Nestled in a park in Salem, MA, is Pioneer Village, a living history museum designed to portray life in the city as it would have been in 1630. This places it 62 years before the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Thus, it generally depicts a world that the older participants of the trial would have been familiar with. Beyond its relevance for history enthusiasts, the site was also a filming location for a beloved Halloween classic.
In 1770, residents of Canton, MA, were terrorized by a ghostly wailing that emanated from deep within the forest of an area then known as Packeen. Many townsfolk heard the otherworldly voice and were at a loss as to what to do. They eventually turned to the local deacon in hopes that he could banish the terrifying Packeen ghost.
Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA, is one of the most important sites in US history. It was here that the founders of the nation debated and signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. Thus, Independence Hall and the city of Philadelphia itself are often referred to as the birthplace of the United States. Given the site’s age and prominence, I began to wonder if there were any ghost stories.
The coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island is famously known for its Gilded Age mansions. Lesser known is a structure that looks like it came right out of the Middle Ages. Sitting in a small park, it’s the remnants of a round tower built of stone. The origins of the Newport Tower have been a source of public debate since at least the first half of the 19th century. A variety of theories exist, many asserting that the tower predates the arrival of Columbus. Continue reading →
