10 Reasons That Rhode Island Is The Most Terrifying, Spookiest State
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Jeana
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In case you haven’t noticed, Rhode Island is definitely a spooky place to be! With dozens of haunted houses, forests, and even haunted libraries and streets, there are just so many chilling places found across the state. Though the state also possesses some of the most gorgeous natural attractions in the nation, the creepy urban legends and scary stories are definitely memorable. Here are 10 reasons that Rhode Island might just be the most terrifying state in the nation.
The New England Vampire Panic was a tragic era in which those inflicted with Tuberculosis were perceived to be vampires. The most legendary case, that of Mercy Brown, is still discussed widely today. Mercy Brown, a young girl who died from tuberculosis in the late 1800s had her body exhumed and it appeared as though she had moved in her grave. This confirmed her legend as one of the world's most famous vampires. Her grave can still be visited in Exeter.
This sprawling mansion is not only creepy in its elaborate châteauesque architecture, it's also alleged to be haunted. The exterior is so spooky, the home was used in the filming of the occult classic, Dark Shadows.
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Dolly Ellen Cole was a natural healer and suspected witch living in the small town of Foster in the 1800s. The town set out against her and lit her house on fire assuming she was home. Dolly came home to discover that her daughter perished in the fire and she cursed the town and vowed revenge. Sightings of her ghost still appear throughout Foster. Even more chilling, her case is often confused with that of Dorothy Cole, a woman who was mysteriously murdered nearby during this time period. Their two tales have often been combined into one chilling urban legend.
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The reported paranormal activity at this old farm house found in Harrisville is so intense, it inspired the popular horror movie The Conjuring. Nightmarish activity like doors slamming, ghostly screams, and hair pulling at night and more were common events for the family that formerly lived at this residence and fled from their experience.
Governor Sprague Mansion is a stunning mansion and museum. Not only was it the birthplace of two Rhode Island governors, it also has an extensive and at times turbulent past. The mansion is said to be haunted by a former resident after his mysterious murder in the 1800s. Everything from actual ghost sightings to objects moving on their own have been reported.
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The terrifying cinematic character known as Freddy Krueger is thought to have been inspired by creepy campfire tales in Rhode Island. The stories of "Finger Nails Freddie", a violent man living in the woods with long finger nails, date back to the 19th century. The story says that anyone who wanders onto his former property in the woods is murdered.
While Block Island has had numerous reports of paranormal activity, none are as infamous as the tale of the Palatine. Based on a shipwreck that occurred in the 1700s, there's an urban legend known by the people of Block Island where the ghostly form of the ship returns each year.
This beautiful old building now houses part of the Cumberland Public Library. Frequent reports of moving objects and changes in temperature occur here and in the surrounding woods.
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It is said that the collection of worldly art and artifacts the former owners of the residence brought in to the house are possessed. The amount of paranormal activity at this century-old estate makes it one of Rhode Island's spookiest destinations. If you're feeling brave enough, the house offers tours of the haunted rooms and worldly antiques.
Nicknamed the "birthplace of the Industrial Revolution," historic Slater Mill is an amazing place to visit to learn more about this important time in our nation's past. It's also said to be haunted by former works who perished in the mills and official ghost tours are offered seasonally.
For more information on Old Brook Farm, the inspiration for the movie The Conjuring, click here.
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