10-24-2025, 07:19 AM
Greetings DI,
I used to compile these lists on ATS. Time to continue the traditions...
Living in the Philadelphia area we are surrounded with history. What most people don't talk about is the paranormal that comes with it. Here's a little rundown of my fav ghost tales.
Baleroy Mansion:
Located in the Chestnut Hill section of the city, this building is home to many spirits. It's also home to the infamous green chair. Legend has it that it was owned by a woman named Amelia, and that whoever sits in it dies shortly thereafter. At least two folks have succumbed to it. The chair now sits roped off to inhibit other folks from pressing their luck. The most famous spirit to walk it's halls is Thomas Jefferson.
Betsy Ross House:
In Old City you'll find the Betsy Ross House. Story has it that the mistress is still at home and sometimes she can be heard in the basement. It's also home to a malevolent spirit who once frightened a staff member so badly they jumped out of a window onto a nearby flag pole.
First Bank of the United States:
Also downtown is the old First Bank of the United States. It's said that people who stand too close the the building will have the batteries in their cell phones drain quickly. It's another building populated with spirits but the most notable is Alexander Hamilton.
Christ Church Burial Ground:
The final resting place of Benjamin Franklin, and the tradition is to leave a penny on his grave. (A penny saved is a penny earned). His spirit has been known to steal pocket change from visitors and even throw pennies at visitors.
Eastern State Penitentiary:
Not far from the Art Museum (and Rocky statue) is the Eastern State Penitentiary. It's been closed for many years now but in its heyday it housed the likes of Al Capone. There's so much paranormal activity that goes on here and it's a hot spot for many of the ghost hunter shows. During Halloween they open it up for tours making it one of the most popular spots of the season.
Allen's Lane:
No list is complete without a headless horseman. As the story goes, a Revolutionary War soldier was decapitated during a battle close by. His spirit returns on dreary nights riding with his head tucked underneath his arm.
George Washington and Gettysburg:
Wait, Gettsyburg was the Civil War right? Yes, and the 20th Maine Regiment was on their way into battle. They came to a fork in the road and were about to go the wrong way when a General rode up on horseback. He led them down the correct path saving them from ambush, and in time to save the Union Army's flank. After the battle the General was nowhere to be found. The soldiers say it was General George Washington that saved them.
So there you have it. Anyone else in the area? Feel free to add on. For the rest of the folks, Fall is a great time to visit the city. Grab a cheesesteak, take in the sights and you might even meet the ghost of a famous person or two.
Cheers.
I used to compile these lists on ATS. Time to continue the traditions...
Living in the Philadelphia area we are surrounded with history. What most people don't talk about is the paranormal that comes with it. Here's a little rundown of my fav ghost tales.
Baleroy Mansion:
Located in the Chestnut Hill section of the city, this building is home to many spirits. It's also home to the infamous green chair. Legend has it that it was owned by a woman named Amelia, and that whoever sits in it dies shortly thereafter. At least two folks have succumbed to it. The chair now sits roped off to inhibit other folks from pressing their luck. The most famous spirit to walk it's halls is Thomas Jefferson.
Betsy Ross House:
In Old City you'll find the Betsy Ross House. Story has it that the mistress is still at home and sometimes she can be heard in the basement. It's also home to a malevolent spirit who once frightened a staff member so badly they jumped out of a window onto a nearby flag pole.
First Bank of the United States:
Also downtown is the old First Bank of the United States. It's said that people who stand too close the the building will have the batteries in their cell phones drain quickly. It's another building populated with spirits but the most notable is Alexander Hamilton.
Christ Church Burial Ground:
The final resting place of Benjamin Franklin, and the tradition is to leave a penny on his grave. (A penny saved is a penny earned). His spirit has been known to steal pocket change from visitors and even throw pennies at visitors.
Eastern State Penitentiary:
Not far from the Art Museum (and Rocky statue) is the Eastern State Penitentiary. It's been closed for many years now but in its heyday it housed the likes of Al Capone. There's so much paranormal activity that goes on here and it's a hot spot for many of the ghost hunter shows. During Halloween they open it up for tours making it one of the most popular spots of the season.
Allen's Lane:
No list is complete without a headless horseman. As the story goes, a Revolutionary War soldier was decapitated during a battle close by. His spirit returns on dreary nights riding with his head tucked underneath his arm.
George Washington and Gettysburg:
Wait, Gettsyburg was the Civil War right? Yes, and the 20th Maine Regiment was on their way into battle. They came to a fork in the road and were about to go the wrong way when a General rode up on horseback. He led them down the correct path saving them from ambush, and in time to save the Union Army's flank. After the battle the General was nowhere to be found. The soldiers say it was General George Washington that saved them.
So there you have it. Anyone else in the area? Feel free to add on. For the rest of the folks, Fall is a great time to visit the city. Grab a cheesesteak, take in the sights and you might even meet the ghost of a famous person or two.
Cheers.
