The Most Haunted Places in New Hampshire

April 17, 2020

Ryan O'Rourke, Illustrator,

Hauntedmap Hauntings are just supernatural reminders that interesting stuff happened in a place long before we arrived. The Granite State is coming up on its 400th birthday in 2023. With that much history, it stands to reason that we’d have our share of ghostly goings-on. If these locations don’t fill your need for chills and thrills, see our list of other ghostly sightings.

Legend for this map (and click here for a Google map with these and additional spooky spots.)

Ocean-Born Mary House, Henniker

One of New Hampshire’s famous hauntings. In 1720, notorious pirate captain Don Pedro captured the ship “Wolf” off the shore of Massachusetts. When he spied a red-haired baby that had been born just that day onboard, he promised to spare everyone’s lives if the child was named after his mother, and so the baby was named “Ocean-Born” Mary Wallace.

Mary grew up, married and had children, though she was widowed at a young age. Eventually, Captain Pedro tracked Mary down and the two ended up marrying, and they lived together in a mansion overlooking the town of Henniker for a number of years. One day, Mary found the body of her murdered husband on the grounds of the house – many suspected he was killed over pirate treasure. Mary buried him under the huge hearthstone in the kitchen.

Mary died at age 94 in 1814. Since then, the ghost of a tall, red-haired woman with glowing green eyes has appeared in the upstairs window and on the main staircase. Many occupants of the house have reported feeling Mary’s presence and some believe that she protects the house from harm.

Mary’s two-story wood-frame house is still a private residence. Mary Wallace is buried in Centre Cemetery behind the Henniker town hall.

Three Chimneys Inn, Durham

The oldest part of the inn was built in 1649 by Valentine Hill, who also built a sawmill and gristmill in the area. It’s his daughter, Hannah, who is said to still haunt the inn. Records show that she was married at age 20, and though there is no further mention of her life or death, it’s believed that she drowned in the nearby Oyster River.

The Notchland Inn and Nancy Barton, Hart’s Location

A tombstone displayed in the parlor of the inn reads: “1778. Nancy Barton. Died in a snowstorm in pursuit of her faithless lover.” Nancy was engaged, but her faithless husband-to-be ran off with her dowry before the wedding could take place. Rather than just accept her fate and his treachery, she soon set out on foot to find him, but was caught in a terrible snowstorm. Friends found her frozen body next to the brook that now bears her name.

The Tilton Inn (The 1875 Inn), Tilton

This inn has been featured on the show “Ghost Hunters.” The inn’s resident ghost is named Laura, who is said to have perished at just 12 years old during a fire sometime in the 19th century. Multiple guests have reported seeing a young girl in various rooms and hallways throughout the inn.

The Omni Mount Washington Resort

Built in 1902 by Joseph Stickney, the hotel has garnered a name for itself as having one special guest who has never checked out. As the legend goes, Stickney’s wife, Carolyn Foster Stickney – affectionately nicknamed “The Princess” or “Princess Carolyn” by hotel staff – was left widowed after his death, eventually remarrying to French royal Prince Jean Baptiste Marie de Faucigny Lucinge. Since her death in 1936, guests and staff reported sightings of the beloved Princess wandering the hallways of the third floor and descending the stairs for meals.

Stark Road Graveyard, Conway

Reportedly a pair of big, red eyes will follow you if you visit the Stark Road graveyard.

“Blood Cemetery,” Hollis

Pine Hill Cemetery in Hollis is nicknamed for the ghost who supposedly haunts it — Abel Blood — buried there in 1867 next to his wife Betsy. There is a hand carved into the headstone that points upwards, and some say the hand will suddenly change to point down. Read more about it here.

Woodland Cemetery, Keene

It’s said that the Summer Knight Chapel is the center of the haunting. It’s here that people have reported the spirit of a little girl who will peer out from behind trees and buildings, giggle or even follow you around. Legend says if you curse in front of the chapel a ghost will wash your mouth out with soap — or at least you’ll have the faint taste of soup on your tongue.

Vale Cemetery, Wilton “The Blue Lady”

Mary is said to haunt the cemetery. Blue lights rise from her grave and then slowly sink back down.

Island Path Road, Hampton Beach (The Goody Cole story)

Accused of witchcraft in 1656 and again in 1671, Eunice “Goody” Cole (who lived at the end of Island Path) eventually died of natural causes in 1680 after enduring years of hatred and persecution. According to legend, she was buried by vengeful townspeople with a stake through her heart. Another legend says that kinder neighbors eventually properly buried her near today’s Meeting House Green. Today the area all along Island Path is said to be haunted — there have been reports of moving objects, lights and a figure that appears in the fog.

Toll Hill’s Ghostly Horse, Epsom

Perhaps New Hampshire’s only equine haunting — it’s said that the ghost of a horse, who sought shelter in an abandoned building during a blizzard became trapped, is still trying to escape even in death.