Now that spooky season is upon us, many people are looking for fun and exciting ways to get into the spirit. Of course, one of the best ways to celebrate Halloween is a classic: Visiting a haunted house.
However, you don’t need costumes and an elaborate setup to enjoy your next haunt. Instead, consider stopping by one of the historic haunted homes throughout the state of Ohio. Here are the top six haunted houses in the state, perfect if you’re hoping to visit somewhere that’s filled with spooky tales and an eerie history—and maybe even a spirit or two.
Franklin Castle
Located in Cleveland, Franklin Castle hits the image of a stereotypically haunted house—just take a look at the dramatic iron gate, gargoyles, and a series of turrets.
But that isn’t where the home’s scary appeal ends. Franklin Castle was constructed in the 1880s by a wealthy man named Hannes Tiedemann. Nevertheless, his wealth wasn’t enough to protect Tiedemann from frequent tragedy. A significant number of his immediate family members would die tragically in the home he’d built.
After the death of his wife, Tiedemann sold the house. The earliest claims of its haunted nature didn’t pop up until the 1960s, after the home had been converted into a German cultural center. Then, for instance, there were claims of mysterious electrical surges, as well as the sound of crying infants.
This is a privately-owned residence, but individuals are free to view it from the sidewalk outside.
Prospect Place
Prospect Place was a prominent stop on the Underground Railroad, providing runaway slaves with a safe refuge during the Civil War.
After George Willison Adams, the home’s original owner, died in 1879, Prospect Place was neglected and eventually abandoned. It was nearly demolished in the 1980s until Dave Longaberger’s intervention.
Since then, the historical home has built a reputation as one of Ohio’s most haunted locations. Prospect Place has garnered several tales behind its name: It’s said that the house is haunted by the spirits of slaves and a young girl who underwent a fatal accident within the property. The basement had also been temporarily converted into a hospital, and it’s rumored that the spirits of train accident victims also haunt this Trinway mansion.
Finally, it’s said that George Willison Adams’ son-in-law haunts the home. The son-in-law, William Cox, was one of the individuals involved in ruining the property.
Patterson Homestead
Patterson Homestead is one of several haunted locations found in Dayton. This historic house museum was built in 1816 by Colonel Robert Patterson, a veteran of the Revolutionary War.
Unlike the previous examples, the Patterson Homestead isn’t known for its variety of eerie backstories. Nonetheless, staff members of the museum have made many claims about paranormal events within the home. For example, rocking chairs and other items have allegedly moved on their own, and several individuals have felt cold spots, as well as the phantom smell of a dinner wafting in from the kitchen.
Thurber House
It’s believed that renowned cartoonist and author James Thurber haunts the Thurber House. Not only that, but Thurber himself believed that he heard a ghost within the home in 1915. From then until his death, Thurber believed wholeheartedly that the home was haunted.
Currently, this home is being used as a literary center in Columbus. Several paranormal events have been reported, including glass randomly shattering, a chiming sound being heard from a broken clock, visitors feeling as if they were touched or poked, phantom footsteps, and more.
Notably, the home is constructed on the same plot of land as the Central Ohio Lunatic Asylum, which burnt down in 1868, leading to the deaths of six people.
The Ceely Rose House
It’s no surprise that the Ceely Rose House is considered haunted. Found in Malabar Farm State Park, a triple murder occurred within this home in 1896.
When they disapproved of her romantic interest in their neighbor, Ceely Rose poisoned each family member with arsenic. Her mother, father, and brother died due to the poisoning, leading to Ceely being arrested for the crime.
Although she didn’t die within the home, it is often believed that Ceely’s spirit continues to haunt the farmhouse to this day.
The House of Wills
Cleveland’s own House of Wills was once a funeral home and the city’s longest-standing Black-owned business. Unfortunately, the funeral home closed in 2005, after around 100 years of operation.
This large and elaborately decorated home was also used for community gatherings and civil rights meetings during segregation.
Thanks to the Cleveland Paranormal Society, several ghost tours have occurred at the House of Wills over the years.
Call Able Roof
Whether your fixer-upper is a historic (and possibly haunted) home or not, you can always turn to the roofing services of Able Roof. To receive a no-obligation estimate, simply head over to our site.
