With a history dating back to the 1600s, Hartford is full of history and culture. With all that history comes a few restless spirits. Here are a few haunted sites located in Hartford.
In East Hartford, there is a complex of three buildings maintained by the Historical Society of East Hartford. One of them, built in 1761, is known as the Makens Bemont House, or the Huguenot House, and locals consider it to be haunted. Open to the public, this home shows visitors what the house of a successful working man and his family would have looked like in the 18th and 19th century. Up until the 1980s, when it was restored to its original condition, the home remained relatively quiet of all paranormal activity. Once restoration began, the spirits within must have grown uneasy and there were several unexplained construction mishaps. Visitors and nearby employees would often hear the sound of loud banging and hammers hammering from within the house, despite the fact that it was vacant. Locals also speak of an apparition wearing what looks like a blue dress that has been reported by several eyewitnesses.
In the midst of Hartford is what is known as the Old State House. Once used as the State Capitol building, this structure, built in the late 1700s, has had several instances of paranormal activity. In 1647, during the infamous witch trials, one of the first woman to be condemned as a "witch" in one of the colonies of New England was hung on the location where the Old State House would eventually reside. Many locals believe that the spirit of Joseph Steward, the old museum keeper, watches over the house to this day, keeping close watch on the second floor of the building. Some visitors and employees of the Old State House have reported hearing ghostly echoing footsteps in the hallways when the building is otherwise vacant.
Just a few miles south of Hartford is West Peak State Park in nearby Meriden. Locals, especially those who love to hike and camp in the area, speak of the spirit of a black dog that has made its presence known since back in the 1800s. According to the legend, the playful dog will follow local hikers as they roam throughout the park. When one first sees this phantom dog, it will bring luck and joy. The second time the same person catches a glimpse of the dog, it is meant to be taken as a warning of some impending danger. It has been said that when a person sees the same phantom dog for the third time, this is a symbol of death. According to records, at least three unfortunate people a year have died while in West Peak State Park.
