With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to explore the eerie enchantments of South Jersey! From the mysterious Pine Barrens to quaint, historic towns, this region is rich in ghostly legends and spine-tingling folklore. Join us as we unveil chilling tales of restless spirits, haunted houses, and bizarre phenomena that have intrigued locals for generations. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply curious about the supernatural, delving into South Jersey’s haunted history promises an unforgettable adventure.
Ong’s Hat
This ghost town was named after a hat that was thrown into the air by a man named Ong, who was fleeing from an angry lover. The hat didn’t come back down. Some say it was caught by a force from another world. Many people believe this to be the site of a portal to another dimension.
The Golden-Haired Girl
A ghost of a young woman who stares out into the sea, mourning her lost lover. She is often seen dressed in a white. Sometimes, the Jersey Devil accompanies her, earning the duo the title of “the Beauty and the Beast of the Pine Barrens.”
The Black Doctor
James Still was a legendary African-American physician, herbalist, and author. He lived in Burlington County and helped many people with his natural remedies. Many believe that his spirit still roams the Pine Barrens to help injured and lost travelers.
The Jersey Devil
The legendary creature is said to inhabit the Pine Barrens, with a horse-like head, bat wings, hooves and a forked tail. It is believed to be the cursed 13th child of a woman named Mother Leeds in the 18th century. Some consider him to be the guardian of the Pine Barrens and he is only known to attack those who harm the forest.
Captain Kidd’s Headless Victim
According to legend, Captain Kidd, the infamous pirate, beheaded one of his crew members to protect his buried treasure. His ghost is said to haunt the area, sometimes accompanied by the Jersey Devil, and always without a head. The treasure may have been taken back to England as evidence in his trial, or it may still be hidden.
Columbus Inn
Many consider this to be the birthplace of the Jersey Devil. Although the inn/restaurant is no longer in business, many locals believe it is still occupied by ghosts. A bearded sea captain and a small boy are often seen roaming the halls and peeking through the windows. TV shows and newspaper articles have even featured the location.
The White Stag of Shamong
This rare and elusive albino deer is considered to be a sign of good luck and protection. They are known to warn travelers of danger ahead. Many locals believe them to be spirit guides who can only be seen by those who are pure of heart.
The Black Dog
A friendly phantom that wanders the shores and woods of Absecon Island and Barnegat Bay. It is said to be the ghost of a cabin boy’s trusted dog that was on board a ship that was attacked by pirates on Absecon Island.
The Blue Hole
In the middle of a dense forest there is a lake that is often visited by the Jersey Devil. It is supposedly a bottomless doorway to hell with powerful currents and water that remains freezing cold all year-round. It is around these parts that the Jersey Devil is most active.
Batsto Village Ghost Town
During the Revolutionary War, Batsto manufactured supplies for the Continental Army. The last house was vacated in 1989 but ghosts are often seen roaming the grounds. It is considered one of the most haunted places in America. Today there are more than forty sites and structures in Batsto Village that are open for visitors.
The Ghost Light of Crosswicks
There is a mysterious orb of light that floats above the Quaker Meeting House in Crosswicks, sometimes changing colors and sizes. Some believe it is the spirit of a Quaker who was hanged for treason during the Revolutionary War.
The Atco Ghost
There is a dead-end street in Atco that has been haunted for years. Many say if you follow specific instructions, a small boy will appear, innocently playing in the distance. He is the ghost of Atco.
Berry’s Chapel
Berry’s Chapel was once a small African American settlement in the woods during slavery times. The church was built by a pastor named Berry but it was burned down twice. Some say that if you go out there now, you can sometimes see the church still fully intact and burning.
Burlington County Prison
From 1811 to 1965, the prison was a place of misery for inmates. Many were convicted murderers who were held in maximum security. One inmate was Joel Clough, whose ghost still haunts cell five on the third floor. People have heard moans and chains, seen objects move and shadows appear in his cell. Even after the prison became a museum, his spirit did not rest. You can visit this eerie place on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for a small fee.
Gabreil Daveis Tavern House
Gabreil Daveis Tavern House was built in 1756 and served as a hospital during the Revolutionary War. Many of the original items are still inside the house, including all of the original furniture and bloodstains in the attic from the wounded soldiers. Some visitors have reported paranormal activity in the house, such as seeing a figure walking upstairs, lights turning on and off, and hearing moans of pain.
Historical Society of Haddonfield
Greenfield Hall, which serves as the headquarters building for the Haddonfield Historical Society, is the third home built on the property which was given by Elizabeth Haddon Estaugh to her first cousin John Gill I in 1728. Since then, many eerie events have occurred in the halls, some visitors have reported seeing and hearing ghostly presences. Tickets are available for the Haunted Haddonfield Walking Tours and the Haunted Mansion!
The Ritz Theatre
This historic theater opened in 1927 and hosted many talented performers who sometimes lived in the theater. Some of them never left, and they still haunt the place with their spooky antics. You might see strange lights in your photos, hear mysterious sounds of tap dancing, or even feel a ghostly touch on your neck, like one stage manager who had her scarf pulled! The Ritz Theatre is still in operation, so the best way to get an up close and personal experience of this haunted site is to go see a performance there.
Whitall House
James and Ann Whitall’s house became a temporary field hospital for soldiers injured in the Revolutionary War during the 1770’s. The ghosts of soldiers are said to haunt the attic. Visitors have experienced voices, moans, and even cold temperatures.The Perceptive Paranormal Research group investigated the house and confirmed the presence of strong paranormal activity. They reported ghosts touching them and a dizzying feeling. Admission is free.
White Hill Mansion
White Hill Mansion was built in 1722 by Robert Field and is known to be one of the most haunted sites to exist. Field mysteriously drowned in the Delaware River in 1775. In 1923, the mansion was converted into a Restaurant where workers and guests have reported sightings of a shadow man, ghostly chatter, sounds of children playing in the nursery, and sounds of footsteps in the middle of the night. Today, White Hill Mansion offers tours and bookings for ghost hunts.
The Lake House Restaurant
The Lake House was built in the early half of the 1900’s as a popular inn and summer vacation spot. Rumor has it that it served as an illegal brothel and had a basement-speakeasy during the Prohibition. Many say that it continues to be haunted by the original owners, a “lady in black,” and a ghost named Victor. It’s been listed as a “haunt” by “Strange USA.”