20+ Paranormal Legends from Pennsylvania USA – Ghosts, Aliens, and more…

Pennsylvania, the Keystone State, is not only steeped in history but also brimming with a treasure trove of paranormal legends and ghostly tales that have intrigued and mystified residents and visitors alike for generations. From eerie battlefield apparitions to haunted historic mansions, the state is a haven for those with a penchant for the unexplained. In this journey through the Keystone State’s supernatural history, we’ll delve into 20 spine-tingling Pennsylvania legends that will send shivers down your spine and leave you pondering the mysteries of the unknown. So, fasten your seatbelts, as we embark on a chilling exploration of the paranormal in the heart of Pennsylvania.

1. The Seven Gates of Hell (York County): According to local legend, a mental institution that once stood on Toad Road in York County, PA, caught fire, and many inmates escaped, haunting the surrounding woods. Seven eerie gates placed along the path are said to lead to Hell when passed through at night.

2. Cry Baby Bridge, Pinetown (Lancaster County): Ghostly cries of infants are supposedly heard at this spot, stemming from tragic events in the past involving a baby thrown into the creek.

3. Eastern State Penitentiary (Philadelphia): Considered one of the most haunted places in America, this old prison is infamous for apparitions, strange sounds, and chilling cold spots.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is known for its rich history and numerous ghost stories. Here are five stories and legends about ghosts and haunted locations in Gettysburg:

  • 4. The Ghosts of Devil’s Den: Devil’s Den, a rocky area on the Gettysburg battlefield, is said to be haunted by the spirits of soldiers who fought there. Visitors have reported hearing phantom gunshots and seeing apparitions among the boulders.
  • 5. The Farnsworth House: The Farnsworth House Inn is a historic building in Gettysburg that served as a field hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg. Many guests have reported encountering ghostly figures, hearing cries of wounded soldiers, and experiencing other paranormal activity within its walls.
  • 6. Jennie Wade House: The Jennie Wade House is where the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg, Jennie Wade, lost her life. Visitors claim to have seen her ghost and heard unexplained footsteps and whispers in the house.
  • 7. The Haunted Orphanage: The former Soldiers’ National Orphanage, now the Jennie Wade Museum, is believed to be haunted by the spirits of orphaned children who once lived there. Apparitions of children have been reported, along with the sound of laughter and footsteps.
  • 8. Triangular Field: This area of the battlefield is known for eerie occurrences, including sightings of ghostly soldiers and phantom campfires. Some say they have heard spectral voices and gunshots at night.These are just a few of the many ghost stories and legends associated with Gettysburg, making it a popular destination for those interested in the paranormal and Civil War history.

9. The Green Man, or “Charlie No-Face” (Pittsburgh area): A ghostly figure who supposedly roams the roads of Pittsburgh, with his face glowing green. While based on a real person (Raymond Robinson), the tales often cast him as a supernatural being.

10. Hex Hollow Murder (York County): The eerie location where the infamous witch murder of Nelson Rehmeyer took place. It’s believed to be haunted by the unfortunate victim’s spirit.

11. Hotel Bethlehem (Northampton County): This 1920s hotel is rumored to be haunted by several entities, one being Mrs. Brong, the wife of the original owner.

12. Pennhurst State School and Hospital (Chester County): This former mental institution is said to be a hotspot for paranormal activity including ghostly figures and unexplained noises.

13. Flight 93 National Memorial (Somerset County): Claims of ghostly plane sounds and spectral figures of passengers are reported at this location of the tragic 9/11 crash.

14. Phantom of the Monongahela (Allegheny County): Ghostly apparitions have been spotted along the river, including phantom boats and lost souls.

15. Keek’s Monster (Presque Isle Lake Erie): Reports of a lake monster similar to the Loch Ness Monster have sparked local legend.

16. Bayfront Crawler (Erie): An alien-like creature that supposedly lurks in the Presque Isle State Park area.

16. Fort Mifflin Screaming Woman (Philadelphia): The ghostly screams of a woman are often heard, said to be a tormented soul haunting the old fort.

17. The Cult House (Milford): Folklore of devil worshipping cult activities and human sacrifices have led to stories of hauntings and eerie incidents.

18. Blue Myst Road (North Park): The road and surrounding woods are supposed to be haunted by a variety of spirits, including a headless horseman.

19. Gravity Hill (Bedford/Bucks County): A gravity-defying spot where cars reportedly roll uphill, giving a sense that the laws of physics don’t apply there.

20. The Faceless Drummer Boy: There’s a tale of a young drummer boy who served in the Continental Army during the winter encampment at Valley Forge. He was said to be a dedicated and brave soldier, but tragically lost his life during the harsh winter. Some visitors to the park have reported hearing the distant sound of a drumbeat without seeing any drummer. The apparition of a headless drummer boy has also been reported by a few.

21. Kecksburg UFO Incident: In 1965, residents in the small town of Kecksburg reported seeing a fireball streak across the sky and crash in the nearby woods. Witnesses described an acorn-shaped object with strange markings. The military quickly arrived and cordoned off the area, leading to rumors of a government cover-up. The incident remains a subject of interest among UFO enthusiasts, and it’s often referred to as Pennsylvania’s Roswell.

22. Mars Lights: In the small town of Mars, Pennsylvania, residents have reported seeing mysterious lights in the sky over the years. These lights are often described as unusual and have led to speculation about possible UFO activity in the area. While some sightings can be attributed to conventional phenomena, others remain unexplained.

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About the author

Walt Frasier is an actor, comic, singer, producer and now an author. While most of his books are educational tools for actors and comics, Paranormal POV is a new passion project for sharing both historical fantasy and legends as well as original stories.

Interactive musical improv comedy live from Times Square NYC and touring nationwide since 2002