There's a story about an old abandoned house in Erie. Locals say that late at night, you can see a figure in the window. It's said to be the ghost of a former resident who refused to leave even after death. This story has been passed down through generations, and many have claimed to have had a spooky encounter when passing by the house.
There are stories of the Erie Maritime Museum being haunted. Workers and visitors have reported hearing unexplained noises, like creaking floors and voices when no one else is around. It could be the spirits of sailors who once worked on the ships that are now part of the museum's exhibits. Maybe they are still attached to the vessels they once served on.
The Erie PA ghost story about the old prison is very scary. There were many violent deaths in that prison over the years. Now, it's said that the ghosts of the inmates and guards haunt the place. Visitors have reported being touched by unseen hands and hearing the clanking of chains. And then there's the story of a haunted forest near Erie. People who enter it claim to see strange lights and hear whispers, as if the forest itself is alive with the spirits of the dead.
The strange noises could potentially be due to the hotel's old infrastructure. Old pipes can make creaking sounds, and the building settling over time can also cause various noises. However, the fact that so many people have reported similar experiences over the years does make one wonder. Maybe there's some sort of energy or presence that we don't fully understand yet.
One well - known Lake Erie ghost story is about the ghost ship. Sailors claim to have seen a spectral ship on the lake. It's said to be a ship that sank long ago, and now its ghostly form haunts the waters. Some say they can see the faint outlines of the sails and the hull, but when they get closer, it disappears.
The tale of the headless sailor is also quite well - known. Supposedly, a sailor lost his head in a battle on a ship on Lake Erie. His headless figure has been seen wandering the decks of ships at night. It's a story that combines the mystery of the lake with the horror of a dismembered spirit.
The most famous might be the one about the headless apparition. People say it roams near a particular section of the cemetery, especially during Halloween. It's really creepy.
Well, in Erie Cemetery, there's this one story about a phantom horse - drawn carriage. Supposedly, it appears on foggy nights, traveling along the cemetery paths. It's said to be the carriage that once carried a wealthy and powerful family member to their final resting place. The sound of the horse's hooves and the creaking of the carriage wheels can be heard faintly, adding to the spooky atmosphere of the cemetery.
One well - known Erie Ghost Story is 'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James. It's a very eerie tale about a governess who believes the children she's taking care of are being haunted by ghosts. Another could be 'The Woman in Black' which is set in a spooky, isolated location and has a very creepy atmosphere with a vengeful ghost. And there's also 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' which features the headless horseman, a very famous and frightening ghost - like figure.
The religious beliefs of the Pennsylvania Dutch also play a part. Their strong faith influenced how they perceived the spirit world. Some stories might be warnings about moral behavior. For example, if someone was greedy or unkind, they might be haunted. And the isolation of the rural areas where they lived made it easier for these spooky tales to spread and be embellished over time. The tales were passed down orally from generation to generation, with each adding their own details, creating a rich tapestry of ghost stories.