Spooky Places in America

Spooky Places in America

It seems almost every town has its haunted house, a famous urban legend, ghost story or other haunted places or tales. Others, however, seem to stand apart from the crowd when it comes to making the hair stand up on the back of the neck. Here are some such places in The United States.

Cassadaga, Florida

This small Florida town north of Orlando was founded by George P. Colby, known as a “trance medium” in about 1875. Colby is said to have worked with multiple spirit guides who gave him knowledge and advice. In a séance, one such guide, a Native American by the name of Seneca, told him to travel to Florida. It was there Colby set up his Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association and formed the town of Cassadaga. Today, the town contains a hotel, auditorium, library, healing center, bookstore, welcome center and its famous “Devil’s Chair”. Leave a full can of beer on the chair, and it is said it will be empty by morning. Sit in the chair and some believe you will see the devil himself. Uh, no thank you.

St. Augustine Florida

By day, it is a pleasant, bustling, even quaint tourist destination. By evening however, especially in the fall, it becomes a haven for ghost hunters and those looking for things that go bump in the night. St. Augustine has made quite the business of its long history as America’s oldest city, and that includes ghost tours on trams and in buggies. The Old City Jail is a haunting hotspot in the city.

Mansfield, Ohio

Mansfield is home to the old Ohio State Reformatory, known to many as “Shawshank” the prison in the movie based on a Stephen King story. While the movie had its frightening moments, the actual prison itself is flooded in an eerie atmosphere. Many of the cells and solitary remain along with the warden’s office. The attraction even offers visitors an opportunity to spend the night. “Get busy livin’…” or get me the heck outta here.

Moundsville, West Virginia

There are so many reasons the old West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville, West Virginia is so creepy it is hard to know where to start. Maybe it is because of its unsettling location literally in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Perhaps it is its classic Gothic-style construction that is so eerie. It could be the prison’s violent history which saw 36 homicides, 96 executions (mostly by hanging) and deadly riots. Spooky may not be a big enough word for this place.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans may be one of the few places that is scarier in the daylight. It is then you can see just how old the buildings in the French Quarter are and how thin are the streets are. It is in daylight when you can best visit the historic cemeteries and above ground crypts. There are, of course, the night-time haunted tours including visits to the Sultans Palace, LaLaurie Mansion and assorted haunted bars, bed and breakfasts and hotels.

Don’t be afraid to save on your auto, home, life or business insurance, especially when all it takes is a call. Put our independent insurance agents to work for you today!


Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Want to learn more about our blog writer?

Read more about KayLynn's background.

Click Here

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Read More Blogs

Step Back in Time: 7 Small Towns with Unique American Atmospheres

Discover America’s most atmospherically unique small towns.

Beyond the Bar: Customer Service Lessons from the Best Bartenders

Unlock customer service secrets from your favorite bartender.

Your Safety Net Has a Safety Net: Understanding the Life Insurance “Free Look” Period

Discover your life insurance policy’s “free look” period.

From Edsel to Yugo: Three Automotive Flops That Made History

The biggest blunders in automotive history.

Stay or Go? Why Improving Your Current Home Might Be Your Best Move Yet

Love your home, don’t leave it! Discover why improving beats moving.

The Unforgettable Eight: Women Who Captured Our Hearts

Meet the eight women who are loved by all.

Elevate Your Enterprise: 11 Smart Ways to Boost Business Professionalism

Boost your business’s professionalism without breaking the bank.

Lightening the Load: A Guide to Decluttering for Your Loved Ones

Declutter for peace of mind, yours and theirs.

Smart Car Buying: Beyond the Sticker Price

Unlock the hidden costs of car ownership.

6 Simple Steps to Supercharge Your Home Security

Simple, affordable ways to protect your home.