House of the Seven Gables, Salem
Salem is a charming and historic town, known predominantly and made infamous for its past Witch Trials. Although those trials date back to the 1600s, they have certainly shaped Salem and continue to influence its image to this day. Visitors tend to flock to Salem to experience its spooky side and there’s no shortage of paranormal hot spots to choose from.
One of the supposedly haunted buildings, that continues to draw crowds to town, is the glorious House of the Seven Gables. Though this place is disconnected from the main spooky rhetoric that consumes Salem, being its Witch Trials, the house boasts its own interesting history and ghosts. This colonial mansion dates back to 1668 and is widely known thanks to American author, Nathaniel Hawthrone, and his novel The House of the Seven Gables.
Hauntings of the House of the Seven Gables
This Picturesque property has seen a long, interesting life and housed a number of prominent figures during its years. The house was originally known as the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion and housed these important Salem families for generations. The property saw a name change after popularity gripped Hawthorne’s work, the House of the Seven Gables. In 1908 the home was purchased by Caroline Emmerton, a philanthropist who did a great deal of work to restore the building.
Having sat within the heart of Salem for so long and seeing so many people pass through its doors, it makes sense that the House of the Seven Gables may have acquired a ghost or two in its lifetime. Perhaps the best known and most sighted spirit to inhabit the House of the Seven Gables is that of Susanna Ingersoll. Susanna owned and lived in the property during the 17 and 1800s. She was an astute businesswoman who acquired a mass of wealth in her lifetime and is thought to have had some creative input in her cousin, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s, famous novel. She also remained the only woman to have been born and died within the House of the Seven Gables. To this day, many claim to have sighted Susanna all throughout the home, especially peering out of windows before suddenly dissolving.
Another spirit has also been seen haunting the House of the Seven Gables. This ghost is that of a very young boy. He has mostly been sighted in the Home’s attic, as well as playing in the gardens of the estate. No one is really certain as to the identity of this mysterious boy. In addition to these spirits, many others to enter or spend time within the mansion have reported strange phenomena, in particular disturbances in electronic equipment. it is not uncommon for lights to turn on or off on their own.
Visiting the House of the Seven Gables
Visiting the House of the Seven Gables is a must for anyone making their way to Salem. The house and grounds are impeccable and remain open to the public as a museum, which helps to tell the home’s history. A ticket to tour the home only costs a couple of dollars and is a worthy investment.
If you enjoyed this article you might also find interest in the haunted Witches House in Salem.
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