visits Haunted Historical NewYork State
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Located on an island in the Hudson River, the Scottish-style Bannerman Island in Beacon has tales of hauntings dating back to the Native Americans.
By Sandra Scott
H
ow brave are you? New York state is not only historic but also haunted. From the time of the Native Americans, New York has been a place where mysterious events and unexplainable phenomena have occurred. Interest in ghosts, UFOs, things that go bump in the night and otherworldly events has always titillated people. Some of the historic haunted places in New York state offer special tours and events during the haunted month of October but others welcome visitors yearround. Many of the sites have been featured on paranormal television shows and in writing. Most of the “spirits” are said to be friendly so not to worry about any malevolent experiences. New York State Capitol, Albany. The state Capitol was completed in 1899 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The
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55 PLUS - October / November
“Million Dollar Staircase” adorned with carved busts is magnificent. Free tours are offered year-round with special haunted tours during October. Learn about the two deceased presidents who still visit and the night watchman who continues to make his rounds even though he died in 1911 during a Capitol fire. See the demon carved in stone. Free Capitol Haunting Tours are held in October. Bannerman Island, Beacon. Located on an island in the Hudson River, the Scottish-style castle has tales of hauntings dating back to the Native Americans who considered it an “evil” place, making it a refuge for early settlers during times of Native American aggression. Washington Irving added to the lore when he wrote about the goblins that inhabited the island. Guided and self-guided walking tours are available from May to October with
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access to the island by boat or kayak. Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown. The Otesaga on beautiful Otsego Lake is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. Since it opened in 1909 there have been rumors of paranormal activity. Guests have reported hearing children playing or giggling in the third floor hallway. From 1920 to 1954 the hotel was a private school known as the Knox School for Girls. Voices have also been heard in the Glimmerglass Room and apparitions have been seen walking hand-in-hand in period clothing. Rolling Hills Asylum, East Bethany. The sprawling red brick building was built in 1827 as The Genesee County Poor Farm and in the 1950s it was a county home and infirmary. Over the years people reported strange occurrences of the paranormal kind. It was declared
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