by Tom Stewart

Created on: July 27, 2010   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Massachusetts is one of the most historic and storied states in America. As one of the original 13 colonies and home to some of our country’s first settlers, the state has many stories and legends that have been passed down through generations. Some of these stories are of spiritual activity and haunted houses. With the recent mainstream interest in ghost hunting many people are seeking out locations with a haunted history. Here is a list of many of the most notoriously haunted locations in the state of Massachusetts.

Salem – Probably the most famous of all locations in Massachusetts is Salem. It’s known for its notorious witch trials of 1692 and is a popular destination for thousands every Halloween. There are several ghost tours and haunted inns located in the town. The House of the Seven Gables, birthplace of Nathaniel Hawthorn, is a;so a popular haunted destination for visitors with a history of paranormal activity.

‘Bridgewater Triangle’ – This 200 square mile location in Massachusetts encompasses the towns of Rehobeth, Taunton, Freetown and Abington. For many years it has been a hot spot for much paranormal activity including ghosts, UFO’s and even Big Foot. People have reported seeing the apparition of a hitchhiker walking on Route 44. Others say at certain times you can hear the battle cries of past Native Americans near ‘Profile Rock’. There are also the legends of horrific murders in the Freetown Forest. It is also home to those who enjoy the practice of black magic and occult activity, so use caution when exploring especially through the heavy wooded sections.

Fall River – ‘Lizzie Borden House’ – located at 92 Second Street in Fall River, Massachusetts; this is the infamous home where Lizzie Borden allegedly murdered her parents. Everyone remembers the rhyme ‘Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother 40 whacks. When she saw what she had done she gave her father 41.’ Well this is where it happened. It’s now a bed and breakfast where you can stay the night in one of the family bedrooms including the one where Lizzie’s mother was found. People have reported seeing shadows, hearing voices, taking pictures of mists and orbs, and even being touched.

Barnstable – ‘The Old Gaol’ – Out on Cape Cod in the town of Barnstable you can visit the oldest wooden prison in United States history. It has been dated back to the late 1600’s and is still standing, although it has been relocated a few times. Visitors have seen shadows and apparitions, heard voices, and even been touched. It’s a small building but it’s full of history with many great stories and even carvings on the walls from some of the jail’s original prisoners. Supervised overnight investigations are available most of the year.

Quincy – ‘USS Salem’ – Located in the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, the USS Salem is a retired naval ship that has a history of paranormal activity. It has been investigated by several different paranormal teams including TAPS on the SyFy television show Ghost Hunters. People have reported seeing apparitions, hearing voices, recorded EVPs, cold spots, footsteps, unexplained banging, and more. Tours and investigations are available for a price.

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