Connecticut Shoreline’s Most Haunted Locations: Ghost Stories and Legends
The Connecticut shoreline may be known for its charming coastal towns, historic homes, and scenic harbors, but beneath the beauty lies a darker side—one where the past lingers, and not every soul has found peace. From haunted lighthouses to eerie inns, the shoreline is steeped in ghostly legends and paranormal activity that have been passed down through generations. As Halloween approaches, let’s dive into the most haunted locations on the Connecticut shoreline, where history and the supernatural collide.
1. Captain Daniel Packer Inne
Mystic, CT
Nestled in the heart of Mystic, the Captain Daniel Packer Inne is a cozy colonial tavern with a history that dates back to the late 1700s. But it’s not just the hearty food and crackling fireplace that draw visitors—it’s the stories of Captain Daniel Packer himself, who is said to never have left. Staff and patrons alike have reported strange occurrences, from doors slamming on their own to glasses flying off shelves. Some have even claimed to see a ghostly figure, believed to be Captain Packer, wandering the halls. Whether you believe in spirits or not, there’s something about this inn that makes the hair on your neck stand up.
2. Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park
Groton, CT
The Revolutionary War left its mark on Connecticut, and nowhere is this more apparent than at Fort Griswold. This historical site was the setting for the Battle of Groton Heights in 1781, a bloody conflict in which over 80 American soldiers were killed. The fort is now a serene park, but visitors often report eerie sensations—cold spots, the feeling of being watched, and even the sound of marching soldiers in the distance. Some say the spirits of the fallen still roam the grounds, forever guarding the fort they died defending. Walk the battlefield at dusk, and you might just hear the whispers of history—or something more.
Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park
Park Ave. & Monument St.
Groton, CT 06340
3. Union Cemetery
Easton, CT
One of the most famous haunted locations not just on the Connecticut shoreline, but in the entire state, is Union Cemetery in Easton. Known as the home of the “White Lady,” this cemetery has attracted paranormal investigators from all over, including famed demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren. The White Lady, dressed in a long flowing gown, is often spotted gliding through the tombstones or appearing on the nearby highway, causing drivers to swerve out of the way. Though Easton sits slightly inland, this haunted graveyard is a short drive from the shoreline and offers one of the most bone-chilling experiences in the region.
Union Cemetery
Routes 59 and, CT-136
Easton, CT 06612
4. Lighthouse Inn
New London, CT
For nearly a century, the Lighthouse Inn in New London has stood as a beacon of elegance and charm. But beneath its stately façade lies a haunted history that has drawn paranormal enthusiasts for decades. The most well-known spirit is that of a bride who, according to legend, fell to her death on the inn’s staircase in the early 1900s. Since then, guests and staff have reported sightings of her ghost—often in a white gown—wandering the halls, still searching for the happiness she lost on her wedding day. The inn’s peaceful exterior contrasts sharply with the ghostly happenings within, making it a must-visit for those seeking a supernatural thrill.
Lighthouse Inn
6 West Guthrie Place
New London, CT 06320
5. Old Burial Ground
Essex, CT
Essex is a quaint, picture-perfect town along the Connecticut River, but it hides a ghostly secret in its Old Burial Ground. Dating back to the 1600s, this historic cemetery is the final resting place of many early settlers—and, according to locals, a few restless spirits. Visitors have reported ghostly apparitions, strange lights, and an overwhelming sense of unease when walking through the old headstones. The most famous legend involves a phantom figure in colonial garb who appears at night, drifting silently among the graves. Whether you’re a ghost hunter or a history buff, this burial ground offers an eerie glimpse into the past.
Old Burial Ground
Essex, CT
6. The Griswold Inn
Essex, CT
The Griswold Inn, one of the oldest continuously operated inns in the United States, is not only rich in history but also rife with ghost stories. Since 1776, the inn has hosted sailors, soldiers, and travelers, and some say a few of them never left. Guests have reported seeing ghostly figures in colonial attire, hearing footsteps in empty hallways, and experiencing sudden drops in temperature. The most famous tale involves a spectral sea captain who is said to appear near the inn’s fireplace, looking out longingly as if waiting for a ship that will never return. The Griswold Inn’s combination of charm and hauntings makes it a perfect destination for those who want a taste of history with a side of the supernatural.
The Griswold Inn
36 Main St
Essex, CT 06426
The Connecticut shoreline is a place where history is never far away—nor, it seems, are the spirits of its past. From haunted inns to eerie cemeteries, the region offers a wealth of spooky stories and paranormal experiences for those brave enough to seek them out. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, one thing is certain: the Connecticut shoreline holds more than just the echoes of history—it holds the whispers of the otherworldly.
So, if you’re looking to add a little thrill to your fall adventure, explore these haunted locations and decide for yourself whether the past is truly gone—or if some souls remain to tell their stories. Happy haunting!
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