Newport, Rhode Island offers more than just historic charm and luxury living. Beneath its grandeur lies a tapestry of haunted tales that have captivated locals and visitors alike for generations. From centuries-old taverns to majestic estates, the City by the Sea is brimming with stories of restless spirits and unexplained phenomena, making it a magnet for ghost tours that delve into the city’s mysterious past. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, these ghost stories add a chilling dimension to the city’s historic allure.
1. The Ghosts of Belcourt of Newport
Visitors and staff have reported eerie sensations around a pair of medieval knights’ armor displayed in one of the rooms. Some claim to feel cold chills, while others have heard strange noises when no one else is around. The most spine-chilling tale, however, comes from those who have seen a ghostly figure near the ballroom. This phantom is believed to be a former guest or perhaps one of the servants who worked at the mansion when it was bustling with life. The ghost is said to appear in turn-of-the-century attire and vanishes as quickly as it materializes, leaving behind an unsettling energy.
2. The Hauntings of Newport’s White Horse
The White Horse Tavern, established in 1673, is not only the oldest operating tavern in America but also one of Newport’s most haunted locations. Visitors and staff have reported strange occurrences, and some of the tavern’s spectral guests are said to still linger from its early days.
One of the most frequently seen spirits is an elderly gentleman who died in one of the upstairs rooms. The man had rented the room but passed away before anyone could identify him. His spirit, however, has made itself known to a number of people over the years. Patrons and staff have reported seeing his ghostly figure in period clothing, wandering aimlessly as if still searching for something—or someone—that might reveal his identity.
Another restless spirit is that of a young girl, often heard crying near the second-floor restrooms. Though her identity remains a mystery, her presence has been felt by many, with some visitors reporting a sudden drop in temperature or the eerie sound of soft sobbing.
3. The Ghostly Legends of Newport’s Castle Hill Inn
Castle Hill Inn, perched on Newport’s picturesque coastline, is steeped in history and ghostly tales. Originally commissioned by marine biologist Alexander Agassiz in 1875 as a summer home for his family, the inn’s legacy was forever altered by the great hurricane of 1938. This catastrophic event merged the waters of Castle Hill Beach and Cove, isolating the peninsula from the mainland and leaving Mrs. Maximillian Agassiz, Alexander’s daughter-in-law, too terrified to return.
After briefly serving as a naval base during World War II, Castle Hill Inn became a hotel that welcomed celebrities like Grace Kelly and Thornton Wilder. Its haunting reputation grew as guests and staff reported sightings of a ghostly woman believed to be an Agassiz family member wandering the halls. Some claim that Alexander Agassiz himself haunts the inn, with stories of him throwing fine china around, adding to the intrigue of this historic location.
4. The Haunted Halls of Fort Adams
Fort Adams is another historical site with a ghostly reputation. Built in the early 19th century to protect Newport Harbor, it now serves as a tourist destination and event venue. However, beneath its stone walls lies a darker history. Soldiers stationed at the fort over the centuries endured hardships, and some never left.
Visitors have reported hearing the sound of phantom footsteps echoing through the tunnels beneath the fort, as well as disembodied voices. Some accounts tell of ghostly figures in military uniforms, their faces solemn and weary, patrolling the fort as if they are still on duty. Paranormal investigators who have visited Fort Adams have recorded strange electronic voice phenomena (EVPs) and unexplained temperature drops, lending credence to the theory that the spirits of long-dead soldiers still walk its halls. This haunting connection to the past is one of the reasons Fort Adams is considered one of Newport’s most haunted locations
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