When you try to think of a haunted city in Rhode Island, Exeter is likely the one that comes to mind first, and with good reason. As the site of a massive vampire panic, there is definitely something unsettling about Exeter. However, your mind may not wander to Newport during those thoughts. This wealthy and popular city is known for its beaches, sprawling "summer cottages," and awesome seafood spots. However, Newport is actually one of the most haunted cities in Rhode Island, with more that ten individual spots with rumors of a haunting!
It can be easy to get caught up in all the natural beauty of Newport and never learn about the many hauntings that have and still do occur in this idyllic city.
So many of the homes and buildings have been around since the 17 and 1800's, so it's hard to imagine that at least a few ghosts aren't lurking around.
The city is known for these massive mansions that were summer homes for the rich. Many of them, like the Breakers, you can tour, and most have at least one story of a lingering ghost, be it a servant or resident who flicks lights and otherwise messes with the guests.
The chairs at Belcourt Castle have been called some of the most haunted objects in the country! They are now roped off due to reports of people being thrown from them by an invisible force.
If you are looking for military ghosts, and maybe a bit of fresh air, Fort Adams state park is a good place to investigate.
People claim to have been poked, jabbed, or even hit with rocks from nowhere while at Fort Adams. A few of the suspected culprits are the spirit of a jealous soldier who shot his wife and then himself, or the ghost of a man who shot his corporal after he threw rocks at him in an argument.
And of course, it wouldn't be an article about Newport if we didn't discuss a light house. Rose Island used to hold barracks that housed cholera victims, and it is said that to this day the souls of those who passed in the barracks inhabit the island, and are sometimes seen at the top of the lighthouse.
If your haunted travels work up an appetite, a trip to White Horse Tavern might be in order. This is the oldest tavern in America and home to a few spirits.
People have reported seeing a man dressed in Colonial era clothing wandering through the restaurant. This is presumed to be the spirit of a man who passed away in one of the rooms. Others have spotted a woman near the fireplace, or heard the crying of a young girl!
Maybe you are loving your time in haunted Newport so much that you want to spend the night, well luckily there are a few haunted hotels for you to sleep (or not sleep) in.
It's been rumored that you can hear the sounds of boisterous party going on in the ballroom of the Viking hotel when it is empty.
Castle hill inn was once the summer home for a family whom it is said still roam the halls at night. These ghosts are not angry though, just a little homesick it seems.
It seems like it's hard to go anywhere in Newport without encountering some sort of ghost story!
This haunted city in Rhode Island seems extra creepy now that we know about all of these spots? Do you think you'll be making an excursion there to see some ghosts? Or will your future beach trips feel just a little different? You can learn more about other haunted spots in Rhode Island this article is a great spot to start.
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