This is a guest contribution from freelance writer Sally Writes.
New York City is home to a number of world-renowned attractions, including the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building. The City That Never Sleeps, with its 400-year long history, is also home to a number of ghosts and haunted locations that both intrigue and terrify the residents (and visitors) to the USA’s largest city.
Thanks to the typical American’s penchant of the macabre, a large number of ghost tours are now operational within the city, showcasing some of the Big Apple’s most haunted locations. The following three are just a drop in the bucket:
The Manhattan Well
During the cold winter of 1800, the body of a young woman by the name of Gulielma Sands was found at the bottom of a well at what is now known as 129 Spring Street. The murder suspect was none other than Miss Sands’ former lover, Levi Weeks, who was said to have strangled her after impregnating her and falsely promising her that he would marry her. Being the brother of influential NY builder Ezra Weeks, Levi was able to retain the legal services of some of the city’s top attorneys and was acquitted of the crime in less than ten minutes– despite severe public outcry at what was the first-ever recorded murder trial in the country. The spirit of Sands is believed to haunt the well to this day. While the well is not open to the general public, it is sometimes accessible as part of an organised tour.
Merchant’s House Museum
Whether you are a seasoned New Yorker or a curious visitor, chances are you have stumbled upon a haunted dwelling such as the Merchant’s House Museum during one of your many sightseeing excursions in the city. Named ‘Manhattan’s Most Haunted House’ by the The New York Times, the home once owned by the Tredwell family is believed to still be home to one of the family members – Gertrude Tredwell. Gertrude was never married and lived in the house her entire life until she died there in 1933, at the ripe old age of 93. Ever since the 1930’s when the house was opened as a public museum, mysterious sights, sounds, and even smells have been reported by museum staff and visitors alike. No one seems too fazed by the occurrences though as ghost tours are offered on a regular basis.
The Ear Inn
If there is one tip any seasoned New Yorker can give you, it will be to visit as many of the city’s wonderful attractions while you are there – including the haunted The Ear Inn. It is one of the oldest and most haunted drinking spots in all of NYC. Back in the day, the establishment was frequented by longshoremen and sailors who flocked there to get a drink. One of these regular patrons, known as Mickey the Sailor, spent most of his free time, and money, at the Inn. Not even death could persuade Mickey to move on to another watering hole and up to this day, he still pops in frequently for a bout of debauchery. While he has no interest in scaring the life out of the patrons, he does enjoy prodding at the waitresses, making them squirm and scream. He has even been so bold as to climb into bed with single females who were brave enough to make use of the upstairs accommodations. All-in-all, Mickey isn’t a bad ghost, he is merely trying to have a bit of fun after his untimely death.
If you are a fan of the paranormal, New York City should undoubtedly be near the top of your list of place to visit in search of supernatural occurrences. Be warned though, NYC ghosts are unlike any you have ever encountered – they may very well try and claim you as their own.
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