The coastal town of Seward, Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula is a charming spot for a visit. It's home to loads of breathtaking natural beauty, fun tours, and a variety of delicious restaurants. It's no surprise that Seward is a booming tourist destination in the summertime, though it does tend to be on the sleepier side during the colder winter months.
As you can imagine, small-town life in Seward is typically pretty laid-back. It might surprise you, then, to learn that what just might be the most haunted building in Alaska is located here. The Jesse Lee Home for Children in Seward, Alaska has a number of spooky legends and stories surrounding it, and it's got a truly riveting history. While the ghost stories that come out of here are guaranteed to send chills down your spine, the locals refer to this spot as a beloved spot of their cherished history in small-town Seward. You be the judge: check out these Jesse Lee Home for Children photos and decide for yourself about the stories.
The Jesse Lee Home for Children was established in 1926. It's actually the second of three child welfare institutions in Alaska to bear its name.
The first establishment was founded in 1890 in Unalaska (Dutch Harbor) on the Aleutian Islands chain. The Jesse Lee Home for Children moved to Seward because the town was the largest transportation hub at the time, even though many of the resident children were from the Aleutian Islands and the Seward Peninsula.
The first establishment was founded in 1890 in Unalaska (Dutch Harbor) on the Aleutian Islands chain and is pictured below.
The Jesse Lee Home for Children moved to Seward because the town was the largest transportation hub at the time, even though many of the resident children were from the Aleutian Islands and the Seward Peninsula.
The Jesse Lee Home for Children was a boarding school that housed tons of young kids affected by the epidemics that swept across rural Alaska in the early 20th century.
Needless to say, this special facility was home to positive memories for many. It housed well-known Alaskan natives like Benny Benson (designer of Alaska's flack), Rev. Peter Gordon Gould (founder of Alaska Methodist University), and Simon Oliver (a pianist, composer, and writer).
The 1964 Alaska earthquake caused heart-wrenching destruction on the Jesse Lee Home for Children in Seward. The following year, the third location was established in Anchorage.
After the earthquake, the local Methodist church owned the property in Seward for a few years before eventually selling it.
After sitting abandoned for decades, it's no surprise that there are rumors that the Jesse Lee Home for Children is haunted. There are reports of paranormal activity from those who step on the property or drive down the street at night.
Rumors of children giggling, mysterious lights, ghost-like silhouettes, and feelings of melancholy all top the list of most frequent observations. This otherworldly activity has led many to consider this the most haunted building in Alaska.
Sounds of jump ropes tapping the sidewalks, little feet scampering in the distance, and happy cheers of children have all been reported.
It's almost as if all these lingering apparitions are all happy and filled with joy. Still, it's a bit creepy to think about any structure being haunted by ghosts, even happy ones! This keeps many residents away from this area at nightfall. Today, the property is again owned by the City of Seward.
For a deeper look into the paranormal activity surrounding the Jesse Lee Home' for Children's haunted rumors, be sure to watch this YouTube video from user DrgnKngt1:
https://youtu.be/eHCGKZ4Rujw
Have you ever visited the Jesse Lee Home in Seward, Alaska? What did you think? Did you encounter anything spooky? Let us know in the comments!
">If you're looking for unique experiences in Alaska, you won't want to miss the available tours and offers on Airbnb Experiences!
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