Ghost Haunts of Delaware

Delaware’s Ghost Towns
The state of Delaware has a handful of ghost towns located along the now defunct Queen Anne’s Railroad line.  As modern technology evolved, the railroad industry slowly became obsolete and many of these towns died with the industry.  Banning, Owens Station, and Woodland are all towns in Delaware that disappeared once the railroad closed down and the tracks were removed.  Little of the towns are left, save a few crumbling structures and cemeteries.

The Deer Park Inn and Tavern
Located in the town of Newark, the Deer Park Inn and Tavern was an active site in the slave trade during the 1800’s; in fact, slaves were allegedly traded right on the porch of the inn.  It’s also said to be the site of where Edgar Allen Poe wrote “The Raven.”  Wait staff at the Inn have reported bizarre happenings such as strange sounds on stairs that were closed at the time and the opening and closing of doors when no one was there. 

The Neighborhood of Bay Oaks
In the town of Lewes, Delaware, the Bay Oaks neighborhood is composed of new, modern homes.  Yet, residents have reported strange sightings including orbs and random streaks of light.  The area is believed to be a historical location at which a massacre between Native Americans and Dutch settles occurred.  Other paranormal activity reported include random cold spots in some of the homes (not near a vent or a window), the eerie feeling of being watched, and one girl claims to have woken up choking, feeling the sensation of a hand around her neck before seeing a ghostly hand pull away.  Given the high volume of paranormal activity in the area, ghost hunters and other paranormal investigators are investigating the neighborhood.

The Woodburn Mansion
No one knows exactly why this mansion in Dover is haunted but several visitors throughout the years have claimed to see ghosts; there’s the apparition that wears a white wig and favors white wine (he’s allegedly emptied several vintage wines in the cellar) or the little girl that has been seen at parties.  Another ghost that haunts the Woodburn Mansion is said to wear Revolutionary War attire and float throughout the house. 

The Bellevue Mansion
Unlike the Woodburn Mansion that’s haunted by ghosts, the Bellevue Mansion in Wilmington is riddled with unexplainable paranormal activity.  Appliances, lights, and electronics are randomly shut off and on (even when not plugged in).  Furniture has been found rearranged, with chairs facing backwards and haunting screams and eerie laughter can be heard during the night.  The Bellevue Mansion is said to be so haunted that the second and third floors are no longer regularly used.