Most Haunted Places in America: The Emmitt House

What better place to build a hotel than right on the newly completed Erie Canal? That’s what James Emmitt thought as well, as the banker built what is now called the Emmitt House in 1861 in Waverly, Ohio right in front of the Ohio-Erie Canal. James Emmitt was not only the town’s first entrepreneur but also claimed to have half of the men in Waverly working for him.

According to an Ohio roadside historical marker, the Emmitt House was:

Built for Waverly Industrialist James Emmitt in 1861, The Emmitt House was partly the work of carpenter Madison Hemings, who claimed parentage by President Thomas Jefferson. It served as a tavern and store for travelers on the Ohio-Erie Canal that passed directly in front of the hotel. The Emmitt House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 as a key part of the Waverly Canal District, which encompasses many of the canal area residential and commercial buildings in the downtown area. It underwent a year-long restoration project in 1969 that retained its historical favor and design. It continues to provide hospitality to both residents and travelers.

Apparently that hospitality includes ghosts as well. Not included in the marker but is apparent when further research is done is that the Emmitt House could have been a stop on the Underground Railroad. There seems to be an abundance of Underground Railroad reports that are connected with ghosts and this one is no different. Sounds and voices heard by employees emanating from the basement are attributed to slaves they were temporarily housed there on their journey.

It is said that stepping into this, now restaurant, is like stepping back in time to the late 1800’s. It is no wonder then that James Emmitt himself is said to still wonder his hotel. Mr. Emmitt was an avid cigar smoker and it is this cigar smell that is claimed to be smelt by employees in places off limit to patrons as well as customers throughout the restaurant.

It has also been reported that an apparition of a woman in an apron is also been seen walking the restaurant. An employee even reported seeing her one day walking in the hall and asked if she needed help, the woman replied no and when seen again in the hall the employee walked out to see if she was lost and no one was there.

Records show the in the winter of 1837-38 there was a catastrophic small pox epidemic in Waverly. During that time doctors insisted it was not small pox but unfortunately it was and 1/3 the population of Waverly died and in some cases whole families were erased. During this time the Harper family was staying at the hotel. Reports show that small pox killed the mother and several children while they were in the hotel. The father and one son were the only surviving members.

It is said that the children of this family still play in the halls of the old hotel. Employees have claimed to see the children and children’s laughing is seldom heard throughout the old building and have even been recorded.

There have been many comments made when first entering into the Emmitt House a feeling of someone watching you and you are often urged to turn a look behind you. Other paranormal activity reported are footsteps being heard as well as the creaking of the old wood floors that accompany them, pictures have been taken that contain unexplained mists and glows that are not perceived by the eye and the aroma of perfume has been detected in certain areas.

The Emmitt House is a great place to visit for good food and a great look back into the history of the area. It also may be a good place to encounter a visit from a few ghosts that like to hang around also as it is one of the most haunted places in America.

Related posts:

1. The LaLaurie House Hauntings
2. The Pirates House Hauntings
3. The Hauntings of Hotel Meade
4. Fort Fisher Hauntings
5. Hauntings of the Woodruff-Fontaine House