Beware: The 17 Most Haunted Places in Delaware

Looking for a scare in Delaware? Between the historic small towns, some of the oldest buildings in the country, gorgeous East Coast beaches, and lux hotels, this state has more than a few ghosts.

And you’ve just found the most famous of them.

These are the 17 most haunted places in Delaware:

Old Maggie’s Bridge

Seaford

Old Maggie’s Bridge, located on Route 78 in Seaford, has elements of another infamous urban legend – Bloody Mary. 

In the late 1800s, a young, pregnant girl named Maggie Bloxom died in a fatal car accident on the Bridge. Instead of telling her name 3 times, legend has it that if you stand on the Bridge at night and yell, ‘Maggie, I have your baby,’ you’ll hear Maggie crying, crawling through the bushes looking for her unborn baby.

The Addy Sea

Bethany

Built in 1902, The Addy Sea is an elegant Victorian-style bed and breakfast known for its breathtaking views, homey feel, and, of course, for being one of the most haunted places in Delaware. 

The Addy Sea has changed hands several times but has been maintained by the Gravatte family for the last 25 years. 

Haunted Rooms at the Addy Sea

• Room 1: Known as the haunted bathroom, guests have experienced the copper bathtub violently shaking for no reason. 
• Room 6: Beautiful organ music flows through despite there being no organ in the area. 
• Room 11: The ghost of Paul Delany, a man who once worked at the hotel, hangs out here.
• Other Hauntings: An unknown ghost runs through the hallways in the evenings, and sometimes, a sweet scent fills the air. Footsteps can also be heard on the roof in the dead of night, believed to be Kurt Addy, who fell to his death many years ago. 

Several investigations using Electronic Voice Phenomenon or EVPs have taken place at the Addy Sea.

These have captured ghostly whispers and conversations, manifestations, and the voice of a child giggling.

Bellevue Hall

Wilmington

Bellevue Hall sits in Bellevue State Park and has a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in Delaware. Originally built as a modest farmhouse in the 1850s, it was transformed into a grand, elegant mansion by William du Pont Jr. 

Although closed to the public, it’s said that the second and third floors of the property are the most active. 

A young girl dressed in period clothing is seen gliding through the hallways, her laughter echoing through the empty corridors. Many think she is the spirit of a former resident or a family member connected to the property. 

A second woman is often seen at Bellevue Hall. She is described as strikingly beautiful, wearing a flowing white gown and vanishing as soon as she’s noticed. 

The spirits here have been known to mess with the electricity and move chairs around, as well as let out screams, laughter, and other sounds you don’t want to hear in an abandoned building.

Cape Henlopen State Park

Lewes

Before Cape Henlopen became a state park, it was the home to Native American tribes, including the Lenape and Nanticoke. 

The tribes would gather at Cape Henlopen to perform sacred ceremonies and rituals. The land was considered a gateway to the spirit world, where the veil between the physical and non-physical realms was thin. The stories of tribe members’ spiritual experiences still circulate throughout Sussex County today.

As European settlers took over the land, they brought their own stories with them.

During WWII, Cape Henlopen was catapulted into the national spotlight when the park became home to Fort Miles, a vital defense installation guarding the entrance to the Delaware Bay. The realities of war were common, but real tragedy struck when a German U-boat managed to penetrate the defenses, sinking 2 American ships off the coast of Cape Henlopen.

Those who died are said to still linger within the park, especially a single shadowy figure standing at the top of the Tower. 

Visitors have also described what is known as the Phantom Ship of Cape Henlopen, a phantom vessel said to appear in the bay on foggy nights. 

Christiana Fire Company Station 12

Newark

The Christiana Fire Company Station 12 is said to be haunted by 2 distinct ghostly personalities, with a Dr. Jekkel and Hr. Hyde-type relationship. 

The darker spirit, an ominous shadowy figure, is most often spotted in the doorway of the engineer’s room. This spirit’s presence is unsettling to visitors and creates a sense of dread.

The kinder spirit is believed to act as a guardian of sorts. Although rarely seen, visitors think that the spirit’s primary role is to prevent the darker spirit from entering the station further. 

The identity of these spirits is unknown, but many are believed to be the ghosts of firemen.

Cat Man’s Grave (Long Cemetery)

Frankford

One of the most haunted places in Delaware is a cemetery, specifically Long Cemetery.

Catman was a gravekeeper known for his cat-like appearance and quickness in chasing away people, causing chaos in the cemetery. According to local legend, Catman’s ghost now manifests as a creature that is part man and part cat. 

Local stories involve Catman’s ghost chasing away groups of teenagers who venture into the cemetery on a dare. It’s said that if you knock on his grave, his ghost will get pissed, and you may experience vehicle troubles, like a stalling engine or failure to start at all. 

John Dickinson Plantation

Dover

The Dickinson Mansion is situated on the John Dickinson Plantation in Dover. Built in 1739 by Judge Samuel Dickinson, the mansion suffered serious damage from a British raid in the 1780s and was nearly destroyed by a fire in 1804. 

Although he only lived in the home for two years, John Dickinson is believed to haunt the mansion, with many visitors reporting sightings. 

Weird noises are also heard, including the sound of someone writing in the old master’s study, quill pen scratching noises, orbs, cold spots, and unexplained, sharp sounds in the halls. 

Dickinson’s voice has been captured several times via EVP. 

Fort Delaware

Delaware City

While Fort Delaware is no longer an active defense facility, it’s certainly still active in terms of ghosts. 

The most active spot is the dungeon, where prisoners were kept in extremely harsh conditions, overcrowded, and riddled with disease. 

Many visitors have seen shadowy figures, and it isn’t uncommon to hear disembodied voices, the sound of rattling chains, or see orbs or feel cold spots. 

Local author Ed Okonowicz had documented a number of ghostly encounters, including a cloaked figure holding a lantern. 

Woodburn: Governor’s House

Dover

The Governor’s Mansion, built in 1790, is often named one of the most haunted places in Delaware. Originally owned by Dr. and Mrs. Martin Bates, the home was later purchased by Charles Hillyard III.

The mansion’s most famous ghost sighting was in 1815, when a preacher encountered an older man in period clothing, believed to be Charles Hillyard III. 

Hillyard’s ghost has been reported to drink glasses of wine left out for him. Additional hauntings include the fallout of a tragic love affair, a hidden treasure, and a former governor’s spirit guarding enormous wealth. 

This infamous home has drawn in paranormal investigators from both near and far. From EVP recordings to thermal imaging, these investigators are determined to unlock the supernatural mysteries of the mansion. 

Smyrna Museum

Smyrna 

The Smyrna Museum consists of two historic buildings, The Barracks and the Plank House, both from the 1700s. 

The Barracks, now home to the Smyrna Museum, housed soldiers during the War of 1812. Civil War soldiers were also drafted and signed up to serve there, so it’s no surprise that the ghosts of several soldiers remain.

Paranormal happenings at the Smyrna Museum include strange sounds and raspy voices, objects moving on their own, and the persistent feeling of being watched. 

Rockwood Museum

Wilmington

The Rockwood Museum was built between 1851 and 1854 as the retirement home of Joseph Shipley, who designed the mansion to mirror an English country estate. 

Ironically, the Gothic Revival architecture makes the mansion look more like your typical haunted house. 

In the last century, the mansion’s staff have reported many paranormal encounters. The spirit of a man in a red smoking jacket is seen, as well as the ghost of Mary Bringhurst, Joseph Shipley’s great-niece who passed away in the house at age 100. Lilacs, her favorite perfume scent, and temperature drops have been experienced in her old bedroom. 

Rockwood Mansion lands on the list of most haunted places in Delaware that you can actually tour, usually around Halloween.

Cannonball House

Lewes

The Cannonball House was built in 1765 and has served as a restaurant, laundromat, and a private residence. It was struck by a cannonball during the British bombardment of Lewes in April 1813, which is how the name ‘Cannonball House ‘ came to be. 

The cannonball is still lodged in the wall and is one of the main draws of the Museum.

Since being purchased by the Lewes Historical Society in 1963, there have been many weird events:

• A door that won’t stay shut even when nailed closed
• Tools mysteriously move around overnight.
• A 16th-century Spanish chest was missing a key, but it’s since been found under a coiled rope no one had noticed before. 

As far as ghosts go, the most commonly reported entity is a woman named Susan, who is said to be one of Captain David Rowland’s family members who perished in a fire.

Cooch’s Bridge: Delaware’s Grim Battleground

Newark

Cooch’s Bridge saw severe fighting and tragedy after a short-lived American victory during the Revolutionary War.

The British pushed back and drove U.S. forces from Aiken Town, now Glasgow, over Iron Hill and to the Welsh Baptist Meeting House.

The White Horseman

Before the battle, American sentries reported seeing a mysterious white horseman. When they fired at him, he remained unharmed.

Legend has it that this ominous white figure was actually just a British soldier with armor under a white sheet. A sergeant put a bullet right into the Horseman’s head. This story was featured in The Morning News in 1975.

The ghost of a headless British soldier roams near the battle site, searching for his missing head.

Lum’s Pond State Park

Bear

Lums Pond State Park has been the site of a number of historical events, from colonial settlements to the American Revolution, and that’s reflected in its reputation as one of the most haunted places in Delaware.

There are many hauntings at Lums Pond:

• The first is that the park’s namesake, John Lum, and his son haunt the grounds.
• The second is a young female runaway who was murdered in the park. Legend also tells the story of a German soldier who lost his head during the Revolutionary War and is still searching for it. 
• A ghostly figure has been seen hovering above the water, with many visitors believing him to be a drowned fisherman.
• There have also been high-pitched screams and muffled shouts near the Swamp Forest Hiking Trail. 

Documented Investigations

In the summer of 2015, a small paranormal research group camped in the park for 7 nights. On their second night, they captured a distinct voice saying “Get Out” during an EVP session. 

In 2018, a team of mediums known as the Mystic Explorers entered Lums Pond State Park. One of the psychics claimed to have made contact with a spirit named Emily while meditating near the pond. According to the psychic, Emily shared her story and expressed the desire for closure.

Crabby Dick’s

Delaware City

Located in the old Delaware City Hotel, Crabby Dick’s serves up Delaware’s favorite blue crabs with a waterfront view and a ghost or two.

John Buchheit and Dale Slotter purchased the building in 2005. Shortly after, Buchheit slept in one of the rooms and dreamed a maid told him to leave. As it would be, a maid had died in the hotel several years back. 

A former maid named Sandy haunted the building. She’s said to flick on and off the lights to keep visitors from the 4th floor. 

The old hotel was also a popular meet-up spot for soldiers stationed at nearby Fort Delaware. Their spirits are said to roam the grounds, with loud, unexplained noises coming from all areas of the building, doors open and shut on their own, and orbs appearing in photos.

DuPont Estates

Wilmington

The DuPont’s have left a lasting legacy of mansions in Delaware, commonly known as the DuPont Estates.

The renowned Longwood Gardens and the Winterthur Museum are known best for their intriguing ghost stories, beauty, and history.

The ghosts here are many:

• The Graceful Ghost: In the ballroom at Longwood Gardens, a ghostly lady in formal attire was spotted by both staff and visitors. She is believed to be a former guest or a family member of the du Pont family. She is described as a pleasant presence, frequently seeing her gliding across the floor or standing at the top of the ballroom’s grand staircase.
• Conversatory Spirit: A second ghostly legend is said to stay in the conservatory, with sudden drops in temperature reported by guests and visitors alike. 
• Henry: The Winterthur Museum is haunted by Henry Francis du Pont. Staff and visitors have reported seeing a 20th-century-clad ghost wandering through the corridors.
• Misses Du Pont: The spirit of Misses du Pont is also believed to remain, keeping watch over her property and its extensive art collection. 

The Winterthur staff have reported unexplained noises, including footsteps, doors slamming open and closing, and faint music. These sounds always occur in areas closed off to the public. 

Woodland Beach

Delaware Bay

Woodland Beach is the site of the tragic love story of Emily and Thomas. 

Emily, a beautiful young woman who hailed from a wealthy family, fell in love with Thomas, a humble seaside fisherman. Incompatible, their secret romance wasn’t accepted by Emily’s family, and they sought to end the relationship. One night, Thomas’ body was found ripped apart along the beach. Many believe Emily’s family killed Thomas. 

Thomas still roams the beach in pursuit of revenge.

The Shipwreck

A second haunting associated with Woodland Beach revolves around a shipwreck that happened during a fierce storm. Locals say that a massive vessel ran aground near the shore, and when witnesses rushed to the scene, they found no survivors.

On stormy nights, the ghosts of the passengers can be seen wandering along the beach, crying out for help. 

Woodland Beach’s reputation for being one of the most haunted places in Delaware doesn’t end with these two stories. There are countless reports of disembodied voices in the wind, sudden drops in temperature, and objects moving on their own. 

Haunt Us

Don’t let your ghost stories go untold. Have you been to any of the most haunted places in Delaware? 

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