With the the significant role it played in American history, Gettysburg certainly earns top billing as the most haunted town in Pennsylvania. But, there are other towns in Pennsylvania drenched in stories of hauntings and the paranormal. Do you dare venture to Easton, another one of Pennsylvania's most haunted towns?
Here are just three well-known stories of the paranormal in Easton.
1. The State Theater – 453 Northampton Street, Easton, PA 18042
Enjoy a lively evening of entertainment at the State Theater – from one-man shows to musical performances – or simply go to the theater to visit the resident ghost, Fred.
Fred’s first appearances at the theater caused quite a stir. Staff complained of seeing a strange man loitering in the theater and disappearing through doors. Concerned about the intruder, the employees called the police several times. Each time the police found nothing, although the police dogs appeared agitated when in the theater. Many believe Fred is the spirit of Fred Osterstock, the theater’s former owner who also lived briefly in the building.
The good news is Fred is a friendly apparition, according to the nearly dozen people who have seen him in recent years. In fact, Fred’s ghost is such a beloved member of The State Theater that the theater named its annual awards ceremony the Freddy Awards.
2. Getter’s Island – Easton, PA 18042
A tragic tale has led to the haunting of Getter’s Island. Charles Getter impregnated a woman, Margaret, and married her because, had he not, he would have been sent to prison. The groom refused to live with his new bride, however, for he was in love with another, Mary.
Just 10 days into the marriage, Margaret was found strangled to death. Due to his suspect actions prior to the murder – including constant complaints to others that he would never live with Margaret and, in fact, preferred Mary – Getter was charged with his bride’s murder and sentenced to death by hanging.
Executions in Easton typically took place in the town square in the 1800s. But, Margaret’s murder created such passion in the community that officials decided to hold the execution, typically a jovial public event, on a small island on the Delaware River in Easton, what is today known as Getter’s Island. An estimated 20,000 people attended the execution, including those who watched from the mainland. Getter suffered a botched execution. The first rope used for the hanging broke, which led officials on a 20 minute frenzy to find a suitable replacement.
Since his execution in 1833, Getter’s ghost has been seen wandering the island where his death took place. Margaret, whose body was found where the Northampton County Country Club now lies, is frequently spotted, dressed in all black, walking around the area where her body was found.
3. Hexenkopf Rock – Williams Township, PA 18042
Less than eight miles from Easton lies an area rife with stories of the paranormal, dating back as far as the 1700s. Hexenkopf Rock is said to have been a popular spot for area witches to gather. And, when the witches congregated on the mountain, the locals typically suffered some type of unspeakable tragedy that often resulted in the death of a local resident.
One witch was convicted of turning a farmer’s horse lame. Another witch is said to have cursed a townswoman for interfering in her affairs. The townspeople, in return, hanged the second witch. Her ghost is still seen wandering the mountain seeking revenge for her death.
Paranormal occurrences run rampant at Hexenkopf Rock with people claiming to hear moaning sounds emanating from the mountain, to seeing a headless man wandering the area, and to crop circles mysteriously appearing in the fields of local farms.
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
Pennsylvania is teeming with paranormal activity with Gettysburg as perhaps the country's most haunted town. But, have you visited Easton, another of Pennsylvania's most haunted towns? If so, share your experiences below!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!