Washington’s charming Victorian village has quite a reputation, and not merely because of its popularity as a weekend getaway destination. With more than 25 buildings with reported paranormal activity, it’s safe to say this entire town is haunted—and it’s not entirely clear why this place is such a hotbed for the dearly departed. Is Port Townsend cursed, or is it just too great of a place to leave (ever)?
Port Townsend sits on the tip of the Quimper Peninsula in Jefferson County, which is part of the all-encompassing Olympic Peninsula.
Between its Victorian architecture, two National Historic Landmark Districts, rich maritime history, and abundance of amenities, it's a fantastic spot for people of all ages to visit as well as to live.
The bay was originally named Port Townshend by Captain George Vancouver in 1792, named after his friend the Marquis of Townshend.
By 1859, the S’Klallam Indian community of Kah Tai was well established here. As more European settlers drifted in, Chief T’chiis-a-ma-hum welcomed them and worked to maintain peace between the two groups. Unfortunately, not everyone shared his views, and it wasn't long before outbreaks of hostility erupted. Between those tensions and the debauchery that tended to follow sailors and soldiers in those days, it's easy to understand why Port Townsend's history is as spirited as its streets allegedly are today.
Many of the city's oldest structures are well known for being haunted, like the Manresa Castle.
The castle was once visited by the cast of Ghost Adventures, who captured a child's laughter on film. Apparently the spirits here have no chill, because many a guest has reported hearing footsteps, voices, moans, and even feeling something (or someone) brushing up against them.
The Palace Hotel has a haunted history—it served as a brothel known as the Palace of Sweets for years.
The rooms are currently named after the ladies who once lived there, and rumor has it some of them never left. A woman in a blue dress repeatedly shows herself to guests and staff alike, and rumor has it that some of the spirits like to play pranks on the hotel guests.
The Rothschild House has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1970, and it's currently known as Washington's most haunted museum.
Some of the family members don't seem to be too happy about hosting strangers in their home. Paranormal activity has been reported for decades, ranging from mysterious slamming doors, random cold spots in the house, and a mysterious shadowy figure who has been spotted in several rooms.
Even the local state park, Fort Worden, is said to be haunted by some of the soldiers that once lived there.
Originally designed as a military base to protect the Puget Sound from invasion, this state park is a lively place to camp, beach comb, and host events. But if you hear any talking or moaning from the dark hallways of the abandoned barracks, steer clear.
Here's the kicker—some claim that the entire city is actually haunted, and spirits have been spotted roaming the streets after dark.
Of course, this seems outlandish. But with so many buildings being known for paranormal activity, anything seems to be possible here.
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