Maine has one of the oldest histories in the nation. In addition to being the place many Colonials chose to call home, it’s also home to Native Americans. And, if you believe the story of some coins found in Brooklin, possibly even Vikings! Will all this history, it’s no wonder we’ve got some of the creepiest ghost stories ever. From ghost infested inns to terrifying hanging trees to demonic dorm rooms, here are a few of the best places to spot one of Maine’s famous local ghosts!
1. Route 2A, Haynesville Woods
U.S. Route 2A is one of the most treacherous roads in New England and was once the main thoroughfare for trucks hauling potatoes from The County. Over the years, the road has claimed many lives... and some of its victims have never left. The most chilling story involves a woman begging for help, claiming she and her husband had been in an accident. If you choose to help her, however, you’re overcome with a deep, dark feeling and the woman disappears.
2. The Bangor Opera House, Bangor
Now home to the Penobscot Theatre Company, this building plays host to audiences both alive and dead. Theatergoers and performers have reported sightings of two firefighters who were crushed by a brick wall and killed during a devastating 1914 blaze. Here's hoping they have the best seats in the house.
3. Colonel Buck's Cursed Tomb, Bucksport
The founder of Bucksport, Colonel Jonathan Buck, fell in love with a woman and she became pregnant with his son. Upon learning this, he forced her to leave and she spent the next few years raising her son alone. Eventually, the woman came back to Colonel Buck requesting assistance in caring for his son, which he refused. To ensure she would not bother him again, he pronounced her a witch and had her burned. During the fire, her leg was fetched by her son who ran away to bury it on his own as a memorial to his mother. After Colonel Buck's death, his own tomb showed signs of a stain in the form of a leg. Despite attempts to remove it (including changing the stone for a new one) the leg image remained. It is still there today.
4. Wood Island, Saco Bay
The lighthouse on Wood Island has a few scary theories related to its haunting. In one, the lighthouse is haunted by the ghost of fisherman, Howard Hobbs, who shot and killed his landlord Fred Milliken in 1896. The story goes that Hobbs and his roommate, William Moses, had been drinking heavily when Millikin asked to speak to them about their overdue rent. Hobbs went on to shoot Millikin in the chest before he turned the gun on himself inside the Wood Island lighthouse. Following the suicide, reports of moaning and unexplained shadows began to be told by keepers living in lighthouse. In 1972, the light was removed negating the need for any keepers to live within the haunted light. If you take a visit now you'll see that an automated light now exists and perhaps you'll hear Hobbs moaning on his own, without even a keeper to keep him company.
5. LimeRock Inn, Rockland
Originally owned by a local Rockland doctor, the LimeRock is said to be haunted by the ghosts of former patients. They can be heard and seen going up and down the stairwell and spending quality time in the parlor. Visit them at: 96 Limerock Street, Rockland
6. Seguin Island, Kennebec River
In the mid 1800s, the lighthouse was inhabited by a caretaker and his wife. To combat the lonely isolation of the island, the caretaker had a piano shipped to keep his wife occupied. He probably should have found out her level of expertise before providing this gift, though. Unfortunately, she only knew one song and played it incessantly. Eventually the caretaker could take no more, went a bit insane and destroyed the piano with an axe. Next he killed his wife and, finally, himself. Today, local folks have claimed to have heard the lone song coming from the lighthouse.
7. Fort Knox, Prospect
On the western bank of the Penobscot River lies Fort Knox, built between 1844 and 1869. While it never saw battle, it is said that the ghosts of many Maine soldiers still roam its dark granite tunnels. And if you're still skeptical: in 2011, SyFy's "Ghost Hunters" crew visited Fort Knox for one of their paranormal investigations and concluded that, yes, the fort is very, very haunted.
8. The Pocomoonshine Lake, Washington County
This lake in Washington County has held stories of lake monsters for as long as any Mainer in the area can remember. Some have even reported seeing the snake-like beings along with the trails they leave behind when the come to and leave the lake. While there are no photos of the creatures, locals estimate them to be anywhere from 30 - 60 feet long and could date back as far as 1873.
9. University of Southern Maine, Gorham
It is said that Robie-Andrews dormitory on the Gorham campus of the University of Southern Maine is haunted. Built in the 1800s, the Robie-Andrews dorm is the oldest building on the Gorham campus. Within that time, there have been numerous stories of suicide and murder, many of which include spirits that have stuck around for future generations of students. In one story, a girl hung herself in the tower after learning she was pregnant. In another, a young woman falls to her death in front of a throng of people. Was she pushed? Did she jump herself? It is unclear. One thing is for sure, she hasn't quite found peace as she can still be seen and heard in and around the dorm building. Dorm residents have reported hearing noises and feeling cold areas. Some people have reportedly seen a woman in the tower. Sounds fairly normal until you learn that the tower has been closed off and inaccessible for many, many years. NOTE: This photo is from USM, but does not depict Robie-Andrews.
10. Maiden Cliff, Camden
In this tale, a young woman falls to her death on the rocks off Maiden Cliff. During a blustery day, her hat blew off her head and sailed through the air. In an attempt to retrieve it, the young girl was killed. She either died at the site or was carried home where she later passed away. Her spirit still haunts the area, which is marked by a white cross.
11. Fort William Henry, Pemaquid Beach
Fort William Henry at Pemaquid Beach in Bristol is said to be haunted by the spirit of Native American Chief Taukolexis. He was killed by hanging near the fort in 1696 and is said to "live" in the same tree where he was hanged. You may be able to see him in the form of a white orb near the entrance at the front of the fort.
12. The Kennebunk Inn, Kennebunk
You could argue that once you run the Kennebunk Inn you become pretty dedicated to your job. The inn is rumored to be haunted by the previous owner and a clerk from its early days. Guests and visitors have reported hearing glasses shake and various other unexplained noises. But, don't let that stop you from making a visit. It's a lovely place if you don't mind a little spooky noise! Visit them at: 45 Main Street, Kennebunk
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