Fear is a natural survival response to threat, yet some of us actually seek out such feelings. Why does our brain pursue a feeling related to danger? Not all people enjoy these fearful feelings but 55% of humans actually get pleasure out of scary movies, haunted houses and other fright-inducing activities. It gives them strong emotions, makes them feel alive and results in a type of satisfaction. United States is a big country with an estimated population of 322,762,018. From the 50 states in the country, we have gathered 18 of the most haunted places in the country. If you plan to travel this summer, make sure you pack your spirit cleansing kit.
#1. The Haunted Drish Mansion – Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Built in the 1830’s by a doctor named John Drish, the Drish Mansion has a 175 year long history inside its walls. The house was built for the Drish family but served many purposes throughout history. Located at the center of a 450-acre plantation, it was turned into a school, a church and even a storage facility. Doctor Drish was born in Loudoun County, Virginia and was a known alcoholic. According to his workers or slaves, he died after falling from the second floor balcony. The house is believed to be haunted and a century after his death, a phantom fire illuminated its tower.
#2. The Crescent Hotel – Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Popularly known as the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, it is considered to be one of America’s most haunted hotels. Its legend holds a history of guests who have checked out… but never alive. The hotel even claimed victims during its construction. In 1885, an Irish stonemason named Michael, who was part of the hotel’s construction, fell to his death. Originally built as a year-round resort for the wealthy, it failed to keep up with its expenses. By 1937, the hotel was converted into a hospital and health resort to treat cancer patients. Norman G. Baker, a millionaire inventor and radio personality, had no medical training but took the job of a doctor there and began inventing his own cures. He even attacked test-proven treatments and medicines; claiming that they were made for profit only.
The hotel is known to have spirits roaming around its halls. Guests who have stayed there have reported hearing strange noises through the walls. If you wish to take a peek at this haunted place, then you are in for a treat. For a small fee, you can take a tour that allows you to hear ghost stories along with a campfire and a visit to the morgue.
#3. Lemp Family Mansion – St. Louis, Missouri
The Lemp family was literally cursed, since tragedy followed them even in darkness. The powerful family was destined to have a bright future but their life started crumbling one at a time. The mansion used by the Lemp family was also the site of four suicides. By 1950, four of the family members had claimed their own lives. This historical house was built in 1868 and has since been converted into a hotel and inn. Guests who often stay there report unusual experiences at night. The mansion is believed to be haunted by the spirits of the Lemp family.
#4. The Shanghai Tunnels – Portland, Oregon
The Old Portland Undergrounds is commonly known as the Shanghai Tunnels. Back in the 19th century, this was considered to be one of the most dangerous parts of the United States. The tunnels were used to perform a forbidden practice known as ‘Shanghaiing’. Unsuspecting men who visited local salons were captured and dropped into the tunnel by means of trap doors. The tunnel was then used to keep them captive, where they were drugged and sold to ships as unpaid workers. Men would be forced to do labor for years and some didn’t find their way back home for decades. This illicit ritual received the name ‘Shanghaiing’ since the victims were often shipped to East Asia. The tunnels are believed to be haunted, as many of the captives died there.
#5. Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast – Fall River, Massachusetts
The story of Lizzie Borden goes all the way back to August 4, 1892. Lizzie was arrested and tried in court for the murder of her father and stepmother. She was the youngest and the first to find the bodies of her father Andrew Borden and his wife Abby Borden. They were both viciously killed by blows to the head. She was believed to have emotional reasons to harm both of them but the jury wasn’t convinced and they acquitted her of all the charges.
In order to escape her past and start a new life, Lizzie moved out of Fall River but the spirits of her father and stepmother still remain. The house was converted to a bed and breakfast and guests have reported strange experiences during their stay. Some say that the presence of an energy can be felt in the rooms and strange noises occur in the hall. If you plan to stay here, make sure you look behind you at all times.
#6. Masonic Temple – Detroit, Michigan
Located in the Cass Corridor of Detroit, Michigan, it is the largest Masonic Temple in the world. It is mostly built using limestone and the construction was completed in 1896. The gothic revival style building was built by George D. Mason, who went bankrupt after investing all of his savings in the building. He designed the whole temple as well as the Masonic Temple Theatre, which is used for a wide variety of plays. The temple consists of secret doors that lead to hidden passageways. It is also believed to be haunted by the ghost of George D. Mason. When his wife left him, George ended his life by jumping from the roof of the temple.
