Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the US, but it has a big reputation for being haunted. From historic mansions to spooky cemeteries, the Ocean State is full of places that will send shivers down your spine. Whether you’re looking for a thrill or a chill, you won’t want to miss these 5 haunted places in Rhode Island that are sure to give you nightmares.
The text below is the script for the video:
Welcome to my channel. I make videos illustrating lore and legends of strange occurrences and weird encounters including ghosts and spirits.
When it comes to haunted places, I’m testing out a compilation of urban legends from a geographical region such as a province, a country or a state. And to see how it would work out.
The region is selected randomly. This first compilation video is a list of 5 haunted areas in Rhode Island.
Interestingly enough, these are public places such as libraries, public buildings
and a park.
The images are also available on my website, SurrealHaunts.com, if you want to see them. Just follow the link below.
Keep in mind that these images are AI-assisted illustrations even if they look like real photographs.
Now, onto the list:
5 HAUNTED AREAS IN RHODE ISLAND
1) Providence Athenaeum
For those unfamiliar with the term, an athenaeum is just another word that can be used for library.
The concept also includes offices, museums and other places where books, magazines, newspapers and other such items are stored.
In this case, The Providence Athenaeum, known for its striking architecture and impressive history, is a member run library.
So we are basically talking about a haunted library here.
The Providence Athenaeum is also well-known for its ties to Edgar Allen Poe and Sarah Whitman (she’s a well-known poet). The two were frequent visitors of the library and were once engaged to marry.
You probably know that Edgar Allan Poe is famous for his gothic literature such as The Raven, The Cask of Amontillado, The Tell-tale Heart and many more.
According to the legend, the ghost of Poe still haunts the top floor.
It is presumed that his ghost is drawn to the Athenaeum as it is where he and Whitman spent much time together.
2) Sprague Mansion
The Sprague Mansion is a historical mansion and museum in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s popular for hosting a variety of events throughout the year, including lectures, concerts, and special exhibits.
The mansion was the home of former governor and senator, William Sprague IV. The Sprague family lived in the house for three generations.
It is said that the sprawling mansion is haunted by its former residents. And there is indeed a list of spooky ghost sightings that’s been reported over and over throughout the years.
But one particular story intrigues me the most.
According to the lore, the doll room in this mansion is said to be haunted by the ghost of a little girl. This room is still filled with dolls. And visitors have reported eerie experiences.
The story of the doll room begins in the late 19th century. The Sprague's daughter, her name is Alice, had a collection of dolls that she kept in a room on the third floor of the mansion.
Alice was a kind and gentle girl, but she was also very sick. She died when she was just 12 years old.
After Alice's death, her parents kept her dolls in the room. They believed that the dolls would keep Alice's spirit close to them. However, soon after her death, people began to report strange things happening in the room.
Visitors claim that they would see the dolls move on their own. Others report hearing the sound of children's laughter. And still others say that they feel cold spots in the doll room.
3) Providence City Hall
The Providence City Hall is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Although official city business is conducted there on a regular basis, tours are offered. Please check their website for the schedule.
The tours usually last for about an hour, and cover the building's history, architecture and art.
But, there are also many stories about ghosts haunting the building.
I don’t know if that’s part of the tour.
One popular legend is the ghost of a woman in white. People have reported seeing her apparition and hearing her screams.
It is unclear who she was, but some say that she was an employee who was murdered in the building back in the early 1900s.
Another popular legend is the ghost of former mayor Thomas Doyle.
He is said to be seen in his old office. And people have also reported hearing his voice. Interestingly enough, Mayor Doyle is actually buried in the building.
4) Cumberland Public Library
The Cumberland Public Library was built on the former site of a monastery, which was partially destroyed by fire in 1950.
Since reconstruction into a now-beautiful building, people in the library have experienced hearing ghostly voices and doors slamming, and witnessing apparitions.
One of the most common reports is a man, perhaps a monk, in a brown robe walking throughout the library. He has been spotted in the main reading room, the stacks, and even in the bathroom.
Another ghost that has been reported by visitors is a former librarian walking around the building. It is unclear why this librarian would still be present in the library after her death.
5) Colt State Park
Colt State Park is a popular park located in Bristol, Rhode Island. While the park is known for its beautiful views and recreational activities, there also have been reports of ghost sightings on the property.
One particular story creeps me out more than others. Legend says that for many years now,
the ghosts of two girls have been haunting the hiking trails.
The girls are often seen running and laughing, and they vanish into thin air when you approach them. While no one knows for sure who they were, some say that they died in the park from an accident.
