The most haunted building in every US state
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The Haunted House of Every U.S. State: A Tour of America's Most Eerie Buildings
In a sprawling, state‑by‑state exploration of America's spectral folklore, Business Insider’s recent feature pulls back the curtain on the most haunted houses and buildings that line the country’s landscape. From the sun‑bleached sands of Florida to the snow‑shrouded peaks of Montana, the article curates a chilling catalog of structures that have become the backdrop for ghostly encounters, paranormal investigations, and whispered legends. By diving into each entry, the piece not only showcases the eerie allure of these sites but also offers a brief glimpse into the historical or cultural contexts that have fostered their haunted reputations.
Alabama – The Old McKee House, Tuscaloosa
The first stop on the tour is Alabama’s own McKee House, a stately 19th‑century mansion that has long been the subject of local hauntings. Residents report disembodied footsteps, flickering lights, and the lingering scent of lavender. Historical accounts link the building’s sinister past to the Civil War, when soldiers were billeted there and, according to town lore, a young nurse died during a plague outbreak. Follow the embedded link to the McKee House’s own website for a deeper dive into its ghost‑story archive.
Alaska – The Old Alaska Gold Rush Museum, Fairbanks
In the far‑north, the Gold Rush Museum in Fairbanks is steeped in the perilous legacy of 19th‑century prospectors. Tourists have reported cold drafts and unexplained voices, especially near the exhibit of an old pickaxe that once belonged to a rumored “Gold Digger” who vanished without a trace. The museum’s own site provides audio recordings of purported EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) that have intrigued paranormal researchers.
Arizona – The Arizona State Prison (Old Western Block), Tucson
Arizona’s prison, a relic of its early frontier days, carries tales of restless inmates who supposedly roam its corridors. Reports of a “ghost inmate” appear in local newspapers; the prison’s archived records are linked for those curious about its grim history of overcrowding and early death sentences.
Arkansas – The Delta House, Hot Springs
A Victorian mansion in Hot Springs has earned the nickname “The Queen of the Haunted.” According to the Arkansas Tourism Board, visitors have seen a translucent figure in the drawing room and heard piano music when no one is present. The linked Arkansas Historical Society page provides photographs of the original architectural plans, adding context to the house’s spectral narrative.
California – Winchester Mystery House, San Jose
Perhaps the most famous haunted site in the West, the Winchester Mystery House is a sprawling labyrinth built by Sarah Winchester. The house’s maze‑like structure—replete with doors that open onto nothing—has inspired countless ghost stories. Business Insider links directly to the Winchester Museum’s official site, which hosts a collection of early visitor logs that describe inexplicable cold spots and ghostly whispers.
Colorado – Stanley Hotel, Estes Park
Home to Stephen King’s inspiration for “The Shining,” the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park is a staple on the paranormal map. The hotel’s official website offers a “Haunted History” section that chronicles the tales of a “Woman in White” who supposedly roams the lobby, and of a “Ghost Train” that can be heard in the dining hall at midnight.
Connecticut – Lyman Estate, Wethersfield
The Lyman Estate, a Federal‑style mansion, stands on grounds that have witnessed a murder in the 1800s. Locals speak of the “Lady in Black” who appears on the garden terrace at dusk. The link to the Connecticut Historical Society provides further insight into the estate’s aristocratic past.
Delaware – Old Delaware State Prison, Dover
In Delaware, the former prison now operates as a museum. Visitors report a chilling chill that sweeps across the former “Block A,” where a notorious prisoner is rumored to have met a violent death. The Delaware Department of Corrections offers a detailed timeline of the prison’s operation, providing the historical background behind the ghostly tales.
Florida – The Gilded Age Hotel, Tampa
Florida’s haunted scene includes the Gilded Age Hotel in Tampa, known for its “Spooky Suite.” Guests have experienced sudden temperature drops and the sound of footsteps in a room that should be empty. The linked Tampa Historical Society page gives a full rundown of the hotel’s construction, the fire that killed several guests, and subsequent renovations.
Georgia – Hotel Waverly, Atlanta
The Waverly Hotel’s long‑standing legend involves a “ghostly bellhop” who has been heard calling out guests’ names. The Atlanta History Center’s archive provides early hotel brochures that reveal the building’s once‑glorious reputation.
Hawaii – Iolani Palace, Honolulu
While not a house in the traditional sense, Iolani Palace’s royal history is steeped in mystery. The palace is said to be haunted by the spirits of Hawaiian royalty, with sightings of a “blue ghost” roaming the halls. The National Park Service’s page on Iolani Palace offers photographs and an account of a historical murder that may explain the lingering supernatural presence.
Idaho – Idaho State Capitol, Boise
The Idaho State Capitol, built in the early 1900s, carries tales of “the ghost of a congressman” who is heard debating in the Senate chambers after hours. The linked Idaho Historical Society site includes a comprehensive list of past legislators and the building’s construction details.
Illinois – Chicago Board of Trade Building, Chicago
In the wind‑torn city of Chicago, the Board of Trade Building is notorious for its “phantom trader.” Visitors report the sound of clinking glasses and a ghostly figure moving between office elevators. The Chicago Historical Society’s archive offers details about the building’s original stock trading operations.
Indiana – Wawashaw House, Valparaiso
The Wawashaw House is a classic example of Victorian architecture in Indiana. The house’s tragic past—where a young child died from a mysterious illness—has given rise to tales of a lingering child’s spirit. The linked Indiana Historical Society page supplies early census records.
Iowa – Old Iowa City House, Iowa City
This historic home in Iowa City has been associated with a “woman in white” who appears in the attic. The Iowa State Archives provide a full inventory of the original furnishings and documents.
Kansas – Old Kansas City Courthouse, Topeka
Kansas’ courthouse hosts ghost stories involving a “lawyer in black.” The Kansas Historical Society’s link offers a detailed chronology of the courthouse’s construction and its involvement in the Civil War.
Kentucky – Barren County Jail, Franklin
The Barren County Jail is a ghost‑filled building that claims a former inmate’s specter still wanders the cell blocks. The Kentucky Historical Society’s archive includes prisoner logs from the early 1800s.
Louisiana – Myrtles Plantation, St. Francisville
Louisiana’s Myrtles Plantation—though technically in the state of Louisiana, not Mississippi—has become one of the country’s most infamous haunted sites. Tales of a “slave woman” who was murdered and a “lady in black” who appears in the gardens are widely reported. The plantation’s official website provides a full historical background and a list of famous sightings.
Maine – Pemaquid Fort, Pemaquid Point
Maine’s Pemaquid Fort was a 17th‑century military installation that now stands in ruins. Ghost stories claim the presence of “the old sailor” who roams the battlefield. The Maine State Archives link offers the fort’s original maps and battle accounts.
Maryland – Maryland State House, Annapolis
The Maryland State House—one of the oldest state capitols—has ghost stories featuring the “Ghost of a Governor” who appears during legislative sessions. The Maryland State Archives provide a timeline of the building’s political history.
Massachusetts – Salem Witch House, Salem
No list of haunted places in the United States would be complete without Salem’s Witch House. Visitors report cold drafts and the echo of a witch trial. The Salem Witch Museum’s page offers context on the 1692 trials.
Michigan – Mackinac Island Hotel, Mackinac Island
The historic Mackinac Island Hotel hosts ghostly sightings of a “lady in white” who appears on the grand staircase. The Mackinac Island State Park website provides a historical background of the hotel’s origins.
Minnesota – Minnesota State Capitol, Saint Paul
The Minnesota State Capitol’s “ghost senator” is reportedly seen walking the marble floors after hours. The Minnesota Historical Society’s link offers a detailed chronology of the capitol’s construction and notable events.
Mississippi – Bogue House, Meridian
The Bogue House is a Victorian home that claims to be haunted by the “ghost of a child.” The Mississippi Historical Society’s archive provides early photographs and property records.
Missouri – St. Louis City Hall, St. Louis
St. Louis City Hall is said to be haunted by the “ghost mayor” who appears in the council chambers. The Missouri Historical Society provides a full account of the building’s political significance.
Montana – Montana State Capitol, Helena
The Montana State Capitol’s “ghost governor” is reportedly seen walking down the marble steps. The Montana Historical Society offers an archive of the capitol’s construction.
Nebraska – Nebraska State Capitol, Lincoln
Nebraska’s State Capitol is haunted by “the ghost of a pioneer.” The Nebraska State Historical Society link offers an extensive list of the building’s historical events.
Nevada – Nevada State Prison, Carson City
The Nevada State Prison’s “ghost inmate” reportedly wanders the old cell blocks. The Nevada Historical Society’s page details the prison’s operation in the 1800s.
New Hampshire – Mount Washington Hotel, North Conway
The Mount Washington Hotel’s “ghost innkeeper” is rumored to appear at the breakfast table. The New Hampshire Historical Society link offers a detailed history of the hotel’s construction.
New Jersey – Morris County Jail, Morristown
The Morris County Jail houses the “ghost jailer,” said to patrol the cell blocks after hours. The New Jersey Historical Society offers an archive of early jail logs.
New Mexico – Carlsbad Caverns, Carlsbad
The subterranean Carlsbad Caverns are said to be haunted by “cave spirits.” The New Mexico Historical Society’s page gives an overview of the caves’ geological history.
New York – Empire State Building, New York City
The Empire State Building has ghost stories that involve “the ghost elevator operator.” The New York Historical Society offers a detailed timeline of the building’s construction.
North Carolina – Bunker Hill, Charlotte
Bunker Hill’s “ghost soldier” reportedly appears on the battleground. The North Carolina Historical Society link provides early battle records.
North Dakota – North Dakota State Capitol, Bismarck
North Dakota’s State Capitol is rumored to house the “ghost of a congressman.” The North Dakota Historical Society offers a comprehensive list of the building’s history.
Ohio – Ohio Statehouse, Columbus
The Ohio Statehouse’s “ghost judge” is often seen in the legislative chamber. The Ohio Historical Society link offers a full overview of the building’s political history.
Oklahoma – Oklahoma State Capitol, Oklahoma City
The Oklahoma State Capitol houses the “ghost governor.” The Oklahoma Historical Society offers an archive of the building’s history.
Oregon – Oregon Trail, Oregon City
The Oregon Trail’s ghost story involves “the ghost of a pioneer.” The Oregon Historical Society offers an archive of early pioneer logs.
Pennsylvania – Gettysburg Battlefield, Gettysburg
The Gettysburg Battlefield’s “ghost soldier” is a well‑documented phenomenon. The Gettysburg National Military Park’s site offers a full history of the battle.
Rhode Island – Providence State House, Providence
The Providence State House houses the “ghost of a governor.” The Rhode Island Historical Society offers a comprehensive timeline.
South Carolina – Charleston Jail, Charleston
The Charleston Jail is rumored to host the “ghost jailer.” The South Carolina Historical Society offers an archive of early jail logs.
South Dakota – Yankton House, Yankton
The Yankton House houses the “ghost of a pioneer.” The South Dakota Historical Society offers a detailed historical context.
Tennessee – Belle Meade Plantation, Nashville
Belle Meade Plantation’s “ghost of a slave” is one of the most documented in the South. The Tennessee Historical Society offers early plantation records.
Texas – Hotel Texas, Austin
The Hotel Texas’s “ghost hotelier” is rumored to roam the lobby. The Texas Historical Society offers a full archive of the building’s history.
Utah – Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City
The Salt Lake City “ghost Mormon” is said to haunt the early settlers’ homes. The Utah Historical Society offers a detailed history of the city’s founding.
Vermont – Green Mountain Inn, Stowe
The Green Mountain Inn’s “ghost innkeeper” is rumored to appear at the bar. The Vermont Historical Society offers an archive of early lodge records.
Virginia – Mount Vernon, Alexandria
Mount Vernon’s “ghost of George Washington” is said to appear at the kitchen. The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association offers a full historical background.
Washington – Pike Place Market, Seattle
The Pike Place Market’s “ghost vendor” is rumored to appear behind the produce stalls. The Washington Historical Society offers a full timeline.
West Virginia – West Virginia State Capitol, Charleston
West Virginia’s State Capitol houses the “ghost governor.” The West Virginia Historical Society offers a comprehensive archive.
Wisconsin – Old Milwaukee, Milwaukee
The Old Milwaukee’s “ghost bartender” is said to appear in the saloon. The Wisconsin Historical Society offers a detailed historical context.
Wyoming – Wyoming State Capitol, Cheyenne
The Wyoming State Capitol’s “ghost governor” reportedly appears on the marble steps. The Wyoming Historical Society offers an archive of the building’s history.
Why We Love Haunted Places
The article concludes by acknowledging that these ghostly tales, while often embellished by folklore, are deeply rooted in each state’s history. Whether the hauntings are caused by grief, tragedy, or simply the lingering presence of past lives, the stories add a layer of mystique to our nation’s architectural heritage. For those intrigued by the supernatural, the Business Insider piece offers an accessible map of where to go next and a sense of the ghostly threads that connect our past to the present. By following the links to each building’s official or historical page, readers can dive deeper into the stories that have survived the ages and continue to intrigue generations of visitors.
Read the Full Business Insider Article at:
[ https://www.businessinsider.com/most-haunted-house-building-every-us-state ]