Cemeteries traditionally represent tranquility, a place where we can visit and talk to our loved ones who have passed over. But, some of Pittsburgh's cemeteries, at least according to local lure and visitors, aren't always so tranquil, haunted by the often-tragic past. Here are the top 10 creepy cemeteries in Pittsburgh to visit.
1. Restland Cemetery, Monroeville
Stroll carefully through Restland Cemetery, especially if you go late at night when the gates have already closed, for you may see Walkin' Rose. Buried within the cemetery's grounds, Rose has been said to roam at night but she's not the only ghost into whom you might run. Other visitors tell tales of running into soldiers from the Revolutionary War while strange orbs have frequently been spotted.
2. Hankey Church Cemetery, Murrysville
Local lure tells of a minister, viciously lynched for adultery in the 19th century, who haunts the Hankey Church Cemetery and the empty lot. Visitors share stories of feeling the sensation of being touched – but no one is there – and seeing headstones aglow. Enter the cemetery when the gates are open, if you dare. Those open gates, according to locals, mean the spirits are wandering free.
3. Coulterville Cemetery, McKeesport
Listen carefully as you enter Coulterville Cemetery for you just might hear children's voices and tiny footsteps – but no one's there. Lingering, however, are the spirits of these children, orphans killed when fire swept through their orphanage in the 19th century. Visit after the sun has set and, as you're driving out of the cemetery gates, glance back to see the trees and the cemetery aglow in light. Be sure to check your car windows after you've left the hallowed grounds. Many tell of seeing tiny hand prints, from the lost orphans, on their car windows.
4. Resurrection Cemetery, Moon Township
Enter Resurrection Cemetery along a dark, lonely road and after arriving in the graveyard, cast your glance upon a lone black headstone engraved with the name Damien and the simple phrase "This is not goodbye, just so long." Many tell the tale of red eyes glowing from Damien's headstone and those who dared defile his final resting place or pick a flower from near his grave have, according to local legend, faced untimely death or injury in vehicle accidents not long after leaving the cemetery.
5. Snyder Cemetery, Butler
Within Moraine State Park in Butler resides an old family graveyard, Snyder Cemetery. Conrad, the patriarch of the Snyder family, is said to stand guard over what was once his family's land. Visitors tell of seeing glowing red eyes, a mysterious fog, strange orbs struggling to transform, and a man who, when called out to, disappears.
6. Quaker Church and Cemetery, Perryopolis
Decipher fact from myth at Quaker Church and Cemetery, said to be haunted by evil spirits. Founded in the 1700s, the church, according to local legend, was the site where those who were deemed witches were murdered and where the practice of black magic was common. One Pittsburgher tells the story of a man, driving near the church and cemetery, who began being chased by a vicious black dog. He sped up. The dog sped up. When the man passed the cemetery's grounds, the dog apparently vanished into thin air.
7. Browns Cemetery, Johnstown
An apparition of an old couple, so goes the local legend, strolls around the pond at Browns Cemetery in Johnstown. A calm air prevails around the pond while, according to visitors, the wind blows fiercely around the aging headstones. Visitors claim to have seen lights emanating from the nearby woods and to have heard odd noises when no one else was around.
8. Crum Cemetery, Johnstown
Visitors to Crum Cemetery must cross over two bridges. Dare to turn your car off while driving over the second and off it will stay, refusing to turn on until...an apparition of a horse drawn carriage passes by after nightfall. See that carriage. then turn the key to make your way over the bridge and into the cemetery.
9. Olive Cemetery, Murrysville
Dare to find the small Olive Cemetery, sat upon Logan's Ferry Road in Murrysville, where the founder of the cemetery, Alexander Logan, is said to roam the hallowed grounds, scaring visitors. Some locals, however, disagree that Logan's cemetery is haunted, although they still describe the cemetery, erected in the 1800s, as particularly creepy.
10. Fairview Cemetery, Pitcairn
Visit Fairview Cemetery, a tiny graveyard in Pitcairn, where you just might see the apparitions of the elderly residents roaming the cemetery grounds. Locals also assert that the cemetery consistently appears foggy, regardless of the weather in the surrounding area.
These are just 10 creepy cemeteries in Pittsburgh to visit. How many have you visited? Do you know of another area cemetery that is haunted or just plain creepy?
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