White Horse Tavern Is The Most Haunted Bar In Rhode Island

Do you believe in the paranormal? Or, do you just roll your eyes any time the topic arises? Whether you’re a staunch believer or a skeptic, you’ll find plenty of haunted spots in Rhode Island where you can test your beliefs. But, when you’re longing for a relaxing evening with a glass of wine and the chance to mingle with ghosts, visit perhaps the haunted White Horse Tavern in Rhode Island.

Pull up a chair at White Horse Tavern, in Newport, the oldest tavern in Rhode Island, the oldest "continuously operating" tavern in the United States, *and* one of the oldest taverns in the world (coming in at number 10).

Since it first debuted in 1673, White Horse Tavern has seen its fair share of history, earning it status as a National Historic Landmark.

Originally built as the home of Francis Brinley in 1652, the two-story tavern was transformed into a tavern in 1673. For the next century, it served as the meeting place for City Council, the Colony’s General Assembly, and the Criminal Court.

With a history of nearly 350 years, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that, in addition to a scrumptious menu, White Horse Tavern serves up several tales of the paranormal.

One of those tales tells of a man who, in the 1700s, died mysteriously in one of the tavern’s second floor rooms. No one knew the man’s name, where he came from, or how he died, although authorities feared it was smallpox that took his life.

Decades later, visitors of the historic bar would begin to tell stories of seeing a man, dressed in clothes from the Colonial period, hanging out by one of the fireplaces. He has also been seen in the men’s bathroom.

Some visitors have also claimed to see a woman wandering around the tavern, only to disappear by the fireplace.

And, don’t be too alarmed if you hear the crying of a young girl, even if there are no children in the tavern. Numerous visitors, especially when near the bathrooms, have told of hearing a little girl crying but seeing no one.

Of course, you might not see an apparition like the elderly man, but don’t be surprised if you feel a hand on your shoulder, only to turn around and see no one there.

While you’re at notoriously haunted White Horse Tavern, relax with a cold drink and a delicious meal, such as lobster mac and cheese, braised short rib, or roasted winter squashes. And, be sure to ask the server if he or she has heard the sound of footsteps from the second floor at the end of a long night after everyone has gone home.

Address: 26 Marlborough Street, Newport, RI, 02840

What do you think? Do you think the White Horse Tavern is haunted? Join the conversation in the comments! And, if you’re still up for a few more tales of the paranormal, check into this haunted hotel in Rhode Island… if you dare.

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Haunted White Horse Tavern

Sarah M. | September 02, 2022

What are some other haunted buildings in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island is a hotbed for ghost hauntings and paranormal activity. Some of the best places to catch a ghost include the Cumberland Library, Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Woonsocket Middle School, Tower Hill Road, Colt State Park, Belcourt Castle, General Stanton Inn... the list of haunted places in Rhode Island goes on. And on.

What's the most haunted restaurant in Rhode Island?

The White Horse Tavern isn't the only haunted restaurant in Rhode Island. Whether you believe in ghosts, or enjoy visiting unique and spooky places, this restaurant found in Little Rhody is so worth visiting for a one-of-a-kind experience. Its history is fascinating: found in the small village of Chepachet in the town of Glocester is one of the state's oldest and most fascinating restaurants. Now known as Tavern On Main, the site was originally called the Stage Coach Tavern when it was first constructed in the early 1700s. While it may appear to be a common site for Rhode Islanders as another historic building and great restaurant, the tavern has a sordid and turbulent past. Not only was it the site of an intense political battle in 1842, it's even seen shots fired into the building as a political struggle ensued for early governorship in state. Though the tavern has seen many owners and different uses over the years, one thing that has remained the same for more than a century now is the eerie and ghostly happenings inside. For instance, diners and restaurant staff have reported strange occurrences such as broken glass, changes in temperature, and even ghostly figures. Would you be brave enough to dine here -- with the ghosts?

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White Horse Tavern, 26 Marlborough St, Newport, RI 02840, USA

Sip Wine And Mingle With Ghosts In One Of Rhode Island's Oldest, Most Haunted Bars

Beth Price-Williams

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