Growing up in the Ocean State, I’ve heard many stories of hauntings and paranormal activity at some of the most popular historic attractions. With so many preserved buildings that are hundreds of years old, whether a mansion, an inn, a tavern, or a house, stories from the past are hiding in their walls. Of course, the most famous—or rather infamous—haunted location in Rhode Island is the “Conjuring House,” which became the subject of the blockbuster horror film franchise that I’m still too scared to watch. But many other haunted locales around the Ocean State can give you goosebumps when you visit. Here are some of my favorite haunted places in Rhode Island:
1. Belcourt of Newport, Newport
Formerly known as Belcourt Castle, the 60-room Belcourt of Newport is owned by Carolyn Rafaelian, the founder of Alex and Ani. However, she’s certainly not the first owner. Belcourt’s history dates back to the late 1800s when it was constructed for Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont, a prominent politician and socialite. Following his passing in 1908, the home had several owners before Harold and Ruth Tinney purchased it and named it Belcourt Castle. They filled the house with antiques and artifacts from around the world, and it is believed that these items carried spirits with them, spirits that now reside at Belcourt. Over the years, there have been reports of objects like mirrors moving on their own, disembodied voices, and ghostly apparitions of a monk and a man dressed in armor.
The mansion is open for tours if you’d like to (possibly) experience paranormal activity at Belcourt. Your best bet for seeing something is on a Candlelight Tour, where you’ll hear haunting tales on a 60-minute guided walk. History of Belcourt tours are also offered. Book your experience through the Belcourt website.
2. Benefit Street, Providence
Located on College Hill on the East Side of Providence, Benefit Street has earned the moniker “Mile of History” due to its stretch of historic buildings and homes. Much of the preserved architecture includes the country’s most extensive collection of original Colonial homes, including the Stephen Hopkins House, which was built in 1707. Of course, this historic street is no stranger to the paranormal. Among the eerie ghost sightings reported over the years are a horse-drawn ghost carriage that silently rides down the street and the famous writer Edgar Allen Poe, who had ties to Providence and was engaged to Benefit Street resident, Sarah Helen Whitman. You can learn more about Benefit Street’s rich and haunted histories on a tour with Providence Ghost Tours.
3. White Horse Tavern, Newport
Known as “America’s Oldest Tavern” and one of the world’s oldest restaurants, The White Horse Tavern was established in Newport in 1673, although the building it resides in was built years prior in 1652. With an age of over 350 years, this colonial-era restaurant is a National Historic Landmark with many ghostly tales to tell. One spirit seen numerous times over the years is a man dressed in Colonial garb, who had died after spending a night upstairs above the tavern when that floor offered rooms to rent for the night. Other sightings are said to be that of Rebecca Cornell, a local woman who was found murdered by fire in 1673.
Book a tour with US Ghost Adventures to learn more about The White Horse Tavern’s haunted happenings and history. You may also want to dine here or, at the very least, grab a spirit at the bar and see if any of the tavern’s spirits will join you!…