New Jersey has many haunted locations, lots of which are word-of-mouth superstitions or forbidden cemeteries, or old abandoned buildings which have been slated as haunted just because their appearances lead you to believe that. Local book stores have sections dedicated to haunted places in New Jersey, and you can learn about the New Jersey Devil.
The following locations, however, are real places that you can visit, whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend of adventure.
The Burlington County Prison, located on High Street and Grant Street in Mount Holly, New Jersey. 609-518-7667 This real prison was built and began operation in 1811. Robert Mills, designer, created this virtually indestructable prison of its time. Poured concrete ceilings, and stone and brick walls made this prison fire-proof, which was a first of its kind during that era. The prison was in use for 154 years, ending in 1965. It had a basement and two levels, which at the time, held up to 40 “guests” and was also home to the warden and his wife, having two rooms on the main level. The warden’s house was eventually built next door, connected by a tunnel. The prison was home to men and women and were contained in cells according to their offense. The basement was a workshop for the inmates, where they learned a trade for when they were released and able to work. The dungeon for maximum security, was actually on the second floor. By l965 the prison held far more inmates than it could handle, so they had to move some of them to an old armory located behind the prison. Finally, in l983 a new prison was built and now this abandoned prison has become a Historical Landmark and Museum.
Renovations began on the now shut down prison to prepare for the public to visit. This was the start of the hauntings. Workers heard loud noises, screams and voices. Their tools would be missing then turn up on another floor of the prison hours later. This caused the South Jersey Ghost Research team to further research these happenings. Apparitions were then seen by this research team when inside the prison. Footprints appeard in dust on the floor, objects moved about, orbs have been filmed throughout the prison as well.
If you would like to visit this haunted prison in Mount Holly, New Jersey, hours are Thursday – Saturday 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday 12 pm to 4 pm. Admission to the museum for adults is $4.00, children, students and seniors is $2.00. Children under 5 are free.
Cape May, New Jersey also hosts two haunted mansions that you can visit. The Queen’s Hotel, located on 601 Columbia Ave in Cape May is a beautifully restored Victorian Bed and Breakfast. The original mansion was built in 1876 and home of Ware’s Pharmacy but also housed room for a speakeasy, a place to gamble and on the third level, a brothel. In 1878 the Ware’s Pharmacy was scortched by fire and was remodelled into a larger building. Eventually the Queen’s Hotel was transformed into a bed and breakfast/hotel.
It is said that the third floor has hauntings of the past and is believed that a young prostitute of that time still remains there. The aromo of perfume fills the air at any given moment. A coldness in the air has been felt by visitors who stay there. Objects have been known to move about. It has been said that she bumps into the beds and even the visitors felt a slight “push” by her entity.
The South Mansion Inn also located in Cape May, New Jersey, is also said to be haunted. The Allen family had lived in the mansion for 83 years. The last relatives to live in the mansion were niece, Ester Mercur and her husband, Ulysses. However, when she died, he couldn’t bear to live without her in the same dwelling, so he sold the entire property and furnishings for $8,000. New owners bought it and turned it into a boarding house. However, the upkeep went by the wayside It was finally considered condemned. Finally in 1994 the mansion was purchased again, restored back to the original look and two years later was ready for occupancy. A new wing was added which made room for 10 suites, 12 baths, a ballroom and much more, all in the same old Victorian style. It is now a beautiful Bed and Breakfast.
It is said that Ester haunts the mansion now. Not in an evil way but in a peaceful way, as if to give her approval for the restoration of the house she once lived in. It is said her perfume lingers about the house, her laughter can be heard and her apparition moves throughout the house as well. Again the South Jersey Ghost Research group visited this mansion. They were able to get photos of orbs, felt coldness in several areas thoughout the mansion as well.
If you’d like to stay at the Haunted South Mansion Inn in Cape May, New Jersey, you can visit their website: www.SouthernMansion.com or call 609-884-7171 and toll free 1-800-381-3888.
Fun, adventure and history awaits you if you dare!
