Tales of terror and frightening places are scattered all throughout Illinois, but nothing is scarier than our haunted cemeteries. Riddled with ghosts, creepy statues, and ancient remains, some of these graveyards have the most reported activity in the country.
Beware those who scare easily. The tales behind these cemeteries are truly nightmare-inducing. Read at your own risk.
1. Blood's Point Cemetery (Belvidere)
Named for a man called Arthur Blood who settled in the land, some unfortunate events have taken place around this cemetery. There have been multiple hangings and a deadly school bus crash in and around the area. Today, locals report phantom vehicles, a dog with red, glowing eyes, a vanishing barn, and the sounds of children laughing,
2. Greenwood Cemetery (Decatur)
This is one of the most haunted cemeteries in the state, and it was originally an American Indian burial ground. The oldest visible marker dates back to 1840, as most have sunk into the ground, though the cemetery wasn't officially established until 1857. This place gets its ghosts from prisoners of the Civil War who died of Yellow Fever in train route. The bodies were dumped in a mass grave near what is now a war memorial. It is believed the soldiers still walk the grounds, trying to figure out where they are.
3. Aux Sable Cemetery (Minooka)
This graveyard has several haunts. It is rumored to contain a gate to hell and locals have reported their car windows opening on their own and other car issues. The main ghost is that of a young girl seen wondering around the cemetery after hooligans stole her headstone and placed it in an elementary school playground (or did they?).
4. Alton Cemetery (Alton)
There are several different ghosts that haunt various mausoleums and sections of this cemetery. Locals report feeling cold spots throughout the grounds, and three ghosts have been witnessed by several visitors. One is a nine-year-old girl while another is a woman in black. Finally, there is also the spirit of an abolitionist who was shot during a riot in 1837.
5. Graveyard X (Palmer)
Better known as Anderson Cemetery, this hidden graveyard is mostly known by ghost hunters who claim that it is rife with activity. Typical phenomenon include orbs, ghost lights, voices of children, and the feeling that someone is behind or walking past you.
6. Woodlawn Cemetery (Forest Park)
Containing Showman's Rest, this graveyard is part of a very unfortunate event. In 1918, a conductor fell asleep and two trains collided killing about 100 employees of a traveling circus that was making its way through Illinois. Most markers say "Unknown" or give stage names like "Baldy" and "4 Horse Driver," and today there are reports of locals hearing the sounds of phantom elephants at night.
7. Bachelor's Grove Cemetery (Midlothian)
One of most haunted cemeteries in America, this well-known place is best known for its white phantom farmhouse, reportedly seen in various places by many. Trails around the graveyard lead to old foundations and brick wells, suggesting residencies once stood here. Other sightings including the White Lady who is looking for her infant as well as apparitions of victims of mobsters in the nearby pond.
8. Ridge Cemetery (Williamsburg Hill)
This haunted place sits atop the highest point in Shelbyville County. Locals have reportedly seen phantom funerals, ghost lights, and man ghosts. There are also rumors of occult rituals and other activity. One of the strangest occurrences was the report of a three-year-old who went missing and was found walking to the graveyard. She said the people in the ground wanted her to come.
9. Moon Point Cemetery (Streator)
Also known as Creek Cemetery, this place is haunted by the Hatchet Lady. She is believed to be the spirit of a woman who watched over her dead son's grave after he died during the Civil War. Locals report that she whispers at people to "Get out" as well as other strange noises like casket lids moving.
For more creepy things to do in Illinois, check out this ghost town that will haunt your dreams for weeks.
Have you ever visited one of these cemeteries? Share your experiences with us!
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