Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the United States, but its historical depth and eerie tales stretch beyond its geographic limits. Known for its storied past, full of colonial encounters and maritime mysteries, Rhode Island is also home to towns that seem to be trapped in time, shrouded in tales of the supernatural.
Exeter
Topping our list is Exeter, a town synonymous with one of the most unsettling tales in Rhode Island folklore—the legend of Mercy Brown. In the late 19th century, Mercy was exhumed by townsfolk fearing that she was a vampire responsible for a tuberculosis outbreak. Her heart was burnt, and the ashes were mixed into a potion in a desperate attempt to cure her surviving family members. Today, the cemetery where she was buried attracts those fascinated by the macabre, and her story remains a chilling reminder of the past’s hold over the town.
Cumberland
At number two, Cumberland is home to the Nine Men’s Misery monument, the site of a grim historical event where colonists were tortured by Native American tribes in 1676. This site is reputed to be haunted by their tormented spirits, with visitors reporting an overwhelming sense of sorrow and distress. The surrounding area, with its dense forests and quiet, contributes to the unsettling feeling that something out of the ordinary could happen at any moment.
Foster
Foster feels like a step back in time, with its dark woods and winding roads. It is perhaps best known for the legends surrounding Dolly Cole, rumored to have been a witch. Her spirit is not the only one said to roam this town; tales of other specters, such as a certain ghostly hitchhiker who disappears from cars, add to the eerie atmosphere.
Coventry
In Coventry, the General Nathanael Greene Homestead, a well-preserved relic from 1770, is the focal point for paranormal enthusiasts. Reported sightings of apparitions and odd noises are common, with several visitors experiencing a sense of being watched by invisible eyes. The homestead, coupled with the town’s old graveyards and their weathered tombstones, cements Coventry’s position as one of Rhode Island’s creepiest locales.
North Kingstown
Maritime towns carry their unique brand of ghost stories, and North Kingstown is no exception. Central to its hauntings is the Old Narragansett Church, Rhode Island’s oldest Episcopal church, built in 1707. Locals tell tales of apparitions in period attire and unexplained lights seen through the windows at night. The surrounding streets, with their creeping fog and salt-tinged air, often seem to host shadows just a bit too deep, making North Kingstown a haven for ghost hunters.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth, a significant player during the Revolutionary War, holds its own in terms of creepiness, especially at the Overing House. Built in 1750, this old stone building is known for the ghostly cries and moans heard at night, said to belong to the spirits of soldiers long gone.
Smithfield
Starting our list is Smithfield, a town where the past lingers palpably in the air, particularly around the historic Smith-Appleby House Museum.
Originally built in 1696, this house is now a museum but was once the home of a settler family. Visitors and staff often report encounters with the unseen, from mysterious footsteps to gentle whispers attributed to former residents who, it seems, have never left.
Westerly
Westerly, a coastal town with a rich history is the setting for numerous eerie tales. One of the most famous is the haunting of the Watch Hill Lighthouse. Built-in 1808, this lighthouse has long been rumored to be home to the restless spirit of a former keeper. Visitors report seeing ghostly figures in the tower and hearing phantom footsteps echoing on stormy nights.
The nearby Watch Hill Inn, an old sea captain’s residence, is also said to be haunted, with guests experiencing unexplained cold spots and whispers in empty rooms.
Little Compton
Nestled in the southeastern corner of Rhode Island, Little Compton is known for its idyllic landscapes and eerie past. The town’s Wilbor House, built in 1692, is reputedly haunted by its former inhabitants. Paranormal enthusiasts have documented numerous ghostly encounters, including apparitions of children playing in the yard and mysterious voices inside the house.
The nearby Common Burial Ground, with its ancient tombstones, adds to the town’s spooky reputation, especially on foggy nights when the old cemetery takes on an otherworldly glow.
Bristol
Bristol’s historic charm is laced with supernatural lore, particularly around Linden Place, a grand mansion built in 1810. The mansion is rumored to be haunted by the spirit of Theodora DeWolf Colt, a former resident known for her tragic life. Visitors have reported seeing her ghostly figure in the ballroom and hearing faint piano music from the parlor.
Additionally, the nearby Mount Hope Farm, with its dark history of colonial conflict, is said to be haunted by the spirits of Native American warriors and early settlers, creating an atmosphere thick with historical tension and spectral activity.
Jamestown
Jamestown, located on Conanicut Island, is another Rhode Island town with a spooky reputation. The Beavertail Lighthouse, one of the oldest in America, is infamous for its ghostly sightings. Many believe it is haunted by the spirits of shipwreck victims whose cries can be heard on windy nights. The island’s secluded forts and tunnels, remnants of past military installations, are also believed to be haunted, with visitors reporting strange sounds, shadowy figures, and a pervasive sense of being watched.
Newport
Newport, known for its opulent mansions and Gilded Age history, also harbors dark secrets. The most haunted of these is the Belcourt Castle, a sprawling estate built in 1894. The castle is said to be haunted by several spirits, including a monk whose presence is felt in the chapel and a mysterious lady in white seen roaming the halls.
Visitors have experienced everything from cold drafts to objects moving on their own. The nearby Newport Tower, a mysterious stone structure of unknown origin, adds to the town’s mystique, with legends of ghostly figures and unexplained phenomena surrounding it.
