One famous Massachusetts ghost story is about the Lizzie Borden House. Supposedly, the ghosts of Lizzie Borden and her family haunt the place. People claim to have heard strange noises and seen apparitions. Another is the legend of the Flying Dutchman in Massachusetts waters. Sailors used to tell tales of seeing a ghostly ship. It was said to be a bad omen if spotted.
A well - known Massachusetts ghost story involves the Hoosac Tunnel. Workers died during its construction, and their ghosts are said to haunt the tunnel. There are reports of strange sounds and phantom figures. Also, the Gloucester Sea Serpent legend has some ghostly elements. Some believe that the sightings of the sea serpent were related to the spirits of the ocean.
One origin could be from the area's long history. For example, the story of the woman in white might have come from a real - life tragedy that happened centuries ago. Over time, the story got passed down and embellished.
Haunted houses are a common spooky element. For example, in the tales of the Lizzie Borden House, the very walls seem to hold the memory of the grisly murders. The unexplained noises like creaking floors and phantom axe - swings add to the fear factor.
There are stories about the ghosts in the Fort Warren on Georges Island. It was used as a prison during the Civil War. Supposedly, the ghost of a Confederate soldier named the Lady in Black haunts the fort. She was said to have died there in captivity, and visitors sometimes report seeing a woman in black wandering the halls and ramparts.
In Amherst, there are also stories about a local cemetery. Folks say that at midnight, strange lights can be seen hovering over certain graves. Some think these are the spirits of the departed trying to communicate or simply making their presence known. There have been accounts of people feeling a sudden chill in the air when they pass by the cemetery at night.
Medford has a ghost story connected to an abandoned factory. Workers who used to be there before it closed down reported strange occurrences. Equipment would move on its own, and cold spots were often felt. There are rumors that a worker died in an accident in the factory years ago and his spirit has never left. Some people have even claimed to see a figure in old - fashioned work clothes walking around the empty factory floors.
In Easton, there's a story about a haunted school building. Students and teachers have reported strange noises like footsteps in the empty hallways when no one else was there. Some believe it could be the spirit of a former headmaster who was very strict and passed away in the building. His presence might still be lingering, making sure things are in order even in the afterlife.
The Hawthorne Hotel in Salem also has its share of ghostly tales. Guests have reported strange noises in the hallways, like footsteps when no one was there. There are accounts of seeing a woman in old - fashioned clothing in the lobby area. It's believed that she might be a former guest or someone with a connection to the hotel's long history.
The legend of the sea monster off the coast of Provincetown is quite terrifying. Sailors used to tell of a huge, tentacled beast that would rise from the deep and capsize their ships. They described it as having glowing eyes and a massive body that could wrap around an entire vessel.
A very well - known Medford ghost story is that of the haunted bridge. It is said that if you cross the bridge at a certain time, late at night, you might encounter a ghostly figure. No one really knows who or what this figure is, but it has been a part of local lore for a long time. Also, the story of the old tavern in Medford, which is said to be haunted by the spirit of a former owner who was not very well - liked in life. There have been reports of glasses moving on their own and strange voices in the empty tavern.