As you drive along the charming countrysides of Exeter, Rhode Island, you’ll probably notice the idyllic atmosphere and quiet serenity. If you dig a little deeper into this town’s history, however, you’ll find something dark and sinister. Paranormal enthusiasts will love exploring this unassuming little place. Eager for an adrenaline rush? Pay a visit to Exeter. This place is allegedly one of of Rhode Island’s most haunted small towns.

Formed in 1742, the town of Exeter is rich with history.
Peter Rintels/Flickr
Exeter, Rhode Island only has a population of around 6,425 people, but this small town has seen its fair share of spooky incidents.
The most infamous story took place at Chestnut Hill Baptist Church.
John Phelan/Wikimedia Commons
Don't be fooled by its lovely exterior -- this tiny church is the site of one of Rhode Island's most terrifying tales.
Chestnut Hill Baptist Church was built in 1838, right in the middle of the New England Vampire Panic.
Joseph Mayer/Google Maps
The New England Vampire Panic flourished as a result of a tuberculosis outbreak. At the time, people thought the disease was caused by corpses consuming the souls of the living. To stop the illness from spreading, locals did something unthinkable.
During this regional panic, New England residents did everything they could to stop the "vampires" from taking over --- including digging up graves.
Jen Snoots/FindAGrave
That's right -- it was common practice exhume bodies from the grave. During this ritual, people would harvest internal organs and burn them to prevent the disease from spreading.

Related Stories

Stay Overnight In The Newport Beach Hotel & Suites, An Allegedly Haunted Spot In Rhode Island

Stay Overnight In The Newport Beach Hotel & Suites, An Allegedly Haunted Spot In Rhode Island

 Visit Chestnut Hill Cemetery, A Hidden Cemetery That Feels Like Rhode Island's Most Haunted Secret

Visit Chestnut Hill Cemetery, A Hidden Cemetery That Feels Like Rhode Island's Most Haunted Secret

 Rhode Island Has Its Own Ghost Ship, And It's A Fascinating Tale

Rhode Island Has Its Own Ghost Ship, And It's A Fascinating Tale
One of the most famous incidents occurred at the graveyard next to Chestnut Hill Baptist Church.
Jen Snoots/FindAGrave
As you walk through this historic area, you can't help but feel a chill run down your spine. To this day, people report paranormal sightings. Are you brave enough to experience the most haunted small town in Rhode Island?
When you reach the gravestone of Mercy Brown, the terror will grow even more.
winchester/FindAGrave
Mercy Brown is the most famous tale of the Vampire Panic. After dying of tuberculosis, Mercy was buried in the freezing ground near the church. Villagers exhumed the body and found that there was still blood in her heart.
Locals believed the blood in her body meant Mercy had become a vampire.
Cbarry123/Wikimedia Commons
According to legend, Mercy's heart and liver were burned and turned into a tonic. Her father drank the concoction in an attempt to ward off the disease. Of course, this caused him to contract tuberculosis, and he died two months later.
If you're feeling adventurous, take a day trip to the creepy town of Exeter.
Peter Rintels/Flickr
Who knows? Maybe you'll encounter the spirits from centuries ago. Some say these ghosts never want to leave.

Yearning for more spooky sights? Embark on this haunted road trip through Rhode Island!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Rhode Island

Featured Addresses
467 RI-102, Exeter, RI 02822, USA