A 35 mm photo of a ghost inside a beautiful mansion

Anthony

Is Morris Jumel Mansion Haunted?

The Morris Jumel Mansion in New York City has a long and storied history, with connections to some of the most influential figures in American history. However, it is not just the historic events that have taken place within its walls that have earned its reputation as a haunted place…

The History of Morris Jumel Mansion

The Morris-Jumel Mansion is a significant historical landmark located in Manhattan, New York City. Built in 1765 by British military officer Roger Morris, the mansion served as the headquarters for both General George Washington and the British military during the American Revolution. In addition to its distinction as the only important pre-Revolutionary house still standing in Manhattan, the mansion is the major surviving landmark of the Battle of Harlem Heights, a small-scale but important battle fought on September 16, 1776.

After the war, the mansion was confiscated and sold by the British, and in 1810 it became the property of French merchant Stephen Jumel and his wife Eliza. The couple renovated the mansion in Federal period style. After Stephen’s death in 1832, Eliza married former Vice President Aaron Burr in the front parlor of the mansion. Burr is also rumored to haunt the home due to the nuptials being hosted in their residence.

The mansion and passed through a succession of owners before being saved from demolition in 1903 by the City of New York, which purchased it for $235,000 and entrusted its care to the Washington Headquarters Association of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The group restored and renovated the mansion in 1945, and it is now open to the public daily except for Mondays.

The Spirits of American Revolution

The American Revolution, which lasted from 1775 to 1783, was a significant event in the history of the United States. It involved the British colonies in North America and the British Empire and was characterized by disputes over taxes, representation, and colonial rights. The war had a significant impact on the development of the United States.

The Morris-Jumel Mansion, a historical landmark located in Manhattan, New York City, is thought by some to be haunted due to the high number of casualties that occurred during the Revolution. During the war, the mansion served as the headquarters for Washington from September 14 to October 18, 1776, following the victory of Long Island by the British. The Americans retreated to fortified lines on the heights north of present-day 125th Street, where the Battle of Harlem Heights took place. In this battle, the patriots succeeded in forcing the British to give ground, marking the first time in the campaign that the Americans had achieved such a victory.

Historians at the Morris-Jumel Mansion have suggested that the high number of casualties during the Revolution, including the Battle of Harlem Heights, may be one of the reasons why some people believe the mansion is haunted. The Revolutionary War resulted in the loss of many lives on both sides, and the mansion, which has a rich history and has witnessed numerous historical events, may have absorbed some of the negative energy and trauma associated with these events.

Does Eliza Jumel Haunt Morris Jumel Mansion?

Some people speculate that Eliza Jumel haunts the landmark because of her troubled past and the scandals she faced in both France and New York, including her alleged involvement in the death of her first husband.

It’s also possible that her spirit remains in the mansion because of the luxurious lifestyle she enjoyed there and her desire to maintain her social position. Additionally, the mansion has remained largely unchanged since the beginning of the 20th century, which may have contributed to the belief that Jumel’s spirit continues to haunt the property.

I have a friend who’s worked for the city’s park’s dept as a historical guide for many years. he said he has never seen anything here and while the house seems very sad and the people on site shamelessly plug the ghost stories claiming all sorts of possible ghosts he knows of no one whose actually seen or experienced anything themselves.

Paul (via hauntedplaces.org)

The Mansion Today

In 1904, the mansion became a museum and is now part of the Jumel Terrace Historical District. It is also listed as an Individual Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places.

The mansion and its surrounding structures have remained largely unchanged since the beginning of the 20th century. Today, Morris-Jumel Mansion is owned by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. The museum is operated by Morris-Jumel Mansion Inc., and is a member of the Historic House Trust.

In Conclusion

Despite the many tales of hauntings, however, there’s no evidence to support the claims of paranormal activity. In fact, the Brooklyn Paranormal Society has conducted multiple investigations of the mansion and found no evidence of any ghostly presences.

While it is certainly possible that the mansion may be home to some unseen spirits, there is currently no scientific evidence to support the existence of ghosts or other paranormal entities. Ultimately, whether or not the Morris Jumel Mansion is truly haunted remains a mystery.

Should you wish to tour the mansion, you’ll learn about the history and some ghost stories about Eliza. The mansion, which is now a museum is rumored to also home the ghost of a Hessian soldier. There’s also a talking grandfather clock.

Are you curious about the hauntings at Morris Jumel Mansion? Do you believe in ghosts and the paranormal? If so, the Brooklyn Paranormal Society is here to help! Our team of experienced investigators has conducted multiple investigations and we are ready to share our findings with you. Contact us today to learn more about the haunted history of this iconic New York City landmark and to discuss your own experiences with the paranormal.

A civil war ghost?

Anthony

Is Fort Wadsworth Haunted?

What’s the History of Fort Wadsworth?

Fort Wadsworth is a historic military installation located on Staten Island in New York City. The fort has a long and storied haunted history, with roots dating back to the Revolutionary War. 

The Dutch have left a lasting impact on the history of New York, as they were the first Europeans to establish a permanent settlement in the area. In 1624, the Dutch West India Company founded the colony of New Netherland, which included present-day New York City and parts of the surrounding states. One of the earliest fortifications in the area was a small Dutch fort built in 1663, which passed into English control during the Revolutionary War in 1776.

After the war ended, the city of New York began building three more forts, but with the outbreak of the War of 1812, the city was unable to complete the projects. As a result, the federal government stepped in and replaced the four forts with larger ones: Fort Richmond on the beach and Fort Tompkins, which were completed in 1861, just as the Civil War began.

History of Fort Wadsworth during Civil War

During the Civil War, 1,900 men were stationed at Fort Wadsworth. The war also brought about significant advances in naval weaponry, leading the government to realize that many of its older naval forts, including Fort Wadsworth, were now obsolete. Funding for their construction and maintenance was halted, and Fort Wadsworth was downgraded in 1884, with only 41 men stationed there.

For most of the 20th century, Fort Wadsworth served as a simple army post, a school for the U.S. Army Chaplains, and a naval base before it was decommissioned in 1994. Today, the grounds of Fort Wadsworth are part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, and the fort is recognized as the longest continuously-occupied military base in the United States.

The ruins of Fort Richmond can be found on the beach, and the ruins of Fort Tompkins are located higher up. Rangers occasionally offer guided tours of both the forts. While some parts of the site are still under military control, the areas open to the public offer picnic sites, bird watching opportunities, and even a few campsites further down the beach from Fort Richmond. The site is also the traditional starting line for the New York Marathon each year, showcasing the fort’s enduring significance to the city.

Why is Fort Wadsworth Haunted?

There are a few reasons why some people believe that places like Fort Wadsworth may be haunted:

Historical Events

Fort Wadsworth has a long history of military occupation, and it is possible that some people believe that the spirits of soldiers who died during conflicts or training exercises may still be present on the site. If one were to broaden the scope

It’s difficult to provide a precise death count for wars on American land since the 1600s, as records of casualties have not always been complete or accurate. Additionally, the definition of “American land” has changed over time, as the United States has expanded and its borders have shifted.

However, some of the major wars that have taken place on American soil and resulted in significant loss of life include:

The American Revolutionary War (1775-1783)

  • This war resulted in the independence of the United States from Great Britain. It is estimated that between 4,000 and 8,000 American soldiers and between 8,000 and 12,000 British soldiers died during the war. The total number of civilian deaths is unknown.

The Civil War (1861-1865)

  • This war was fought between the Union (the northern states) and the Confederacy (the southern states). It is estimated that between 600,000 and 850,000 soldiers died during the war, making it one of the deadliest in American history. The total number of civilian deaths is unknown.

World War I (1914-1918)

  • The United States entered World War I in 1917, and it is estimated that around 53,000 American soldiers died during the conflict.

World War II (1939-1945)

  • The United States entered World War II in 1941, and it is estimated that around 291,000 American soldiers died during the conflict.

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Personal experiences

Some people may have had personal experiences at Fort Wadsworth that they interpret as paranormal activity, such as seeing unexplained shadows or hearing strange noises.

Located on the shores of Staten Island, is a popular site for ghost tours conducted by the Brooklyn Paranormal Society. Many people who have gone on these tours claim to have had paranormal experiences while visiting the fort.

Ghost Sightings Reported at Brooklyn Paranormal Society Tours

One tour participant reported seeing the ghost of a soldier in a hallway of the fort. The soldier was reportedly wearing a uniform from the Civil War era and was seen walking through a wall before disappearing.

Another tour participant claimed to have felt a cold sensation and heard strange noises while standing near the fort’s barracks. When the participant turned around, they saw the ghostly figure of a woman standing behind them. The figure reportedly vanished as quickly as it appeared.

On a recent visit to Fort Wadsworth, Mary McGinnis says she had a close encounter with one of the fort’s resident ghosts. “I was just walking through the old battery when I suddenly saw this figure in a Civil War uniform,” McGinnis recalls. “At first, I thought it was just someone in costume, but as I got closer, I realized that the figure was transparent and seemed to be glowing. It was the strangest thing I’ve ever seen.”

Many other people have reported similar experiences while on tours with the Brooklyn Paranormal Society at Fort Wadsworth. While there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of ghosts, these reports offer a glimpse into the intriguing history of the fort and the possibility of paranormal activity on the site.

Reputation

Fort Wadsworth may have a reputation for being haunted due to stories or rumors that have circulated about the site. This reputation may be reinforced by the site’s history as a military fortification and its association with conflict and death.

Belief in the paranormal

Some people may simply believe in the existence of ghosts or other supernatural entities, and may be more likely to attribute strange occurrences to paranormal activity.

It is difficult to provide a precise death count for wars on American land since the 1600s, as records of casualties have not always been complete or accurate. Additionally, the definition of “American land” has changed over time, as the United States has expanded and its borders have shifted.

Things to do at Fort Wadsworth

Fort Wadsworth is the Conference House, a historic mansion that was built in the late 17th century and served as a site of peace negotiations between American and British representatives during the Revolutionary War. The Conference House is open to the public for tours and events, and is considered one of the city’s most important historical landmarks.

So, is Fort Wadsworth Haunted?

Overall, it seems that Fort Wadsworth has a rich and fascinating history that is sure to pique the interest of paranormal enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Whether or not the fort is truly haunted by the ghosts of Civil War soldiers remains a mystery, but it is clear that the fort has a unique and intriguing past that is worth exploring.

And while we’ve reached our conclusion that Fort Wadsworth is haunted, we encourage you to join a future investigation with the Brooklyn Paranormal Society to come to your own conclusion.

Are you interested in learning more about the haunted history of Fort Wadsworth? Do you have personal experiences or stories to share about the fort? Contact the Brooklyn Paranormal Society today to discuss your interests and learn more about our ghost tours and other paranormal activities at Fort Wadsworth. Our team of experienced paranormal investigators is eager to hear from you and help you explore the mysterious and intriguing history of this famous site. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to delve deeper into the supernatural side of Fort Wadsworth – contact us today!

Andrew Arnett

Ghosts, Doubles And Vortices: Revisiting The Stanley Hotel

Driving into the Rocky Mountains, towards the Stanley Hotel, is not unlike experiencing, in real life, the opening sequence to Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece of horror The Shining. Beautiful and majestic, a sense of dread grows as the road winds further up and away from the familiarity of civilization, towards Estes Park, home of the infamous Stanley Hotel and . . . ghosts?

Not surprisingly, the place is a paranormal hot spot. According to legend, at least, as well as the assessment of hundreds of psychics, who consistently place the Stanley in the top ten most haunted places in America. Surely, hundreds of psychics can’t be wrong. Or can they?


To answer that question, I made the journey up to Estes Park with artist and psychic Sonja Lessley. Our intention – to conduct our own investigation and see what findings we could add to the paranormal lexicon regarding the hotel that inspired the book and movie The Shining.

Postcard depicting The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park
Postcard depicting The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park
Continue reading “Ghosts, Doubles And Vortices: Revisiting The Stanley Hotel” →