The story of the Lady in White at the Portsmouth Harbor is quite well - known. Legend has it that a woman in a white dress haunts the area, perhaps waiting for a lost love. Many locals and visitors have reported seeing her figure near the water.
One famous New England ghost story is about the Lizzie Borden House. It's said that the spirits of Lizzie and her family still haunt the place. People have reported strange noises and cold spots there.
New England's isolation in the past also contributes. With long, cold winters and small, close - knit communities, people had a lot of time to tell and embellish stories. The superstitions that were brought over from Europe and then mixed with the unique New England experiences made for some really distinct ghost stories. For instance, stories of sea captains' ghosts coming back to haunt their old homes or the ships they once commanded are unique to this region with its strong seafaring history.
Anyone who has had an experience in New England can write it. It could be a local who has lived there all their life and wants to share their memories. For example, an old fisherman could write about his days at sea off the New England coast.
Well, there's a story from a small New England town. A long - ago sea captain's ghost is said to roam the old docks at night. His figure, dressed in old - fashioned sailing clothes, has been seen by fishermen. They say he's looking for his lost ship. And in some of the old colonial homes in New England, there are tales of the ghosts of servants who died under mysterious circumstances. These ghosts are often seen as shadowy figures in the hallways.
New England Gothic stories often have a sense of gloom and decay. They typically feature old, dilapidated settings like abandoned mansions or gloomy forests. The characters may be haunted by their pasts or face moral dilemmas.
New England short stories often have a strong sense of place. They are set in the unique landscapes of New England, like the rocky coasts, dense forests, and small, quaint villages. The stories also tend to deal with Puritan values, such as hard work, guilt, and moral uprightness. For example, in Hawthorne's works, characters are often grappling with the consequences of sin in a Puritan - influenced society.
I'm not too familiar with all the specific stories in 'landfall the best new england crime stories'. But usually, the best ones might involve complex mysteries and interesting characters. Maybe there are stories about unsolved murders in small New England towns that keep you on the edge of your seat.
In 'Millville, a Real New England Ghost Story', it's likely that the setting of Millville plays a crucial role. New England is known for its small, close - knit communities, and Millville is probably no different. The ghost story could be intertwined with the relationships within the town. Maybe there's a feud between two families that is somehow related to the apparitions. It could also involve local landmarks in Millville, like an old church or a cemetery. The ghosts in the story might be associated with these places, emerging from the tombstones in the cemetery or the shadowy corners of the church at night. The story might also explore how outsiders view the supposed hauntings in Millville compared to the locals who have grown up with the tales.
One of the most well - known New England witch stories is the Salem witch trials. In Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, many people were accused of witchcraft. Hysteria spread as young girls claimed to be possessed and tormented by witches. Bridget Bishop was one of the first to be hanged. It was a time of great fear and superstition in the community.