5 Connecticut Ghost Stories Sure To Keep Even The Bravest Up At Night

Visitors to this Burlington graveyard have reported a green mist that transforms into a smiling woman who quickly disappears. The woman is believed to be the ghost of a colonial woman named Elisabeth Parmiter, who passed away in 1800 at the age of 30 under mysterious circumstances. As one version tells it, Elisabeth drowned in a swamp after she went looking for her husband, who was late returning from a trip. Another version is less rosy; rumor has it her husband murdered her, then came up with an alibi about a storm. Either way, there's something creepy going on here.

The ghost of a young boy nicknamed "Andy" is rumored to haunt this 125-year old opera house. It's possible his mother accompanied him into the afterlife; some reports describe a Victorian-era woman and child. The spirit (or spirits) here are playful. Investigators have recorded the ghosts playing with tennis balls left out for them to interact with.

For decades, there have been claims of paranormal activities in this Torrington hotel. Reports include spirit sightings, orbs, disembodied voices, and unseen forces jostling guests. It's likely all of this activity is the work of more than one ghost, but the most famous is the ghost of former innkeeper Alice, who died in room 353. Witnesses claim they have seen Alice's old rocking chair move. To appease her, the chair is now cordoned off in the hotel lobby.

Mary Hart lived 48 years, all of them quite ordinary. The circumstances surrounding her death are what she's best remembered for. When Mary died at midnight on October 15, 1872, she was quickly buried. One of her aunts dreamed that Mary was still alive, so they dug her back up to find her dead and the inside of her coffin shredded. Rumors of a woman haunting the New Haven graveyard have circulated since. The story has never been proven true but it's never been proven false, either.

The light at the New London Ledge Lighthouse has been automated for years now, but one former lighthouse keeper still hasn't gotten the memo. According to legend, "Ernie" is a former lighthouse keeper who jumped to his death after he found out his wife was having an affair with a local ferry captain. This story has never been confirmed, but witnesses swear they see the ghost of a tall, bearded man wearing a slicker and rain hat.