Amelia Andriacco
Many historical buildings attract visitors due to their antique charm, rich history, and interesting facts. It is common for people to immerse themselves in culture and history by visiting old buildings once occupied by our ancestors. However, some people believe these people never truly left. Here are some creepy historical buildings that also have a haunted reputation.
5. Dunham Recreation Center
This place of theatre, day camps, and preschool has an unlikely origin. From 1897 to 1973, this space acted as a municipal tuberculosis hospital for quarantined patients. They used an underground tunnel system to transport these patients to ensure the incurable disease did not spread. Though the space has been tuberculosis-free for many years, members of the community speculate that the patients never truly left.
Robert Kelley, a performer and director of over ten years, said, “I knew about the history, I have been alone in the building several times, hear a lot of noises, and have the feeling of being watched, but no sightings.”
His granddaughter, Makenzie Kelley, participated in the children’s shows for years, growing very familiar with the creepy historical building. When asked about the haunted rumors, she said “while incredibly beautiful, the building has an undeniably ominous feeling–anyone who has performed in or attended a show can attest.”
Robert Kelley also reported that there is a group having seances within the building several times a year.
4. Whaley House
Thomas Whaley built a mansion for his family in 1857, establishing himself as a well-known figure and businessman. Despite having the picture-perfect life and home, tragedy struck for the Whaley family.
Not only was the home built on a former gallows site for executing criminals, it was also the place of his son’s death by scarlet fever, as well as his daughter’s death by suicide.
Guests consistently report seeing the ghost of Thomas’s first wife, Anna Whaley, accompanied by a scent of perfume. Not only Thomas’s wife, but Thomas himself has made ghostly appearances alongside his children. Visitors have heard the laughter, racing footsteps, and cries of the Whaley children within the haunted building. Daytime and Nighttime tours are both offered for people interested in the historical, yet paranormal, reputation of the Whaley House.
3. Dent Schoolhouse
Though it is seen as a place of Halloween fun, this haunted house lives up to its title. In 1892, Dent Schoolhouse was opened in Cincinnati, Ohio, within the Cincinnati Public Schools District. The school was very successful, teaching Kindergarten through 8th grade.
Soon, they were in need of a custodian. The position was filled by Charlie McFree, who reportedly did a good job keeping the school clean.
In 1942, several children from the school mysteriously went missing. Over the years, the number of missing children grew rapidly. Though they were originally speculated to be runaway cases, community members discovered the truth. In 1955, after years of an unbearable smell coming from the basement, community members busted down the doors and made their way down. To their dismay, the decaying remains of the missing children had been found in the walls, pipes, and barrels.
Charlie Free was never found, and the school closed down shortly after the discovery. After developing a reputation for being haunted by the missing children, the schoolhouse welcomes thrill-seeking individuals during the Halloween season for a frightening haunted house experience. The experience even features an actor dressed as the infamous Charlie Free.
2. The Octagon House
In 1814, after the White House had been set on fire by an invading British army, President James Madison and First Lady Dolley Madison sought a place to stay. The Octagon house fit the needs of the family, making it the temporary White House.
The history of this building does not start with the Madisons, however. This building served as a plantation and home of the Abijah Thomas family. Thomas was an influential and wealthy man, serving as a Justice of Washington County and Owning many slaves.
The history of slavery, war, and death associated with this building allowed rumors of hauntings to spread. It is known as one of Virginia’s most haunted locations. Visitors have reported feeling cold spots and strange feelings within the building.
1. Leap Castle
This Irish castle was said to have been built by the O’Bannon clan. Two O’Bannon brothers gave the castle its name when they fought to be the Chieftain of the clan. They concluded who was the strongest and most worthy by jumping off the castle and claiming the survivor as the winner.
This creepy historical building is said to be haunted by numerous ghosts. The website reports sightings of ghosts and guests experiencing being touched. Some frequent ghost appearances include The Red Lady, Emily & Charlotte, and more.