Manhattan Ghost Stories

Oh the stories Manhattan buildings could tell, especially those still standing from the birth of our nation (Frances Tavern is the oldest, circa 1719). And some of these stories include eerie happenings, ghost sightings and spookiness lurking behind the facade. Here are our top 5 tales:

The Campbell Apartments

Why is this on the list? Well, first off it’s a beautiful location to behold: 25 ft high ceilings, mahogany wood finishes, fresco paintings, and an original glass paned window. Second, there’s something mysterious about this bar tucked away in the Grand Central Station. Originally the office to financier John Campbell in 1923, furniture mysteriously disappeared from the space (we say ransacked) after his death in 1957. Dilapidated and in repair, it became storage space for the police and a jail for vagrants found in the station. A savior came a long (Mark Grossich) and restored it to its Jazz age glory but not without stories to be told by his employees of cold drafts, moving items, phantom presences and spotting of a couple enjoying drinks in 1920’s attire. Creep up the almost hidden carpeted stairs and experience for yourself with a martini in hand.

The House of Death

The name alone sets the stage for ghostly stories. On the outside, a beautiful brownstone building on W 10th Street once home to Mark Twain. Built in 1857, mysterious apparitions inside may have been triggered by its first tragedy when a resident injured a small boy in a cyclist accident resulting in arrest. The building witnessed 22 more deaths over the century. The most violent and publicized case happened in 1987 when an eight year old girl, Lisa Steinberg was found dead in her apartment. The story unfolded as one of drugs, stashed money, and abuse resulting in her death at the hands of her lawyer father, Joel Steinberg. Restless spirits are still spotted today including Mark Twain wandering the halls and mumbling about money problems. Rent here if you dare.

The Manhattan Well

A well that never ages. Supernatural? Cursed? The Manhattan Well was buried for centuries beneath Spring Street in Greenwich Village until an Italian bistro uncovered it during a cellar expansion and resurfaced a murder. Elma Sands, the lover of a man named Levi Weeks, was found strangled and drowned at the bottom of the well in 1799. Weeks, represented by two well known lawyers, Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, was acquitted but not without being cursed. Supposedly, the cousin of Elma placed a curse on all in the courtroom that day. Decades passed without thought of the curse until Judge Lansings, who presided over the trial, left for an errand and never returned or found. Sightings of Elma on Spring street have been reported but the most eerie is the agelessness of the well itself, looking as it did the day it was built. Definitely not a well for wishes.

The Landmark Tavern

A dark corner of an old tavern sets a perfect stage for a ghost story which is why Landmark Tavern makes the list. In business for over 200 years, Landmark was once waterfront property to the Hudson welcoming sailors, drinkers and during prohibition, law breakers. Tales of an Irish girl wandering the tavern who died from typhoid and of a Confederate Soldier who was stabbed and stumbled to the tavern to die in a bathtub circulate the bar. More tortured souls who drowned their sorrows in booze are sure to surface.

St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery

What’s a ghost list without an old church? St. Mark’s Church has been the site of continuous worship since 1660. The church’s ghost stories center around those who were buried on the property over the 3 centuries. John C. Colt (of Colt revolver fame), a convicted murderer, committed suicide in jail and was buried in 1842. Alexander Turney Stewart, a wealthy merchant, buried in 1876 didn’t get immediate eternal rest due to his body being stolen and ransomed in 1878. And though nothing tumultuous, Peter Stuyvesant, the original land owner who built the family chapel, was buried in 1672. Perhaps to look over the grounds and the lost spirits wandering here.

Manhattan has more stories hidden behind the walls of beautiful buildings to be uncovered.Grab your EMF readers and see for yourself. Maybe even walk away with a ghost story of your own.