Pennsylvania haunted hot spots

Probably one of the most notable battles ever fought on U.S. soil, the battle of Gettysburg lasted only 3 days. It generated an estimated 50,000 casualties and has been deemed the bloodiest single battle of the entire conflict. 

Today, Gettysburg town and the surrounding area have so much reported activity that even the local tourism is centered around it. From walking ghost tours offered on each corner & haunted bus tours, to ghostly investigations. You won't find a shop on Steinwehr Ave that doesn't include a ghost or two.

Located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia, Pa Eastern State was once considered the most expensive prison in the world. Opening its doors in 1829, this groundbreaking institution was built with rehabilitation in mind. Listed as the first true penitentiary, the formation of it's unique architecture was designed to "inspire" penitence and remorse in the hearts of  it's inhabitants. But over the years, overcrowding of the prison lead to additions being added, worsening the conditions of the prisoners. Eastern State finally closed it's doors in 1971.

With years of overcrowding, poor living conditions, escapes, suicides, illness & deaths there are many reports of paranormal activity. Today, daily tours the prison are available. Maybe you too will witness the cries of those tortured souls.

The Fulton Theater, Located in downtown Lancaster City, opened its doors in 1852. It is reportedly the oldest working theater in the U.S. and is even a National Historic Landmark. Widely known for it's ornate, Victorian architecture, it was built on the foundation of Lancaster's former jail. It has been designated as "a site of significance' to the Underground Railroad in 2008 by the National Park Service.

Being built around the site of a bloody massacre its no wonder the stages & catwalks are home to a few ghostly apparitions. Reports still filter in from staff, actors & patrons that will send a chill up your spine. Tickets are available as this old playhouse is still very much in operation. But maybe not for the faint of heart.

Located in Spring City, Pa, Pennhurst Asylum first opened in 1908. Home to thousands of adults & children from all walks of life suffering from mental disabilities or people who were deemed "unfit for society." The living conditions were unbelievably awful being described as "inhuman" and "Hell on Earth." Patients at Pennhurst were rarely treated by medical professionals appropriate to their conditions. Many programs conducted by the staff were considered "Sham" treatments. 

The Asylum finally closed down in 1987, but not before claiming thousands of lives. During it's 79 years in operation, 10,600 individuals called this place home. Over half of them died there.

Today it is open to the public for tours & events. Though most visitors truly know the extent of the horror people experienced on this property. Its no wonder there are so many spiritually active buildings are located on its sprawling 1,400 acres.

Formerly known as the Pennsylvania State Lunatic Hospital, this institution was in operation from 1851 until 1937 and was in use as a hospital until 2006.  As with any hospital this building saw thousands of living tortured souls, trauma and death while in use. 

Today reports of shadow figures, disembodied voices, screams and Poltergeist activity throughout its halls, operating rooms, morgue and underground tunnel system.

Fort Mifflin (Originally known as Fort Island Battery) is located in on the Delaware River just below Philadelphia, Pa. It was built in 1681 and was commissioned in 1771. Strategically placed to defend settlements along the Delaware & Schuykill Rivers during the American Revolution from British attacks. It was later captured by the British in 1777. In 1795 it was renamed Fort Mifflin after Thomas Mifflin, A soldier in the Continental Army. 

With more than 250 dead or wounded during The Revolutionary War and thousands of soldiers dying from starvation or disease in the prison under the fort during the Civil War, it's no wonder staff & visitors have reported Orbs, apparitions, phantom smells and disembodied voices all over the grounds of this location.

Tours are available. Information can be found on their website.