Northern California may be one of the most beautiful parts of our state, but it's not all unicorns and rainbows over here. There are quite a few folks who believe in ghosts and swear up and down that there are still a few of them haunting lots of places around here. We've included a few spots known for their spooky stories. Admit it - when something goes bump in the night, you can't help but wonder...
1. U.S.S. Hornet, Alameda
The USS Hornet is said to be the most haunted warship in American Naval history. It has been on pretty much every ghost and paranormal show on TV. This is the 8th to bear the name Hornet in the Navy. This aircraft carrier is responsible for playing a part in destroying over 1400 Japanese aircraft in World War II. There's been lots of paranormal sightings on board of crew members of old seen walking around, and even overheard talking as is they're working on aircraft from bygone years.
2. Mission San Jose, Fremont
This mission was originally leveled by the 1906 earthquake. There has been documentation of cold spots and crying in the adjacent cemetery. One account said this, "Across the street is a historic tavern, where witnesses say they have seen several Native looking people in old clothing cross the street and disappear as soon as they enter the courtyard of the mission."
3. Battery Point Lighthouse, Crescent City
A resident ghost has been spotted by six different people. Each one gave the same report of hearing someone climbing the stairs. Not sure I'd feel very comfortable hanging out here.
4. Fiddlers Green, Clear Lake
The ghost of a woman who was killed by thieves while her husband was away is said to haunt the well where her body was thrown. This area is a wildlife area so it's most often without much foot traffic. But, some have said they've seen her playing a fiddle here.
5. The Holbrook Hotel, Grass Valley
Historically speaking this is the longest in-business hotel in gold rush history - since 1852. It's also home to quite a few ghosts, including the suicide gambler. He slit his own throat and was found in a pool of blood. Many have heard ghostly children jumping on old spring beds, and have seen Victorian dressed women walk the halls.
6. The Union Hotel, Benecia
This lovely water town is known to have its share of old places. This hotel was the location of one woman's demise. She committed suicide by hanging herself and some believe they hear her crying from the room she died in. I can promise you I won't be staying here anytime soon.
7. Toys R Us, Sunnyvale
This is not your average haunted house. It does make sense though. I mean, what do ghosts really care whether or not the building is old or new? Workers here have reported strange goings on. Things have been rearranged and moved about. Some have reported seeing a gentleman by the name of Johan in old clothes in his 30s roaming the store. Some believe it's the farmer who used to occupy the land this building now stands on.
8. The Cary House, Placerville
Mark Twain once slept here. This is a spot where strange things have been known to happen. Ask the clerk and they'll point you to room 220 where a cat was seen vanishing. In all, there are approximately four ghosts who roam this gold rush hotel...and that's about four too many for me.
Which one of you have been brave enough to visit a few of these places? Which one do you believe is truly haunted?
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