Do you like being scared? Do you prefer watching scary movies over an Adam Sandler movie? Some people have a fascination for murders and ghosts, really anything that puts shivers down their spine. For those who enjoy the occasional scare, Boston has tons of places you should check out that are known for being haunted. So, in the spirit of Halloween, here are 13 petrifying haunted buildings in Boston that have garnered quite a reputation.
Photo of Lizzie Borden’s House
1. The Pilot House
The Pilot House was built way back in 1839 and originally served as an inn for pilots and captains of large boats and ships, needing a place to stay overnight. While it isn’t exactly known what atrocities happened there, it has a big-time reputation as a haunted place. People hear and see a variety of unusual things, but the most common and well-known apparition is the “Lady in White,” who haunts the kitchen.
2. The Omni Parker House Hotel
This place originally opened up in 1855, which makes it the oldest hotel in the country. Throughout the years, numerous upgrades have been made, but the haunted stories about this hotel remain. There are numerous rumors of the former owner of the hotel (Harvey Parker) being seen on the 10th floor, as well as the elevator mysteriously stopping on the 3rd floor, as well as a boatload of other reports.
3. Emerson College’s Cutler Majestic Theatre
This theater was first opened up in 1903 and hosted a number of different shows and viewings. Throughout the last 100+ years, there have been several reports of different spirits residing including a former Mayor who reportedly died while watching a performance. Other spirits that are still lingering consists of a married couple watching shows and a little girl that is said to accept the gifts you leave for her.
4. Charlesgate Hotel
This place was constructed in 1891 and served as a huge structure right at the heart of Boston. While it is no longer an active hotel, it’s still standing. The designer of the building died inside of its walls, and a man also committed suicide there in 1908. Since the suicide, people who have visited and lived there reported several different stories about mean and devious spirits haunting them.
5. Berklee’s Mass Ave Residence Hall
While this space is currently occupied by some dormitory rooms, there are rumors that a hotel once stood there. A fire caused the hotel to be destroyed and has apparently led to a number of frightening spirits haunting the students who currently live here. In fact, some of the ghosts even supposedly live in the rooms with students.
6. Fort Warren
This entrance to Boston Harbor was used throughout several wars from the 19th century to the 20th century. Although it’s no longer used for wartime purposes, it remains open to the public. The place is famously haunted by a woman in black who was supposedly executed after she was caught trying to help her husband escape the fort.
7. Lizzie Borden’s House
What is more haunting than the home of a woman who murdered two people inside of it with an ax? Borden killed her father and stepmother with an ax and was later acquitted. This all occurred over a hundred years ago, but there is no doubt the location still has an eerie vibe to it. For only a few dollars, you can actually spend a night at this haunted location. Do you dare?
8. Boston Common
While this is not technically a building, it is a location that is very famous around Boston for being haunted. The Boston Common was the first place settled by Europeans in all of Boston and thus, is the oldest place in the city. Numerous different hangings have taken place there and the grounds are said to be haunted by two women who can be seen walking together, arm in arm.
9. Shelton Hall at Boston University
This place was a hotel before it became a dormitory and was home to Eugene O’Neill, who was a playwright and quite famous and talented. However he, unfortunately, had a rare illness that led him to die during his stay. He lived in room 401, and now, the entire his spirit haunts the entire floor. Several people like to go there to try and get inspiration for their own writings.
10. The Green Line at Boylston
The Green Line is a train that runs throughout Boston, but the Boylston Street Station is no ordinary stop. The location is apparently haunted by more than one spirit, as many different people have reported different stories ranging from ghost sightings to train malfunctions that can’t be explained. These likely stem from the fact that a mass grave for British casualties of the American Revolution was found at this location.
11. The George Parkman House
George Parkman, a member of one of the richest families in Boston in the 1800s, died at home. John Webster horrifically murdered and dismembered Parkman in 1849. It is said that the home is still haunted, and the man still roams the premises.
12. Everett Square Theatre
Some people report hauntings at the Everett Square Theatre, but there are interesting alibis. Locals pass around the story of a group murder on a balcony, yet there is no strong evidence to support their case.
13. The Charlestown Bridge
This bridge stands today and is over 100 years old. However, a man disappeared there on a stormy night, never to be seen again. Some passersby report the sound of his horse and carriage on a quiet night.
Editor’s Note: We updated this article to enhance readability.
