It’s October, so here are five real American ghosts to keep you up at night.

© Angelo Juan Ramos | Flickr
Resurrection Mary
Vanishing hitchhikers are a staple of American folklore, but Resurrection Mary might be the most frightening. Legend has it Mary was walking home after an argument with her boyfriend at a ballroom dance, only to be killed in a hit-and-run accident. She was buried in Resurrection Cemetery, and since the 1930s there have been several reports of a young hitchhiker on Archer Avenue asking men for a ride, wearing a white party dress, dancing shoes and holding a small clutch.

© Hannes Engelbrecht | Flickr
The DeFeo Family
In 1974, 23-year-old Ronald DeFeo was arrested for murdering his parents and four siblings. Lying face down in their beds and showing no signs of struggle, police were perplexed how DeFeo could have done the murder, and later tenants of the house reported paranormal occurrences which eventually forced them out. The case has been made famous in Jay Anson’s book The Amityville Horror and its subsequent films.

© Denis Mattox | Flickr
The Bell Witch
The Bell Witch is a famous legend from Southern folklore. The story begins with John Bell Sr., a farmer in Adams, Tenn., who cheated his neighbor Kate Batts out of a land deal. On her deathbed, she swore to haunt the man and his descendants, who subsequently experienced strange and unexplainable activity at their home. Sugar would disappear while children would feel slaps and pinches out of nowhere. Bell himself suffered violent seizures before being poisoned.

© Jacek Sopotnicki | Dreamstime
Residents of The Stanley Hotel
Stephen King was inspired to write The Shining after a stay in room 217 of this iconic hotel, though staff will tell you it’s room 418 that’s the most haunted. Guests regularly complain of children playing in the hallway. One couple reported being kept up all night to the sound of kids in the next room despite it being unoccupied. Many report hearing phantom footsteps and feeling their clothes getting yanked, while others have woken to find their sheets taken off the bed and folded neatly.

© Georgios Kollidas | Dreamstime
Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln actually anticipated his assassination, telling his bodyguard he had recurring dreams of his own funeral. Since then, many visitors and occupants of the White House have had strange experiences related to the man. Eleanor Roosevelt reported feeling his presence while her dog would bark at empty space. Winston Churchill himself said he saw the ghost while walking around his room naked smoking a cigar. Upon seeing Mr. Lincoln at the fireplace, Churchill politely said, “Good evening Mr. President, you seem to have me at a disadvantage.”
Read This Next
Halloween at The Stanley Hotel
Trends / Unique Itineraries & Tours
Oct 3, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
May 29, 2025Hotel Burg in Leesburg, Virginia, Now Accepting Reservations for August 2025
Hotel Burg, the highly anticipated boutique hotel opening in Leesburg, Virginia, is now accepting reservations for stays beginning Aug. 1.
Sponsored Content
AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises
When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.
Dining/Entertainment
May 29, 2025Highest Rooftop Bar in Indianapolis Opens
This summer, the highest full-service rooftop bar in Indianapolis opens atop InterContinental Indianapolis. Perfect for both a sunset social hour or swanky night out, Astrea not only promises tasty seasonal dishes and creative cocktails, but also spoils with unobstructed views of Monument Circle and downtown Indianapolis with indoor and outdoor seating.
Cruises
May 28, 2025Carnival Plans Big Expansions for Years Ahead
Carnival Cruise Line expects big enhancements over the next five years through a new initiative dubbed the “Innovation Itinerary” that will focus on new ships, experiences and destinations, as well as cruise line loyalty. Highlights will include opening Celebration Key in July, and taking delivery of new ships in 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Hotel
May 28, 2025Reservations Now Open for Secrets Playa Esmeralda, Dreams Playa Esmeralda
Two brand-new resorts are set to redefine the all-inclusive experience when they open. Reservations are now available for Secrets Playa Esmeralda (opens Aug. 1) and Dreams Playa Esmeralda (opens Sept. 1), along the untouched shores of Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic.
Hotel
May 28, 2025Have a Romantic Summer Escape at This Yountville, California, Retreat
North Block Hotel, a boutique Yountville retreat in California, offers the perfect escape for couples looking for quiet luxury and a chance to reconnect. The hotel features just 20 rooms, as well as a vine-draped courtyard resembling a European village. Couples can expect every detail of the romantic weekend to be thoughtfully curated to help them unwind, reconnect and indulge. A weekend at North Block Hotel this summer includes:
ShareThis