Overall, New York is quite the haunted state. From abandoned buildings filled with spirits both friendly and uninviting to structures that are still in use today, we’ve got ghosts everywhere. A popular place for those in search of paranormal activity to visit are graveyards, for obvious reasons. And while we may not have an assortment of ghost towns like our Western states, we sure have quite the haunted cemeteries that are sure to give you more than goosebumps. Here are 5 of the most disturbing cemeteries in New York.
1. Mount Hope Cemetery - Rochester
Created back in 1838 after a deadly disease took the lives of hundreds in the area, the cemetery is considered to be one of America's first municipal cemeteries. A place that many love to visit for it's rich history, you'll discover a good amount of the visitors who are here have come to see the grave of Susan B. Anthony.
So, why do people believe this place is haunted? Stories have long been told that before the cemetery was created, people we warned by Native Americans not to build anything on this stretch of land. Strange lights that would travel around the land were said to appear both during the day and at night, others witnessed hearing upsetting cries of pain coming from all over the land.
In more recent years, those who have visited have caught orbs and figures in photos, leading many to believe that this place is haunted. Another contributing factor to the creepiness here? Apparently a section of the cemetery is referred to as the "Devil's Bowl", where groups would once perform satanic rituals in the graveyard. Those who think this place is haunted often tend to believe that these rituals are what brought such evil spirits to Mount Hope.
2. Green-Wood Cemetery - Brooklyn
A cemetery that's worthy of your New York bucket list, you'll want to check out this place whether or not it's haunted. The cemetery itself is quite huge and an interesting sight to see in New York City, the gates alone have been declared a New York City landmark for 50 years now.
Sadly, during the Revolutionary War this hills of Green-Wood served as a battlefield for one of the biggest battle in the war's history. In 1776 almost a thousand soldiers lost their lives here and were said to be buried in one large grave. Today, many believe that the cemetery is haunted by the spirits of the soldiers.
One thing we can't forget? That the cemetery in recent years was haunted by a clown. Not a fake clown spirit, not a cardboard cutout, an actual person dressed as a terrifying clown. Just two years ago visitors captured on video a clown walking throughout the cemetery, handing out pink balloons. No thanks much?
3. Forest Park Cemetery - Troy
Considered to be one of the absolute most haunted cemeteries in our state, this place is off limits for a reason. Not available to the public (unless you can somehow manage to prove you're related to one of the deceased), the cemetery is now highly patrolled by local police officers. Almost anyone who has visited here will tell you there is something dark about this place, often feeling spirits go as far as pushing or scratching visitors.
But the main legend that surrounds this cemetery? That it's actually one of the Gates of Hell. A mystery some say they've debunked, headless statues can be seen here that some will tell you bleed from their neck... or eyes if they still have them.
4. Vale Cemetery - Schenectady
A place that most believe is quite haunted, Vale is the largest cemetery in Schenectady and opened back in 1857. All of the usual haunting tales that surround cemeteries have been reported here over the years, from bleeding statues and full blown apparitions to horrible cries and women in white. Those who have grown up in the area and have lived near the cemetery will tell you what they've seen from their windows at night is nothing you want to go near.
5. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery - Sleepy Hollow
A village once known as North Tarrytown, in 1996 it would change its name to Sleepy Hollow as a way of paying homage to Washington Irving. Now visited by those who are fascinated with the fictional book, the local cemetery is said to be haunted by several spirits. While many of the cemeteries known for being disturbing in New York have stories of being filled with angry ghosts and figures, this cemetery has a history of it's actually statues being haunted. Those who have come here during the day to tour the town often hear the chilling laughs of linger spirits.
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