Baltimore's Most Haunted Places
Westminster Church Cemetery
West Fayette and North Greene streets
Baltimore, Md.
www.law.umaryland.edu/westminster/welcome.html
Made famous by the grave of Edgar Allan Poe and visited by many, this cemetery hosts the resting places of many other souls, some with their own notable contributions to history. The church was completed in 1852, more than 60 years after the burying grounds were established, built on bricks in such a way as to prevent disturbing the already-existing tombs that continue to be a part of the church tour to this day. Gen. Samuel Smith and Col. James McHenry, both prominent figures in the War of 1812, are also buried here. McHenry should sound familiar as his name was used for a nearby fort at Locust Point, another haunted place covered below. Of course, Poe's grave remains the main attraction as the dark, Gothic writer is at the center of many local ghost stories.
Related: Top 10 Haunted Sites In Maryland
USS Constellation
Pier 1
301 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410)539-1797
www.historicships.org/constellation.html
Price: $5-18; See additional information
Whoever said only houses could be haunted certainly didn't visit this old ship docked in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. With quite a rich history, it's no wonder you'll hear stories of visitors' interactions with apparitions of seamen, as well as cell phones mysteriously not working once on board. Launched in 1854, the USS Constellation has traveled across the Atlantic to various parts of the Mediterranean. It helped break up the slave trade in Africa and transported food to famine victims in Ireland. The Constellation saw much death in its service during the Civil War and World War II as well. Yet, it was also used as a training ship for the U.S. Navy before becoming a permanent exhibit in the Chesapeake Bay in 1955, a full century after its launching. If you dare, the restored ship now offers an Overnight Adventure Program to pull you back in history and into the sailors' shoes.
The Admiral Fell Inn
888 S. Broadway
Baltimore, Md. 21231
(410) 522-7377
www.harbormagic.com
The neighborhood has somewhat improved since the time when it was filled with crime-ridden saloons, brothels and shipyards, but that doesn't mean the spirits of the time have left. Rated one of the top haunted hotels in America, the Admiral Fell Inn is no stranger to ghost stories. Guests have often reported seeing floating sailors and disappearing butlers knocking on their doors. A hotel manager is also said to have heard a loud party after the hotel was evacuated during a hurricane. This comes as no surprise as parts of the building date back to the 1770s when it was a theater and boarding house where seamen, immigrants and "ladies of the night" would pass through.
Fort McHenry
2400 East Fort Avenue
Baltimore, Md. 21230
(410) 962-4290
www.nps.gov/fomc/index.htm
Price: $16 for adults 16 and older; Additional pass information
Though the site lends itself more to educational rather than ghostly pursuits, its history inevitably cannot ignore the latter, especially when visitors spot soldier ghosts still marching on duty or experience strange feelings while walking the grounds. The Battle of Baltimore Sept. 13 and 14 in 1814 may have been victorious for the United States, but it was not without a few American deaths, not to mention the hundreds of British casualties. Though the death toll for the fort during the Civil War reached only 15, three of which were executed prisoners, Fort McHenry later lost nearly 100 nurses and patients to a flu epidemic in 1919 when it housed a hospital and surgical center for World War I.
Related: Fort McHenry Enjoys Attendance Boost
Middleton Tavern
2 Market Space
Annapolis, Md. 21401
(410) 263-3323
www.middletontavern.com
One of the oldest buildings in the area, the Middleton Tavern was established in 1750 when it had been sold to ferry operator Horatio Middleton, who needed to provide lodging for his clients. Visited by historical figures, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, in addition to being used as a frequent meeting place for the Free Masons and the Maryland Jockey Club, there was always much activity throughout the tavern's history. This is why nameless ghosts haunt the area, possessing an affinity for destroying glasses and plates as the objects inexplicably fly off their shelves. The spirits have also been known to turn the wall-mounted lanterns. A familiar apparition named Roland by the tavern staff often appears wearing revolutionary-style clothing and staring out on a view of the harbor. Even if you don't see any paranormal occurrences, the tavern is a great place to grab a bite to eat and enjoy musical entertainment.
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