New Hampshire has a rich history of haunted folklore, with tales that weave together its rugged landscapes, colonial history, and longstanding ghostly legends. Here are some of the most intriguing haunted folklore stories from the Granite State:
1. The Devil’s Den, New Durham
The Devil’s Den, a rocky formation in New Durham, has long been associated with eerie occurrences. Native American tribes reportedly avoided the area, believing it was cursed. Local legend says the den was once a meeting place for the devil himself. People claim to hear eerie voices or feel an unsettling presence there, and some have seen strange lights around the rock formations.
2. Ocean-Born Mary, Henniker
Ocean-Born Mary is one of New Hampshire’s most famous ghost stories. Mary Wilson, born at sea in 1720, lived her life in Henniker. Legend has it that Mary haunts her old home, often seen as a green-clad apparition in a flowing dress. Some stories say Mary is a friendly spirit, occasionally showing herself to reassure or comfort visitors.
3. Mount Washington Hotel, Bretton Woods
The historic Mount Washington Hotel is famous for its beauty—and its ghosts. Carolyn Stickney, the wife of the hotel’s founder, is said to haunt the premises. Known as "The Princess," she is often seen in Room 314, where she reportedly lived after her husband’s passing. Guests and staff have reported hearing a woman’s voice, lights turning on and off, and the sound of a rocking chair that nobody can locate.
4. Pine Hill Cemetery, Hollis
Known locally as “Blood Cemetery” after Abel Blood, one of its early residents, Pine Hill Cemetery has numerous eerie legends associated with it. People claim to have seen apparitions in the graveyard, as well as strange mists and lights. One famous story involves Abel Blood’s headstone, where a carved hand originally pointed upward but reportedly shifted downward, signaling his descent into darkness.
5. Chase Home for Children, Portsmouth
Founded in the late 1800s, this home for orphaned and neglected children is rumored to be haunted by past residents. Staff and visitors claim to hear children’s laughter, footsteps, and see shadowy figures around the building. Many believe these spirits are former residents lingering in a place they once called home.
6. Madison Boulder, Madison
This massive glacial erratic is one of the largest boulders in North America and has its share of ghost stories. It is said that at night, strange sounds echo around the rock, with some claiming to hear whispers and see shadows. Legends hint that it may have been a sacred site for indigenous people, adding to its supernatural lore.
7. The Isle of Shoals, Portsmouth Harbor
Smuttynose Island, part of the Isle of Shoals, has a dark past with haunting legends. In 1873, two women were murdered here, allegedly by a Norwegian immigrant, Louis Wagner. Ghostly sightings of the two women have been reported, and people claim to hear chilling screams and see shadowy figures along the shoreline.
8. The University of New Hampshire, Durham
Several buildings on the UNH campus are reportedly haunted. Smith Hall is rumored to have a resident ghost, with students claiming to hear footsteps and see doors open and close on their own. Nearby, students and staff at T-Hall have reported eerie sightings and sensations, particularly in the bell tower.
9. Kimball Castle, Gilford
Built in the late 1800s, Kimball Castle has been long abandoned but is still rumored to be haunted. Visitors and trespassers often report hearing whispers and seeing shadowy figures among the ruins. Some believe the ghostly presence could be that of its original owner, Benjamin Kimball, or other spirits who passed through the property.
10. The Witch of Hampton
Goody Cole, a woman accused of witchcraft in the 1600s, is one of New Hampshire’s most famous legends. She was imprisoned multiple times, accused of cursing crops and livestock, and even of transforming into a dog. Even after her death, locals claimed that Goody Cole’s spirit haunted the town, causing mischief and strange happenings. Some believe her spirit still lingers in Hampton, seeking revenge on those who wronged her.
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