The Top 5 US Cities with the Most Ghost Sightings

Do you believe in ghosts?
Believing in ghost stories is one thing, but experiencing an actual ghost sighting is something that can turn a non-believer into a full-on paranormal expert, or at least make you feel as if you are.

Which Cities in the U.S. Have the Most Ghost Sightings?

If you are curious about ghost sightings or have experienced an encounter and are ready for more, we have put together a helpful list of the top cities in the U.S. where people have experienced the most encounters with spirits. So, get ready to make some travel plans to visit these haunted cities where the dead still linger around some of America’s most historic places.

Let’s get started with our first city on the list, Nashville, TN.

Nashville, TN

The haunted Tennessee State Capitol building in Nashville – Copyright US Ghost Adventures

One may not instantly believe that Nashville, TN would make the list of the top cities where you may bump into a ghost. But once you take a deep dive into the haunted history of Music City, you will begin to realize why we decided to add it to our list.

Let’s start with one of the most haunted places in town, The Gaylord Opryland Resort Hotel.

Gaylord Opryland Resort Hotel

Once known as the preferred place to stay while visiting Nashville for business or pleasure, this hotel, situated close to the now-closed-down Opryland theme park, is one of the largest hotels in the world. The massive hotel has over 2,800 guest rooms and features an architectural design that has been admired by many. But those who are intrigued by the supernatural frequently visit this hotel for a different reason: to catch a glimpse of the resident ghost known as The Lady in Black.

The Ghost of the Lady in Black

The land the hotel was constructed on was once owned by the McGavock family, and it is believed that the Lady in Black is Mrs. McGavock, who also haunts the Two Rivers Mansion nearby. She has been seen dressed in full Antebellum-style attire, a long flowing black gown, which gives the idea that she was possibly in mourning. She has been seen throughout the hotel in guest rooms and stairwells.

One former employee who worked at the hotel in the 1990s talked about their experiences with the Lady in Black. He said after finishing up his duties for the night, he was leaving the hotel and saw a blurry image of a woman at the top of the staircase. She was dressed in what he referred to as Civil War-era clothing. He was aware this vision wasn’t quite human but approached with ease, telling her good evening. She vanished from his sight immediately after that.

A former guest who stayed at the hotel when he was a child recalled seeing the ghost of Mrs. McGavock once. He said he remembers waking up at 3am every night during his stay, and when he would open his eyes, he saw the lady standing over him, watching him sleep. He described the experience as scary, but he didn’t feel threatened by her. Others have claimed similar experiences, with some even reporting waking up to the sound of the lady whispering in their ears.

Nashville City Cemetery

The Nashville City Cemetery opened in 1822 and is the oldest public cemetery in the city. There are many of Nashville’s most prominent residents from history who are buried there, and some may even roam the grounds under the moonlight.

One famous Nashville native buried at the cemetery is the duelist and attorney Charles Dickinson, who bled to death following a duel with President Andrew Jackson, before he was elected. It’s been said that visitors of Dickinson’s gravesite can feel cold chills even on warm summer days and also report the uneasy feeling of being watched when no one is around.

There is also the grave of Ann Rawlins, who died by suicide, jumping from a cliff overlooking the Cumberland River. Ann was distraught after arguing with her husband, Charles. After her passing, Charles had a boulder from the cliff placed at Ann’s grave. He also had a lantern installed above her grave to provide her spirit with light, as he knew Ann was afraid of the dark.

Several spirits have been seen visiting Ann’s gravesite, possibly friends and loved ones or even Charles himself. Visitors have witnessed ghosts lighting the lantern for Ann, keeping the light on for her.

New Orleans, LA

The haunted LaLaurie Mansion in the French Quarter – Copyright US Ghost Adventures

The City of New Orleans is no stranger to hauntings, and if you travel to the French Quarter, you are likely to encounter several ghosts in this magical part of town. There are dozens of historic locations in NOLA where ghosts have been spotted, but if you are looking for one place where you can encounter a multitude of spirits at the same time, your best option is to visit the Le Pavillon Hotel, which is believed to be haunted by as many as 100 ghosts.

Le Pavillon Hotel

Le Pavillon was a luxury hotel located just a few blocks from the French Quarter. It had 219 guest rooms, and many of its furnishings were imported from Paris. This grand hotel was truly seen as a place of high class and extravagance, but in reality, it was also a place known for dirty deeds and midnight murders.

The History of the Le Pavillion

It was known as the “Belle of New Orleans,” but its backstory is anything but beautiful. Even before the hotel was built, the location itself was deemed as dangerous. It was originally granted to the founders of the New Orleans Colony, the Jesuits, but when they were expelled from the city years later, the land became home to an indigo plantation and sugarcane fields.

During the 18th century, this area of New Orleans was considered to be the outskirts of town and was heavily impacted by crime sprees and murder. But that changed once the New Orleans Coalition Railroad was founded, making the area a much more peaceful place, if only temporarily.

After the train depot was resold, the location was used by traveling circus performers and later converted into a performing arts center known as Werlein Hall.

Afterwards the theater was converted into a music shop, which was involved in a complex legal battle over the true ownership of the property.

In 1899 the land was purchased by La Baronne Realty Company, and construction of the La Pavillon Hotel began in 1905. Two years later it was completed. It was originally named New Hotel Denechuad and later took on the name DeSoto Hotel, which operated an underground escape tunnel during Prohibition.

The Hauntings at Le Pavillion

With such a rich historic background, it’s easy to see why this hotel has so many ties to the paranormal. But unlike many other haunted places throughout the U.S. that have one or two ghosts who linger around, the Le Pavillion is home to more than one hundred entities, according to the reports from a paranormal investigation team who stayed there. One person mentioned that the reason why the hotel is haunted by so many ghosts is because the land on which it sits is a portal to the other side.

One reason why so many ghosts cling to this luxury NOLA hotel may be because they feel accepted there. Unlike other haunted establishments, the managers and staff at Le pavilion embrace their ghostly guests.

If you choose to stay at his location, you will receive a pamphlet when you arrive explaining the hotel’s history and information about the paranormal investigation that was conducted in 1996. While the entire hotel is known to be haunted, there are a few rooms where people have witnessed more activity than others. Guests who are brave enough can even request to stay in one of the hotel’s most haunted rooms.

One brave guest chose to book a room on the ninth floor of the hotel, which is known to be very haunted. He reported when he woke up in the middle of the night, he found a woman dressed in black sitting at the foot of his bed. As she leaned in closer to him, her icy cold fingers ran through his hair. She then whispered. “You belong to me. I’ll never let you go.” The guest never booked another stay at the Le Pavillion again.

Make sure to book a New Orleans ghost tour if you really want to get an inside look into New Orleans’ haunted side!

Gettysburg, PA

The haunted Jennie Wade House in Gettysburg – Copyright US Ghost Adventures

Being one of the key cities where bloody battles took place during the Civil War, Gettysburg, PA is known to be haunted by a multitude of ghosts in many different locations. The intense trauma and violence from the battles are believed to have left an everlasting imprint on this city, contributing to the high amount of ghost encounters locals and visitors have experienced.

Dobbin House Tavern

The Dobbin House Tavern was built during the American Revolution by Rev. Alexander Dobbin, who had ten children. Dobbin built the home as a school that his descendants later used as a safe house for the underground railroad. Hidden rooms and secret passageways have been discovered inside the tavern, which helped to shelter escaped slaves as they made their way to freedom.

During the Civil War, the house played a role as a makeshift field hospital for wounded soldiers. Men covered in blood, barely hanging on to their lives, would be housed in the attic and basement. The dining room tables served as operating stations. Limbs were amputated and tossed out the windows. Even now, it is said that you can hear the cries of the wounded echoed as they endure these tragic but necessary medical treatments.

It's been said that there is a significant amount of poltergeist activity at this location. Candles have been known to extinguish on their own; there are cold spots throughout, and staff members have told stories of hearing their name whispered while they are alone or feeling an eerie tap on their shoulder when no one is around. The employees have also said they can often hear the sound of children playing late at night long after the business has closed its doors for the day. It’s even been said that the ghost of Abraham Lincoln will pass by on occasion. His silhouette has been spotted walking in front of the house, perhaps on his way to make his legendary speech.

Cashtown Inn

The red brick Cashtown Inn building was constructed in 1797. It was meant to be the first stagecoach stop west of Gettysburg. It served as a popular stop for those traveling through the area on vacation or seeking a romantic getaway. But the Inn’s location, being only 8.79 miles away from Gettysburg, also made it a strategic spot during the Civil War.

During the Gettysburg campaign of 1863, Confederate General A.P. Hill chose the Inn to be his main headquarters. He moved his 22,000 soldiers into town to camp out. After the three-day Battle of Gettysburg, many of the wounded were transferred to the inn for treatment, but most didn’t survive.

There are several entities in this old building, including the spirit of a Confederate soldier who has been seen inside the Inn for more than 100 years. He is most active during the summer months and was especially present after the most recent restoration of the inn. And an old photo taken across the street from the building in 1895 caught the image of the ghost, dressed in Civil War attire, standing on the front porch. The haunting image has been used on a brochure for the inn, welcoming those who are curious to come meet their resident ghost. Visitors have reported hearing the soldier walking down the halls and appearing in guests rooms for laughs. Gettysburg even has a haunted bed and breakfast where you can spend the night – if you dare! – called the Brickhouse Inn.

Savannah, GA

Haunted cemetery in Savannah – Copyright US Ghost Adventures

According to many different sources, the City of Savannah, GA is well-known for being haunted by many ghosts, which is why it’s a popular destination for ghost tours. The rich history of this southern town, including its roles in the Atlantic slave trade and the Civil War, contributes to the multitude of ghost stories and urban legends that come from this Georgia area. One location that is known to have a high number of spirits is the Bonaventure Cemetery.

Bonaventure Cemetery

The Bonaventure Cemetery is not only one of the most haunted graveyards in the south, but it is also considered to be one of the most beautiful. Author Oscar Wilde once visited Bonaventure and was overwhelmed by the lush beauty. He said it was incomparable to anything he’s seen when asked to describe it.

The cemetery is widely known as being featured in the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt, which was later adapted into a film. The cemetery is also home to some of the most intricate and truly remarkable statues, including the Bird Girl and Little Gracie. While the Bird Girl statue was featured on the cover of the popular novel, the Little Gracie statue is just as popular around Savannah for its haunting presence.

The Haunted Statue of Little Gracie

The Little Gracie statue was placed at Bonaventure in memory of Gracie Watson, a six-year-old girl who died from pneumonia. Not long after her death, her parents were forced to relocate for their jobs and moved away from Savannah. That’s when her father decided to have the sculpture made to immortalize their daughter and serve as something to watch over her since they could no longer visit.

Visitors have been known to leave small gifts such as toys and trinkets at the statue for Gracie. But unfortunately, not all visitors to Grace’s grave have been as kind. A local legend started by schoolchildren said that if you rub the statue’s nose, you will score well on your tests. The nose was rubbed so often that it broke off and had to be repaired.

Those who have visited Bonaventure Cemetery have reported seeing a little girl dressed in a white dress, running around playfully throughout the graveyard, only to vanish into thin air when you take a second look. It has also been said that if any of her gifts are removed from her grave, the statue will begin to cry tears of blood.

The Pirates’ House

The Pirate’s House is a popular restaurant in Savannah that is also one of the oldest buildings in the area It’s a very historic part of the town that has become a staple to the locals over the years. It also has plenty of ghostly residents who have stuck around for centuries.

The building was constructed in 1734 and was originally a home for the gardener of the first experimental garden in the United States, known as the Trustees’ Garden. Nearly two decades later, when Savannah became a seaport town, the home was converted into an Inn where sailors would stay after their long trips at sea.

The current owners stated that the restaurant’s rum cellar is haunted and believe it’s because it connects to a tunnel that leads to the Savannah River, where several men were kidnapped many years ago. The owner said that according to the story, some of the men who were kidnapped didn’t make it out of the tunnel alive.

Staff members of the restaurant have reported glasses being mysteriously knocked off the table and liquor bottles flying off the shelves. The current owners say they were skeptical of the hauntings at first, but it didn’t take long before they experienced some ghost encounters of their own and became believers.

The owners have said they believe the building is haunted by several hundred spirits of former sailors in the cellar and there. Is also the ghost of a little boy who haunts the building as well. No one knows the origin story for the child ghost, but it’s said that the blonde-haired little boy can be seen now and then on the front steps of the building.

Salem, MA

The Salem Witch House- – Copyright US Ghost Adventures

Salem, Massachusetts, is perhaps the most talked about haunted city in the U.S. thanks to its dark and unnerving history. With events like the Salem Witch Trials, where the truth is more disturbing than fiction, it comes as no surprise that this New England town would make our list of the top cities with the most ghost sightings.

You may already be familiar with the Salem Witch Trials of the 1600s. Countless books and films have been made over the years portraying the executions of the women who were accused of practicing witchcraft. But did you know the spirits of those victims live on today at some of the most popular historic locations linked to the trials? The Hawthorne Hotel, Jonathan Corwin House, and Proctor’s Ledge are three of the most haunted places where you are likely to see a ghost or two while you are exploring Salem.

The Hawthorne Hotel

The Hawthorne Hotel was constructed in 1925 and is named after author Nathaniel Hawthorne. The home was built on an apple orchard, property that once belonged to Bridget Bishop. Bridget was the first woman to be executed during the 1692 Salem Witch Trials for practicing witchcraft, and today it’s believed that she haunts the halls of this hotel.

Guests who have checked in to the Hawthorne have reported seeing apparitions in the hall in the form of a mysterious mist. They’ve noticed furniture moving on its own and have heard unexplained noises when no one else was around.

It is believed that rooms 325 and 612 are the most haunted at this hotel and where curious visitors can expect to see ghostly activity. Some guests have even claimed they’ve smelled the sweet aroma of fresh apples or baked apple pie while in this room.

Jonathan Corwin House

Also known as The Witch House, the Jonathan Corwin House is another location associated with the Salem Witch Trials and therefore highly suspected of being haunted by several spirits. It is the only structure still standing that has direct ties to the trials and was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who presided over the trials. Some of the examinations even took place inside this very building.

The house gives off an eerie atmosphere, and many believe that the house is haunted by the spirits of those who were executed during the trials. Visitors and staff members who help maintain the home have reported the uneasy feeling of being watched, hearing footsteps following behind them, and disembodied voices, as well as seeing apparitions of several different ghosts.

One of the most popular sightings at this house is of a woman dressed in colonial attire. Some believe this is also the ghost of Bridget Bishop, possibly making her rounds throughout the community, haunting every location associated with her death.

People have also spotted the ghost of a man in a black suit, believed to be the spirit of Judge Corwin. You can hear him coming by the sound of heavy footsteps behind you or the sudden slamming of doors.

The basement of the Witch House is also believed to be haunted by several spirits. Visitors have mentioned feeling a sense of dread and unease upon entering. Some have even said they felt as though they were being physically pushed or grabbed by an invisible force.

Proctor’s Ledge

Out of all the places you may visit in Salem in hopes of having a ghost encounter, Proctor’s Ledge is likely your best bet. This is the location also known as the “hanging hill” during the witch trials, where nineteen of the falsely accused women were hanged. Just standing in this location with all the dark history connected to it is enough to send chills down your spine. But seeing an actual apparition or two would make a visit to the ledge even more memorable and haunting.

Located in the small village of Essex County, it’s been said there is a Lady in White who frequents the area. While very few have seen her, several have heard her disembodied voice in the distance, calling out for help. Visitors have also witnessed distinct cold spots on the hill and have seen incandescent orbs floating around. It’s been said that the Lady in White has also been seen in other locations throughout Salem, including Murphy’s Restaurant and Pub and the Old Burying Point Cemetery.

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