Most People Have No Idea Why This Lone Grave Sits In A New Jersey Parking Lot
Kristen
Author
History abounds in the Garden State and we have quite a few historically significant sites in New Jersey. Some of our past is less than pleasant, but New Jersey events and innovations have also changed the world for the better. We were home to the nation’s first Native American reservation (established in 1758 in Shamong), and Thomas Edison patented more than 400 unique creations developed in his Menlo Park laboratory and several hundred others throughout New Jersey (including the phonograph). These are all facts, but some of our historic sites are surrounded by speculation, like the Mary Ellis Grave in New Jersey. Let’s take a look at this haunting and historic place…
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Born in 1750, Mary Ellis died in 1828. The last of her family to be buried here passed away in 1898. Eventually, the land was sold. For years, a flea market stood on the property. When the property was put back on the market, it was purchased by a developer who wanted to keep the gravestone due to its eternal occupant's unique story.
She would stand out every day, waiting for her beloved. She looked out at the river for years, turning down every proposal that came her way. He never returned, but Mary was buried near the river, perhaps so her seafaring suitor could find her.
While the sailor may have been lost at sea, he may simply have moved on - started a new life somewhere else, Mary a distant memory. Thanks to the developer who preserved her final resting place, now she will never be forgotten.
Other versions of the story have Mary moving to this spot along the river just to look out for the sea captain (likely a Revolutionary War Officer), should he return. Many believe that the hit song “Brandy” by a local band (Looking Glass) was inspired by Mary but, while the stories are similar, this has not been confirmed. Though this story is a bit somber, it isn’t spooky. Have you visited the Mary Ellis grave in New Jersey before? If you have, please share your experience in the comments section below!
For a few terrifying tales set in Cape May, New Jersey, click here.
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More to Explore
Mary Ellis grave in New Jersey
Besides the Mary Ellis grave in New Jersey, what are some other abandoned places in New Jersey?
If you're into all things haunting and abandoned in the Garden State, pay a visit to Ong’s Hat, the creepiest abandoned town in New Jersey. Ong's Hat is an unincorporated community in Pemberton Township.Located in the Pine Barrens, there are several stories about how this town got its name. Some say a man named Jacob Ong threw his hat into the air out of frustration, at which point it became stuck in a tree. More likely, though, the town was originally named Ong's Hut after a way station/rest area along a grain transportation route. The area can be seen on maps dating back centuries; pictured is a map from 1778. Legend says that the town had just a handful of houses, along with a thriving dance hall. However, industry left the area and Ong's Hut/Ong's Hat slowly became abandoned. The last resident left the town in 1936, but not before some strange disappearances, which you can read more about in this article...
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Are there many creepy places in New Jersey?
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