America’s Most Haunted Cemeteries
Cemeteries and Graveyards are repositories for the dead. Yet, the souls inside often have trouble staying at rest. The most haunted cemeteries in America are scattered across the country in cities such as New Orleans, Nashville, and Boston.
Smaller towns, hidden away from the public eye, carry some of the most unusual and spooky otherworldly activity. Join us as we take you on a spooky stroll through some of America’s most haunted cemeteries.
Why are America’s Cemeteries haunted?
The violent and aggressive history of America and its people has led to an exceptional amount of haunted cemeteries across the country. Lost Native burial grounds get covered up and replaced. Civil War cemeteries were overturned by the opposing force. Odd and unusual deaths led to the demise of many American citizens.
These are just some of the many reasons American cemeteries are infested with ghosts and other entities.
Looking to visit some of these haunted cemeteries in person? Take a guided tour with US Ghost Adventures at one of our many locations.
Types of Cemeteries and Tombs
What are the different types of burial sites in America?
- Cemetery-a burial site not located near a church
- Graveyard-a burial site located near a church, generally smaller in size
- Above Ground Cemetery- a burial site with tombs that sit above ground. Often found in low-lying coastal areas
- Native Burial Ground/Mounds- burial sites used by Native American peoples before colonization
- Family Burial Sites-small burial sites behind family homes
- Unidentified gravesites- people buried due to war, murder, or accident. Their bodies are often never found
Within each of these are different types of tombs, each with its unique usage and culture.
What are the different types of tombs used in America?
- A classic headstone is a slab of rock placed above a grave. The design and verbiage used on tombs have varied throughout the centuries.
- Mausoleum- a large structure used to house various tombs and bodies
- Above Ground is similar to a mausoleum but holds either one person or multiple. Depending on location, they can hold up 60 at times
- Wall Vaults are often found in above-ground cemeteries. Tombs that go into the side of walls
- Secret Tombs- in older burial sites, tombs are often found by accident. Hidden away for decades
These are just some of the many different types of burial sites and tombs we cover in our feature on America’s most haunted cemeteries.
Famous Haunted Cemeteries Across America
St. Louis #1 in New Orleans, LA
The St. Louis #1, located outside of the infamous French Quarter, is the oldest above-ground cemetery in New Orleans. It is only one of 47 that exist in the Crescent City. The history behind the cemetery and the above-ground tombs is fascinating. Various spirits haunt it. Many say famous Voodoo Queen Marie Laveaux resides here.
Tales of her spirit have appeared along the cemetery’s outer walls since the early 1900s. Visitors to her tomb leave offerings to her spirit, hoping to receive blessings from her. There is also the spirit of a man whose plot of land was stolen from him. He died before he could get it back, and his spirit eternally roams the cemetery looking for his tomb.
The Granary Burial Ground in Boston, MA
The Granary Burial Ground is one of the oldest cemeteries in America. It is home to some of America’s most important founding fathers and thinkers. Built in 1600, it is haunted by Revolutionary War heroes and others. Over 5,000 corpses lay in the Granary Burial Ground, taking residency amongst the Puritan and Victorian landscape.
One of its most famous spirits is that of James Otis Jr, a lawyer who received a nasty head wound after a bad argument. His mental health deteriorated afterward. He was eventually struck by lightning, something he had always prayed for. His spirit now roams the cemeteries. EVP readings are high near his tomb, and orbs are often captured there.
Nashville City Cemetery
An immense amount of souls reside in the Nashville City Cemetery. Over 20,000 interments have occurred since its opening in 1822. This leads to a large amount of spiritual activity here. It holds the bodies of some of Nashville’s earliest founders. Native American defenses were strong in the area. Some of them met bloody ends at the hands of these men.
Cholera epidemics became common in the area. In 1849, 627 people were killed at the hands of this disease. It is no wonder there is so much activity. The most well-known tomb is called “Suicide Rock.” The spirit of a young woman who died after a tragic lover’s quarrel walks around the area – a lantern swings above her tomb to light her way.
The Most Haunted Cemeteries
These three are only a few of the various haunted burial locations we cover. To help you, the spiritual enthusiast, find the spookiest cemeteries available. Who are the shadow people that lurk amongst the Oak Park Cemetery in Claremont, California? Where do the victims of the Salem witch-hunt lay to rest?
We have these answers, from the largest cemeteries to hidden gems laying off the forgotten roadways of the American landscape. The legends are waiting for you. But are you brave enough to go out and find them on your own? Consider taking a tour with US Ghost Adventures if you are looking for help locating these places in real life.
Sources:
https://nashvilleghosts.com/nashville-city-cemetery
