Every year, millions of people flock to some of the most haunted places in the country to celebrate the spirit of Halloween, proving that America truly is the home of the brave.
The U.S. is home to a plethora of legendary haunted venues, which are open for tours and visits. According to Thrillist, the LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans, Louisiana is the most haunted place in the French Quarter of New Orleans. In 1832, Delphine LaLaurie and her husband, Louis, moved into the lavish three-story mansion. Their wealth and popularity put them at the top of the New Orleans social scene. But, behind closed doors, Delphine was cruel and unstable, torturing and killing several of her slaves. When word of this spread throughout the city, they were snubbed from social gatherings and ignored by the community.
One day, an enormous fire broke out in the kitchen, damaging a large portion of the house. In the rubble of the fire, firefighters found twelve dead slaves chained to the wall, mutilated bodies, and a haphazard array of scattered bones. Angry townspeople pillaged the house, and the LaLauries were never seen again.
Just short of an hour southeast of Arlington Heights lies the Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, famous for being home to the ghost of the infamous gangster, Al Capone. According to CityPass.com, the hotel was built in 1893 for the World’s Fair and was initially prosperous. However, the hotel’s reputation became tarnished when H.H. Holmes, the United States’ first serial killer, used the hotel to find his victims. Al Capone frequented the hotel, and his spirit is said to linger in the lobby and bar. Other famous spirits include Peg Leg Johnny, a prank-loving hobo who died at the hotel, who can be seen turning lights on and off in guests’ rooms, and a female specter who sits at the foot of the bed in room 441 and kicks it to wake guests up in the morning.
Colorado.com states that the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, responsible for serving as inspiration to legendary horror writer Stephen King, is one of the most haunted places in Colorado. King visited the hotel, and felt compelled to write his best selling novel, “The Shining,” after reportedly seeing ghostly children wandering the halls. His novel was adapted into a movie and shot in the hotel. The most haunted place to visit is room 217, where King stayed during his visit. Visitors in room 217 have claimed to see F.O. Stanley, the hotel’s founder, unpacking their bags, and a maid tidying up while they sleep.
These landmarks are sure to give you some fascinating and frightening stories. Regardless of how you celebrate Halloween, be sure to check out these spooky sights.