tours make a stop to tell this story. Delphine LaLaurie’s story was even included in American Horror Story’s 3rd season “Coven”, played by Kathy Bates.
EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY | PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
In the city of brotherly love, just a couple of hours outside of New York City, Eastern State Penitentiary is an abandoned prison. Opening in 1829, Eastern State Penitentiary was the first prison in the United States to implement “solitary confinement” which is a highly debated form of punishment. In recent years, this prison was turned into a haunted attraction (Terror Behind the Walls) during the fall season. The haunted house attraction is known as one of the best in the country.
It’s said that the souls of inmates took back the prison once it became abandoned. Visitors claim to hear whispers and see abortions in former cells. You can even visit the cell of gangster Al Capone, where he had luxurious antiques to furnish his cell.
ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE | ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA
Tourists don’t visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida just for it’s marine museum and stunningly historic lighthouse. Paranormal activity is historically unexplainable here. “Haunted happenings” are a regular experience during the night tours, which attracts many tourists. Ghost hunters get when they came for when they visit the lighthouse, with stories of furniture moving on its own, figurines, and other whisperings.
MYRTLES PLANTATION | ST. FRANCISVILLE, LOUISIANA
Known as one of the most haunted places in America, Myrtle’s Plantation was built in 1796. It is said that the home was built on an indian burial ground with at least 12 ghosts haunting the site.
One of the most famous ghosts of this home goes by the name of Chloe, a former slave whose master chopped off her ear after eavesdropping. She now is known to be seen walking around with a turban to cover her ear. While the mansion was built with peaceful, stunning southern architecture, the property is nothing near peaceful. Since then, Chloe has been “photographed” in pictures included a 1992 post card, as well as behind tourists visiting the plantation.