If you’ve ever been to Port Gamble, you may have heard rumors of its haunted history. And while the tiny town itself is undeniably charming, there’s definitely an eerie feeling in the air. That may be because it’s home to the Walker-Ames house, whose paranormal activity rivals any other place in Washington — and the country.

Port Gamble is a sleepy little New England-style town that sits on the northwestern shore of the Kitsap Peninsula.
Joe Wolf / Flickr
With a population of less than 1,000 and few amenities, it's safe to say not much happens here...
... unless, of course, you visit the Walker-Ames house.
brewbooks / Flickr
Over the years, this home has developed quite a reputation for its lively spirits.
The Walker-Ames house was once the most expensive home in town.
brewbooks / Flickr
It was was built in 1889 for the local saw mill's master mechanic, William Walker. William's daughter eventually married the mill's manager, Edwin Ames, who also lived here (thus, the house's name).

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The house has been empty (if you can call it that) since the mill shut down in 1995.
brewbooks / Flickr
But ever since then, hundreds and hundreds of incidents of paranormal activity have been reported. This haunted house is so infamous, there are now regular ghost tours of it.
The paranormal activity here goes far beyond spooky feelings. There have been suspicious sounds, physical touching, odd smells, full-on apparitions, and even photographic evidence.
Peter Macdonald / Flickr
Many passersby will look up at the house and see people looking at them from the windows... only, the house will be empty and locked up.
The majority of the action seems to happen in the attic, which seems to be where the spirits of children spend their time.
Christian Robold / Flickr
Ghost hunters and tourists alike have spotted children here so often than paranormal investigators have left toys for them. But don't worry, they aren't alone -- many have reported seeing an older woman that seems to be a nanny who is perpetually looking for someone (or something). Pete Orbea, a paranormal investigator, has seen her, and someone even got a partial photo of her once.
Although there is plenty of speculation, no one really knows what went on in the Walker-Ames house when it was inhabited, so it's hard to explain all the paranormal activity.
Charles Jackson / Flickr
In fact, the house isn't even the only haunted structure in town -- so clearly this place is a hotbed for spirits.

To learn more about touring Washington’s most haunted house, check out the Port Gamble website. And don’t worry — other than the abundance of ghost stories, this little town is absolutely delightful.

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