Most People Have No Idea Why This Lone Grave Sits In A New Jersey Parking Lot

History abounds in the Garden State and we have quite a few historically significant sites in New Jersey. Some of our past is less than pleasant, but New Jersey events and innovations have also changed the world for the better. We were home to the nation's first Native American reservation (established in 1758 in Shamong), and Thomas Edison patented more than 400 unique creations developed in his Menlo Park laboratory and several hundred others throughout New Jersey (including the phonograph). These are all facts, but some of our historic sites are surrounded by speculation, like the Mary Ellis Grave in New Jersey. Let's take a look at this haunting and historic place...

This is the AMC Loews Theater in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

The popular 18-screen theater opened about a decade ago and has IMAX capabilities.

This is the theater's back parking lot.

The lot backs up to a small wooded area and the Raritan River. The large lot is fairly normal, except for a grassy island in the center.

Here's an up-close shot of the parking lot - you'll notice a grouping of bricks.

Atop the brick foundation is a fence. While there is a gate, you can't just stroll in - the platform is about seven feet high.

If you get close, you'll notice a headstone.

The headstone belongs to Mary Ellis and two of her family members who were also buried in the plot-turned-parking lot. The movie theater property stands on her former estate.Born in 1750, Mary Ellis died in 1828. The last of her family to be buried here passed away in 1898. Eventually, the land was sold. For years, a flea market stood on the property. When the property was put back on the market, it was purchased by a developer who wanted to keep the gravestone due to its eternal occupant's unique story.

You see, Mary Ellis is something of a local legend.

Her's is a story of tragedy and heartbreak. A beautiful maiden, many men were enamored with Mary. However, their love was unrequited. Mary was seduced by a sea captain who promised to marry her when he returned from his journey.She would stand out every day, waiting for her beloved. She looked out at the river for years, turning down every proposal that came her way. He never returned, but Mary was buried near the river, perhaps so her seafaring suitor could find her.While the sailor may have been lost at sea, he may simply have moved on - started a new life somewhere else, Mary a distant memory. Thanks to the developer who preserved her final resting place, now she will never be forgotten.

Other versions of the story have Mary moving to this spot along the river just to look out for the sea captain (likely a Revolutionary War Officer), should he return. Many believe that the hit song "Brandy" by a local band (Looking Glass) was inspired by Mary but, while the stories are similar, this has not been confirmed. Though this story is a bit somber, it isn't spooky. Have you visited the Mary Ellis grave in New Jersey before? If you have, please share your experience in the comments section below!

For a few terrifying tales set in Cape May, New Jersey, click here.