Spots I Would Add To The Connecticut Haunted History Trail
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Last week, the Connecticut Office of Tourism launched the Connecticut Haunted History Trail just in time for spooky season. I got a sneak peek at the trail before it officially launched, which you can read about here. I think they did a great job with putting together the trail. But as someone who loves all things spooky, there were a lot of spots I was shocked to not see on the trail. With that being said, below are spots that I would add to the Connecticut Haunted History Trail.
Seaside Sanatorium
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Seaside Sanatorium in Waterford was a medical center for the heliotropic treatment of children with tuberculosis. From 1959-1961, the campus was a Geriatric Center and from 1961-1996, the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services used buildings for its new regional center.
Today, it’s a Connecticut state park. Many people feel that this spot is haunted by spirits of children. I’ve watched sunsets here, and it definitely has a creepy feeling after dark. I may or may not have ran to my car once the sun went down.
Learn more about visiting this CT state park: The Unique Seaside State Park In Connecticut
Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park
Fort Griswold in Groton was the site of the Battle of Groton Heights during the American Revolutionary War. Colonel Ledyard gave up his sword to surrender, but he was immediately killed by the British. When the battle ended, 85 Americans had died, five were dying, and 36 were severely wounded. Today, it is believed the fort is haunted by soldiers who died there.
Within the park, you can see the Ebenezer Avery House, which is where the wounded soldiers sheltered after the battle at the fort. The soldiers were laid on the floor, and for many years, the blood stains were visible on the floorboards of the house.
Learn more about Fort Griswold: Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in Connecticut
Old Trinity Church
The Old Trinity Church in Brookyln is said to be one of the most haunted churches in the state. The church’s haunted reputation predates the 20th century. But in more recent history, there have been reports of people seeing the young victims of the serial killer Michael Ross at the property. Ross murdered eight young women and girls between 1981 and 1984. There’s also an old cemetery on the grounds.
Garde Arts Center
The Garde Arts Center is a historic theatre in the heart of downtown New London. The theatre opened in 1926 and served as a stage for vaudeville as well as film. At the time it was opened, it was said to be “one of the finest theatres in New England.”
The site of the Garde Arts Center was where the former Thomas Wheeler Mansion was. The mansion was the home to a wealthy whaling family. Five of Williams’ nine children died there before age 22. It is assumed that the hauntings are tied to the Williams family. The most well-known ghost is a young girl with a balloon. The theatre was investigated by the Ghost Hunters team in 2016.
The theatre is a stop on the When History Speaks: The Historic Haunts of New London tour, which is offered by Uncovering New London.
Fairfield Hills Campus
Fairfield Hills Hospital in Newtown was a psychiatric hospital from 1931-1995. Many people believe this spot is haunted because of the history of trauma, pain, and suffering of the residents. The paranormal activity is said to be in the underground tunnel system and the locked ward buildings.
Today the property is home to municipal buildings, walking paths, sports fields, and even a great brewery, NewSylum Brewing Co. It’s interesting that they’ve repurposed the property, given the history.
Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine
From 1773 to 1827, this spot in East Granby served as Connecticut’s first state prison, often holding dangerous criminals in horrible conditions. During my tour of the mine, I learned that two prisoners who were trying to escape were buried alive by rocks. The guide said that the bodies were never removed.
There were also a lot of murders that happened at the prison. A lot of this was due to riots caused by the horrible conditions. Conditions were so bad, the prison was referred to as “hell” by many. People have reported hearing screams down in the mines and seeing figures.
This is a popular spot to visit in the fall when the museum does its jack o’ lantern display in the old copper mine.
Thomaston Opera House
The historic Thomaston Opera House in Thomaston was built between 1883 and 1885. When I went to see a show here, an usher who had worked there for 23 years told me that the building is haunted and that it was built on top of a cemetery. When Obsidian Paranormal investigated the building, they heard unexplained noises and movement.
Read about my visit: Seeing A Show At The Historic Thomaston Opera House
Old Windham Inn
The Windham Inn, built in 1783, is located in the Windham Center Historic District in Windham. The building is said to be haunted by the ghost of Elizabeth (Betsy) Shaw. In 1744, unmarried Betsy turned up pregnant, causing the townspeople to taunt her for it. When the baby was born, it disappeared.
Later, it was found dead near a cliff. Betsy was turned in by her father for the killing, and she was hanged after being found guilty by an all-male jury. Some have said that her spirit has been seen walking along the road and at the former location of the Old Windham Inn. When the building was converted into apartments, residents and overnight visitors reported the sound of a baby crying despite no infants in the building.
Indian Well State Park
Indian Well State Park in Shelton is said to be haunted by the White Lady. There are multiple stories for who this white lady might be. The first says it’s a bride that fell to her death at the waterfall on her wedding day. Another says it’s a tribal princess that threw herself from the cliff above the waterfall after receiving news of her lover’s death in battle.
Hearthstone Castle
Hearthstone Castle in Danbury is said to be haunted. The building was built between 1895 and 1899. Today, the castle lies in ruins, a mere shell of what it once was. There have been reports of a phantom dog, and eerie figures at the site.
Today, the castle is a part of Tarrywile Park. You can hike to view the castle. However, it is fenced off and not open to the public.
Mystic & Noank Library
The Mystic & Noank Library in Mystic was built between 1892 and 1894 by Captain Elihu Spicer. Library staff have seen apparitions and voices have been picked up during investigations. A psychic medium sensed many spirits during her time at the library, both male and female (you can read about her experience on her Facebook). The library is also said to be haunted by former library cats.
Gardner Lake
Gardner Lake has a very well-known tale about a house that people tried to move across the ice in 1895. I’m not sure why they thought that was a good idea, but the house ultimately sank to the bottom of the lake.
Nobody went down with the house, but there are claims that people have heard the sound of a piano coming from the bottom of the lake. I must say, I have been to that lake more times than I can count, and I’ve never heard the piano. Maybe there are fish playing it, or maybe it’s something paranormal.
Learn more about visiting: Gardner Lake State Park Salem, CT
