Sip Wine And Mingle With Ghosts At Jameson Tavern, A Famous Haunted Bar In Maine
By Michelle|Published February 08, 2020
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Maine’s history is something we’ve learned about since childhood. We learned about those who lived here long before any Europeans showed up, we learned about the architecture and we learned about battles fought that we (honestly) can’t even imagine. But what we didn’t learn enough about are the stories like this one that took place in a bar in Freeport! This tavern has been around since before Maine even had its statehood, which means the ghosts here are really, really old.
The Jameson Tavern in Freeport was built in 1779 as the family home for John Anglier Hyde, a local doctor.
The home was occupied by the Hyde family until 1801 when it was bought by Captain Samuel Jameson. Yes, the same "Jameson" that the tavern is named for. It operated as the Jameson Tavern until 1828 after the captain died and it was sold to Richard Codman.
All this changing of hands and people coming in and out, living and dying and no surprise that psychics have seen a man in a top hat seemingly waiting to greet guests as they enter the tavern.
Another common ghostly sight here is the of a little girl named Emily who is said to have died in a fire in the attic. These days she's playful and fun, hiding behind chairs and corners to surprise people.
In addition to being haunted, there's other significance to Jameson Tavern! It's the place where commissioners met in the northeast corner of the second floor to sign papers giving Maine independence from Massachusetts. When you visit, find the plaque placed by the Daughters of the Revolution in 1914 commemorating the event.
The Jameson Tavern is open every day from 11am to 9pm. You can learn more about them, including the history and menu on their website. Or, you can follow them on Facebook. They can be reached on 207-865-4196.
