At Saratoga National Historical Park, the ghost of a black man in a three-cornered hat and ragged militia uniform was said to appear and tell his story to a visitor. He told her he thought he was shot and killed by his own men. After he told her the tale, he simply vanished. No one has seen him since, and the general opinion is that telling his story enabled him to move on toward his afterlife. He may have waited 220 years for someone who was willing and able to hear and understand him. Also around the battlefield, other soldiers’ ghosts are said to appear and sometimes moan in pain or speak.
Saratoga National Historical Park
Stony Brook Grist Mill
The historic Stony Brook Grist Mill was originally built around 1700, but was destroyed in a storm around 1750 and a new one was built on the same site. It is rumored to be haunted by a ghost of a pretty blonde woman wearing a white dress who is believed to have been a former mill apprentice. She is said to have a ghost dog as well, and witnesses also have noticed blasts of cold air that make the scale pendulums swing.
Cape May County Historical Museum
According to reports, the museum is haunted by a spirit who has a loud voice.
Shades Of Death Road
Shades Of Death Road, or just “Shades” to locals, is a 7-mile stretch that’s the subject of myriad local legends. In fact, it’s said that so many paranormal enthusiasts try to steal the street signs that residents have gone as far as to smear grease on the poles to try to deter them. The road’s southern end is at CR 611 (Hope Road) in Liberty Township, a mile north of the junction with CR 617 (Mountain Lake Road). It winds between the base of Jenny Jump ridge and the Pequest River valley eventually ending at Long Bridge Road. Among its legends are ghostly victims of highwayman robberies, or the criminals themselves who were allegedly hanged from the road’s very trees. Bear Swamp (or Cat Hollow or Cat Swamp) is said to be infested with wild cats who attack travelers, and in 1850, malaria-carrying insects were said to teem here. At Ghost Lake, in the state forest south of the I-80 overpass, got its name from wraithlike formations that rise off of it in the mornings. The Fairy Hole, a cave to the right of Ghost lake, was once used by Lenape Indians but is now reportedly covered in graffiti. A cross street called Lenape Lane, a one-lane dead end just north of I-80, reportedly has an abandoned stable where apparitions and white orbs are seen. Look out–they say if the orb chases you and turns red, you will die. Many more legends abound about this road, including one that if you honk the horn three times, you’ll see 2 ghost children who were run over while playing on the road.
Old Bernardsville Public Library
Old Bernardsville Public Library was built in 1710 as the Vealtown Tavern during the American Revolution. It is said to be haunted by Phyllis Parker, whose father owned the Vealtown Tavern. She was in love with a doctor who was hanged for treason during the Revolutionary War. Not knowing what had happened, Parker discovered his body in a coffin in the taproom and went mad with grief. A female apparition has been reported in the library as well as voices and uneasy feelings.
Camden County College - Jefferson Hall
Jefferson Hall at Camden County College (founded in 1967 as a Roman Catholic seminary) is the center of a ghostly legend. A monk allegedly hanged himself on the third floor and now manifests as a shadowy figure in the night. Witnesses say doors slam by themselves, lights flicker, and weird noises come from the area as well.
Winterwood Gift Shop
A ghost named Hestor is said to haunt the Winterwood Gift Shop, once known as Hildreth House. The historic 1772 structure was originally built by Joshua Hildreth; it was sold to the Sawyer family in 1978. It has long been thought to be haunted, with apparitions, flickering lights, moving objects and footsteps, and a plaque by the door warns folks not to be afraid of the ghost. “Hestor” is named for a spinster who once lived in the building. She died in 1949.
Rowan University
Ghost stories told at Rowan University include apparitions, a face in a mirror and objects that move by themselves in Bunce Hall, and spirits of former residents and professors who are said to roam the campus.
Gabreil Daveis Tavern
Gabreil Daveis Tavern was built in 1756 and the attic was turned into a hospital by George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Reports say the attic still retains its original bloodstained furniture, and spirits can be heard walking and suffering there at night. Also, former owner William Schock is said to sit in his rocking chair smoking a pipe.
Caldwell Parsonage
Caldwell Parsonage dates to 1730 and was home to Rev. James Caldwell, a Presbyterian minister and patriot cause during the Revolutionary War. In 1780 during the Battle of Connecticut Farms, Caldwell’s wife Hannah was killed in the living room by British soldiers, and one year later, Caldwell was shot by a sentry. Now the parsonage is a house museum, and is said to be haunted by Lady Caldwell.
