1. Salem, Massachusetts
The infamous Salem witch trials of 1692 left a stain on the town’s history that many locals say still lingers. Over 200 people were accused of witchcraft, with 20 executed. The trials created a reputation for Salem as a cursed place, haunted by injustice. Some say the unrested spirits of the accused still roam.
Despite—or because of—the grim past, Salem thrives on its reputation. October brings throngs of tourists for festivals, museums, and ghost tours. Even outside of Halloween season, the witchy shops and historic sites keep the atmosphere alive. Salem is a place where history and legend are inseparable.
2. Bodie, California
Once a booming gold-mining town in the late 1800s, Bodie is now a state historic park preserved in what’s called “arrested decay.” Visitors come for the eerie stillness, with abandoned saloons, homes, and a church frozen in time. But locals whisper about a so-called “curse of Bodie,” where people who steal even the smallest artifact from the site experience terrible luck. Rangers say they receive countless letters every year from people begging for their stolen trinkets to be returned.
Despite the spooky reputation, Bodie is still one of the most popular ghost towns in the country. Tourists love the ghost stories just as much as the preserved history. The dry winds and desolate setting only amplify the haunted feel. It’s one of those places where you can almost hear footsteps behind you—even when you’re alone.
3. Dudleytown, Connecticut
Hidden in the woods of Cornwall, Dudleytown is sometimes called “the Village of the Damned.” The town was abandoned in the 1800s, and stories of strange deaths, madness, and shadowy figures have lingered ever since. Locals say the Dudley family brought a curse from England, dooming the settlement. Today, the land is privately owned, and visitors are often turned away for trespassing.
Still, urban explorers can’t resist the lure. Some insist they’ve heard disembodied voices or felt sudden, unnatural chills. Others swear that cameras mysteriously malfunction when pointed toward the ruins. Even though the town is mostly rubble, its reputation draws thrill-seekers from across the state.
4. Jerome, Arizona
Jerome was once a copper-mining town and nicknamed “the Wickedest Town in the West” thanks to its crime-ridden boom years. After the mines closed, the town became a near-ghost town, only to reinvent itself as an artists’ haven. But some visitors say the spirits of miners and outlaws never left. The Jerome Grand Hotel, a former hospital, is particularly famous for ghostly apparitions.
Despite—or maybe because of—the ghostly rumors, Jerome thrives on tourism. Shops, wineries, and galleries line its steep streets, making it a quirky mix of spooky and artsy. Paranormal tours are a staple for visitors wanting a scare. Even skeptics admit that the atmosphere at night feels heavy and unsettled.
5. Stull, Kansas
Stull Cemetery has long been called one of the “gateways to Hell” in urban legends. Rumors of satanic rituals, disappearing stairs, and even the devil himself visiting twice a year persist. While most of it is folklore, the cemetery’s quiet, isolated setting adds fuel to the fire. Locals often roll their eyes at the legends, but they’ve done little to stop them.
Tourists, especially college students from nearby universities, sneak in at night hoping to witness something unexplainable. Some report sudden gusts of wind or eerie silence that feels unnatural. The myths surrounding Stull have even drawn media attention and pop culture references. Whether cursed or not, it has earned its place on lists of America’s most haunted spots.
6. Bannack, Montana
Bannack was the site of Montana’s first major gold discovery in 1862. The town quickly became notorious for lawlessness, with Sheriff Henry Plummer accused of secretly leading a violent gang. Some believe his execution and the violence surrounding it left a dark energy over the town. Today, Bannack is a state park, but tales of paranormal encounters keep the legends alive.
Visitors wander through preserved buildings like the old hotel and saloon, often reporting cold spots and strange sounds. Ghost tours frequently recount stories of children’s laughter in the empty schoolhouse. The town is so well preserved that it feels like stepping into the 19th century. The combination of history and haunting makes it irresistible to adventurous travelers.
7. Cairo, Illinois
Once a prosperous river town at the meeting of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, Cairo is now known for its near-abandonment. Racial strife, economic decline, and corruption drove most residents away, leaving decaying buildings and a heavy sense of loss. Locals speak of a “curse of Cairo,” saying the town was doomed by its history of violence and injustice. Walking through feels more like visiting a ghost town than an active community.
Still, tourists come to photograph its faded mansions and eerie, empty streets. The haunting emptiness makes it popular among history buffs and photographers alike. Some visitors claim they feel an oppressive energy while exploring. It’s a sobering reminder of how quickly fortunes can change for a town.
8. Elkhorn, Montana
Another mining town turned ghost town, Elkhorn has a reputation for being unusually unsettling. The Fraternity Hall and Gillian Hall still stand as remnants of its past, but many visitors say the quiet feels unnatural. Some connect this eerie aura to a diphtheria outbreak in the 1880s that killed many of the town’s children. Their graves in the nearby cemetery are said to stir restless spirits.
Despite the tragic history, Elkhorn is a draw for those curious about Montana’s past. It’s less commercialized than other ghost towns, which adds to its raw atmosphere. Paranormal enthusiasts claim to hear whispers or spot fleeting shadows in the preserved buildings. For history lovers with a taste for the spooky, Elkhorn is an unforgettable stop.
9. Galena, Nevada
Galena started as a thriving mining town in the 1860s but was quickly plagued by fires and disease. Locals at the time believed the town was cursed, as every attempt to rebuild ended in disaster. Eventually, the community gave up and moved on. Today, only ruins remain, but the legend of its bad luck lingers.
Modern visitors are fascinated by the idea of a town doomed by fate. Though hard to reach, the remnants attract ghost town enthusiasts. Stories of strange lights and eerie noises add to the appeal. It’s one of those places where the past feels like it’s still smoldering in the present.
10. Sleepy Hollow, New York
Made famous by Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” the town leans into its spooky reputation. Locals once believed the Hudson Valley was filled with ghosts, and the Headless Horseman legend only amplified that belief. The Old Dutch Church and cemetery still draw fans of the story. Though the “curse” is mostly literary, the atmosphere feels steeped in haunted tradition.
Tourists flock here every October for festivals, lantern tours, and ghost walks. Even outside of Halloween season, the town thrives on its eerie charm. The blending of folklore and actual history makes every street feel like a storybook page. For those who want their scares with a dose of Americana, Sleepy Hollow delivers.
11. Deadwood, South Dakota
Deadwood rose to fame as a Wild West boomtown, attracting gold seekers, outlaws, and gamblers. The murder of Wild Bill Hickok in 1876 cemented its place in legend. Locals say the violent history left lingering spirits, especially in historic saloons and hotels. Some believe the town’s fortunes rise and fall with its haunted past.
Tourists today enjoy both the history and the hauntings. Ghost tours are popular, particularly at the Bullock Hotel, said to be haunted by its original owner. Even visitors not into the paranormal can’t deny the heavy atmosphere in some of the old buildings. It’s the kind of town where you half expect a gunfight to break out down Main Street.
12. Estes Park, Colorado
Best known for the Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s The Shining, Estes Park is steeped in ghost stories. The Stanley’s grand halls are rumored to be haunted by its original owners and former guests. Strange piano music, flickering lights, and sudden chills are frequently reported. Locals claim the entire valley feels like it carries an otherworldly charge.
Despite—or perhaps because of—its haunted reputation, Estes Park thrives as a tourist destination. The Stanley offers ghost tours and even “spirited” rooms for brave guests. Beyond the paranormal, the natural beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park makes it a must-see. Visitors come for the scenery but often leave with a ghost story of their own.
13. New Orleans, Louisiana
Few cities in America embrace their haunted side like New Orleans. Its history of voodoo, epidemics, and violent crime has fueled centuries of ghost tales. Locals talk about curses tied to haunted mansions, like the LaLaurie House, and to infamous figures like Marie Laveau. The city’s cemeteries, with their above-ground tombs, only add to the mystique.
Tourists flock to ghost tours, voodoo shops, and haunted bars year-round. The French Quarter at night buzzes with supernatural storytelling. Even skeptics find the city’s atmosphere irresistibly eerie. New Orleans makes the supernatural feel like just another part of everyday life.
14. Centralia, Pennsylvania
Centralia is infamous for the underground coal fire that’s been burning since 1962. Nearly the entire population relocated after dangerous gases and sinkholes made the town unsafe. What’s left is crumbling streets, overgrown sidewalks, and a handful of stubborn residents. Some visitors say the land feels cursed, as if the fire was punishment for something long forgotten.
But curiosity brings people in droves. Tourists often seek out the graffiti-covered stretch of abandoned highway known as “Graffiti Highway” (though it’s now buried for safety). The town’s eerie emptiness makes it a favorite for urban explorers. Even without official attractions, Centralia’s strange atmosphere alone is enough to draw people in.
15. Point Pleasant, West Virginia
Point Pleasant is forever linked to the legend of the Mothman. Starting in the 1960s, locals reported sightings of a winged, red-eyed creature. Many believe the Mothman sightings were connected to the 1967 Silver Bridge collapse that killed 46 people, giving rise to the idea of a curse. The legend has never died down.
Tourists now come for the Mothman Museum and the annual Mothman Festival. Some are drawn by curiosity, others by a genuine belief in the supernatural. The legend has put Point Pleasant firmly on the paranormal map. Even skeptics admit the story adds a strange magnetism to the small town.
16. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
The Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 left more than 50,000 soldiers dead, making it one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Locals say the sheer trauma left a spiritual imprint on the land. Ghost sightings are reported on the battlefield, in historic homes, and at inns throughout town. Some visitors claim to hear phantom gunfire or marching footsteps at night.
Despite the haunting reputation, Gettysburg is a major tourist destination for history buffs. Ghost tours are a booming industry alongside battlefield tours. Visitors often come for the history but leave with chilling stories of their own. It’s a rare place where the line between historical memory and paranormal presence feels blurred.
This post 16 U.S. Towns That Locals Claim Are Cursed – But Tourists Keep Coming was first published on American Charm.
