Enter these six haunted cemeteries in Pittsburgh – if you dare. A city as rich in history as Pittsburgh is bound to be ripe with tales of haunted places. These haunted cemeteries in Pittsburgh may provide a peaceful final resting place for most of the souls who call it home. But, some still remain, if you believe in the paranormal, making contact with those who visit these cemeteries.
1. Coulterville Cemetery, McKeesport
Coulterville Cemetery, now the final resting place for so many souls, looked very different more than a century ago. Back then, according to local legend, an orphanage sat on the land. A vicious fire swept through the orphanage one night, killing all the children, who could be heard crying out in despair. Visitors to the cemetery today claim that as they are driving away they hear the sound of those orphans crying out for help and, if they look in their rear view mirror, they see flames and smoke billowing in the air. If you dare visit Coulterville Cemetery, stop your car after you've left the main grounds and check your windows. Some claim the hand prints of those orphans have appeared on their car windows.
2. Resurrection Cemetery, Moon Township
Respect the residents of Resurrection Cemetery and you're likely to leave the hallowed ground in peace. But, defile a grave – Damien's Grave, in particular – and bad luck just may befall you. Enter the cemetery along a dark and desolate road and, at the end, your glance will likely fall on a simple black gravestone, separated from all the rest of the graves, with the name Damien and a few short words. "This is not goodbye, just so long." If you visit Damien's grave, leave it as you found it. Local legend tells of the fate of visitors, usually injury or death in tragic car accidents upon leaving the cemetery, who dared to pick the flowers near the grave or to defile the grave. Be forewarned that others who have respectfully visited the grave claim to have seen red eyes glowing on the headstone.
3. Quaker Church and Cemetery, Perryopolis
Quaker Church and Cemetery, erected in the 1700s, beckons ghost hunters with tales of its sordid past. The sprawling land, so goes local lure, is said to have been the site where witches were brutally murdered and where the practice of black magic ran rampant. Oddly enough, however, the spirit that has been seen isn't human at all. A black dog has been seen chasing cars that pass by the church and the cemetery. Hit the gas to escape the black dog and the dog will simply run faster. And faster. Until you reach the end of the cemetery property. Look back and the dog has simply disappeared.
4. Restland Cemetery, Monroeville
Restland Cemetery's gates close each night. Still, some have entered the hallowed ground to visit loved ones or to, perhaps, lay eyes upon one of the ghosts that wander the cemetery when the sun goes down. The most famous ghost, a woman in a flowing white dress, has earned the moniker Walkin' Rose. She simply strolls through the cemetery after the gates have closed while revolutionary war soldiers have been seen wandering the sprawling grounds.
5. Snyder Cemetery, Butler
Moraine State Park beckons outdoor lovers throughout the year but few may realize that within the park grounds lies Snyder Cemetery. Founded by the Snyder family, the patriarch of the family, Conrad, oversaw the operations of the cemetery during his life. Some say he still monitors what's going on at what is now his final resting place. Visitors have seen the apparition of a man – said to be Conrad – roaming the cemetery. When they call out to him, he vanishes. But, that's not all. A mysterious fog lies over the cemetery grounds. Strange orbs and glowing red eyes have also been seen by startled visitors.
6. Hankey Church Cemetery, Murrysville
Hankey Church Cemetery has called Murrysville home since the 19th century and has undoubtedly seen much through its history. One of its darkest events occurred when a minister, so goes local legend, committed adultery and a furious community lynched him in response. Those who visit the cemetery tell of feeling as though they're being watched and as if someone has gently touched them. But, of course, no one is there. A glow has also been seen from some of the headstones. Visit the cemetery when the gates are open – that means the spirits are awake and wandering about – for your best chance to encounter the paranormal.
These six haunted cemeteries in Pittsburgh promise a ghostly experience. But, why stop in Pittsburgh? Pennsylvania is filled with stories of haunted cemeteries that you'll definitely want to visit.
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