Most Haunted Places in America: General Stanton Inn
It comes as no surprise that a building in one of the original 13 Colonies comes with a long bit of history. The General Stanton Inn in Rhode Island is no exception. It can trace its roots to the early settlers and Indians that shared the land in the mid 1600’s. Not often do you get to be over 300 hundred years old. Being one of the oldest inns in American also comes with another distinction; the haunted General Stanton Inn could be one of the most haunted places in America as well.
In 1647 a young Thomas Stanton built a trading post near the mouth of the Pawcatuck River. After years of trading furs with the Indians, a Sachem granted Thomas a tract of land after Thomas arranged a ransom for an Indian princess. Thomas moved his one room house on the 4×2 mile tract of land in 1667. He used the house for a school room for his kids as well as Indian children. This original room still exists to this day.
Thomas’s son, Joseph, added on to the home in 1740. Joseph then moved on to a career in politics. Joseph became Rhode Island’s first Senator and later a State Representative. After the Revolutionary War however the family hit on hard times. The home was turned into an Inn and ran by Joseph’s nephews, Ledgewick and Joseph.
Since the days the Indians owned the land, there have only been six owners of the property. Each owner did their part in preserving the original atmosphere and charm of the Inn and its history. Such things as the hand-hewn timbers, fireplaces and brick ovens all help in keeping a piece of the history close by. It may be this reason the haunted General Stanton Inn has kept some of its original patrons too.
Claims of paranormal activity have been reported from strange noises to apparitions. In the Washington Room, an apparition of a male has been seen by more than a few guests. In the same area numerous people have claimed to been tapped on the shoulder only to turn and find no one there.
Most report that the spirits here are pretty mild-mannered but do want attention. When making noises or touching people doesn’t get that attention some claim a more direct approach is taken. A worker in the attic said that a finger of a mannequin was thrown at him one day while working. The front door of the Inn has also been reported to open and shut on its own, even after it is locked.
Currently Janice Falcone, a former owner, runs the Inn and has reopened it in April of this year. The property remains for sale however. If you are looking for a great atmosphere, great food and maybe even some unseen company, the haunted General Stanton Inn would be a great place to start.