Illinois is home to many haunted places, but nothing is more evil than the events that shaped this frightening cemetery. Ancient and creepy, this graveyard is disturbing even without its ghosts.
If ghost hunting is your game, this haunted land is the place to be. Keep scrolling to learn why there's so much activity.
Greenwood Cemetery in Decatur is one of the most haunted sites in the entire country. Many have reported ghost sightings and other strange activity throughout the graveyard.
No one knows exactly when this site began being used for housing the deceased, but graves began appearing as early as the 1820s. It was dedicated and became a recognized cemetery in 1857.
It is likely that this was previously an Indian burial ground. These graves have since disappeared though.
The cemetery fell into ruin and was often robbed in the mid-1900s. One of most impressive mausoleums had to be torn down because it fell into decay - not to mention reports of hearing screams and seeing lights from inside.
Though the structure is gone, reports of strange occurrences near where it stood have not ceased.
One of the most evil parts of the graveyard is the Civil War Memorial. It is said that a prison train carrying Confederate prisoners to camps went through this area and that many died from Yellow Fever while on board.
The departed were dumped into a mass grave near this spot, but it is believed that not all the soldiers were completely dead when buried.
If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Rhode Island, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss
If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Maine, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss
If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Massachusetts, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss
Those soldiers walk the grounds of the cemetery. Visitors have reported seeing a man in tattered uniform who is unsure of where he is. Before any help can be administered, the apparation disappears.
Like many haunted places, a love story fuels paranormal activity. The Greenwood Bride is a figment of a woman in a white wedding dress looking for her fiance.
Other scary happenings include phantom funerals, flickering ghost lights, things protruding from the lawn, and graves collapsing.
The graveyard is well-cared for today and features manicured lawns, hills, and trees. Despite the landscaping, there is still a creepy feeling that tingles your spine when you visit.
Greenwood Cemetery is located in Decatur, Illinois at 606 S Church Street, and the public is allowed on the grounds during daylight hours.
Looking for more creepy, evil places to visit in Illinois? Check out these 10 haunted houses that will scare your pants off.
What other sites in Illinois are just plain evil? Share with us the places you steer clear of.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!