The Haunted Handbook: USA: The Haunted Handbook, #3

By Jack Lexington

Welcome to "The Haunted Handbook: USA," a comprehensive guide to the legends and ghost stories that have captured the imagination of Americans for generations. From the misty swamps of Louisiana to the abandoned mansions of New England, this book takes you on a spine-tingling journey through the most haunted places in the United States.

 

Discover the haunting tale of the Bell Witch in Tennessee, the ghostly apparitions at the Stanley Hotel in Colorado, and the eerie silence of the Winchester Mystery House in California. You'll learn about the legends and lore that have been passed down for centuries, as well as the ghostly sightings and unexplained phenomena that continue to occur to this day.

 

So buckle up and get ready for a hauntingly good time. Whether you're a believer in the paranormal or just love a good ghost story, "The Haunted Handbook: USA" is sure to satisfy your curiosity and send chills down your spine.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jack Lexington
• Release date: Apr 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215388655

Jack Lexington

Hello,  My name is Jack Lexington...well my real name is Craig but my pen name is Jack Lexington. I chose the name because Jack from 'Jack of all Trades' and Lexington which is just a name I made using my daughters name Lexi. I am from Liverpool in the UK and was born on the 5th of May 1988. I have one daughter named Lexi-Mai and have interests in sports, history, Reading and Writing. I am also an online retailer where I run a store called TDS Gifts & Homeware. I also have a small Youtube Channel I post things for fun now and again. called TDOS The Department Of Shorts I have a good however somewhat dark at times sense of humour and try not to take things to heart. I first tried writing when I was 28 and my grammar was appalling. I decided to actually try to improve this after writing a couple of fact books and a series called 'Unsolved Murders In The United Kingdom' I am hoping that with every book I am improving but it is not for me to be the judge of that. It may also be obvious but I am not really good at selling or advertising myself I do not like to push advertisements on people but I am just an ordinary down to earth person. Maybe if you like you can subscribe to my Youtube Channel or even follow me on Twitter. Perhaps even buy a book most of my back catalogue is on Amazon only at the minute but I will try to make them more widely available to people.

Book preview

The Bell Witch

The story takes place in Adams, Tennessee, where John Bell and his family resided. The land where the Bell farm was located was originally inhabited by Native American tribes for thousands of years. The area was first settled by Europeans in the late 18th century, when John Bell Sr. and his family moved to the area from North Carolina. They acquired a large tract of land that spanned over 300 acres and quickly established themselves as one of the most prominent families in the area. 

Today, the Bell farm is a popular tourist

destination, with many people visiting the site of the haunting and exploring the surrounding area. The exact location of the Bell farm is not widely publicized, but there are several markers and monuments in the area that commemorate the haunting and the history of the Bell family the story of which I will now tell you.

In 1817, the Bells began to experience strange occurrences in and around their home. They heard strange knocking, gnawing, and scraping sounds on the walls and floors of their home. They also began to suffer from physical injuries, with the children being particularly affected.

Their daughter, Betsy, was the most targeted by the Bell Witch. She reported that the ghost would pull her hair, slap her face, and sometimes even beat her. As time went on, the Bell Witch began to make her presence known to other people in the community, often speaking to them in their homes and even accompanying them on journeys.

The strange happenings in the Bell household continued for several years. The family sought the help of a local schoolteacher, who held a séance in their home. During the séance, the Bell Witch was asked to identify herself, and she declared that she was the spirit of a woman called Kate Batts. According to legend, Batts was an ill-natured neighbour who disliked John Bell and his family.

As the years went on, the Bell Witch's antics became more and more violent, until John Bell became seriously ill. He suffered from seizures, lost the ability to speak, and eventually died in 1820. Before he died, he attributed his illness to the Bell Witch, claiming that her presence had driven him to an early grave.

After John's death, the Bell Witch declared that she would leave the family alone, and she kept her word. However, she remained a famous figure in the community, and her story was passed down

through generations . Today, many people still travel to Adams, Tennessee to hear the story of the Bell Witch and to visit the site of the Bell family's farm.

The Bell Witch haunting was known for its wide range of strange phenomena, which included both physical and auditory experiences. Here are some of the most notable events that were reported during the time of the haunting:

Disembodied voices: The Bell family and their neighbours often heard strange whispers and disembodied voices in and around the Bell household. The voice was that of the Bell Witch, who would often sing hymns, tell jokes, and engage in conversations with those around her. Her voice was said to be raspy and harsh, and carried on for hours at a time.

Physical attacks: The Bell Witch was known for her violent physical attacks on members of the Bell family. She would hit, bite, and scratch them, often leaving marks and bruises. Betsy Bell, in particular, was targeted by the witch, who reportedly assaulted her on numerous occasions.

Objects moving: The Bell Witch was said to have the ability to move objects with her mind. Doors

would slam shut on their own, chairs would tip over, and objects would fly across the room. She was even able to pull hair and yank people's clothes by tugging them from a distance.

Animal mutilation: The Bell Witch was known to attack and kill animals on the Bell property. The family reported hearing the sounds of animals being killed and seeing them mutilated in strange ways, such as with their heads twisted around or their stomachs ripped open.

Strange smells: The Bell Witch was also associated with strange smells. The family often reported smelling rotting flesh and sulphur around the house. She was also said to emit a foul odour herself, which all who encountered her could smell.

Predicting the future: The Bell Witch was said to have the ability to predict future events. She would often tell members of the Bell family about things that would happen before they occurred. This led many in the community to believe that she had the power of clairvoyance.

In conclusion, the Bell Witch haunting was a series of strange and often terrifying occurrences that were experienced by the Bell family and their

community. From disembodied voices to physical attacks, the Bell Witch made her presence known in a variety of different and unsettling ways. While her existence remains shrouded in mystery, her story continues to fascinate and frighten people to this day.

The Amityville House

The Amityville House is a famous haunted house located in Amityville, New York. The house became famous in 1974 when Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered six members of his family in their sleep. The house has been associated with paranormal activity ever since.

In December 1975, the Lutz family moved into the house, which was still unoccupied after the murders. The family consisted of George and Kathy Lutz, as well as their three children. Shortly after moving in, the family began to experience strange occurrences. They claimed to hear voices, footsteps, and doors slamming shut by themselves. They also reported seeing strange, shadowy figures and feeling a sense of overpowering malevolence.

The Lutzes contacted a local paranormal investigator named Ed Warren, who investigated the claims and found evidence of demonic activity in the house. The Lutzes were convinced that their house was haunted, and they eventually fled the property after just 28 days.

The story of the Amityville House spread like wildfire and became a cultural phenomenon. The

Lutzes' story was turned into a best-selling book, The Amityville Horror, which spawned a series of movies and television shows.

However, the veracity of the Lutzes' claims has been hotly debated by sceptics and believers alike. Many believe that the story was fabricated for financial gain and that the Lutzes were not being truthful about their experiences. Nevertheless, the story of the Amityville House remains a staple of American folklore and continues to fascinate people to this day.

The Amityville House is known for its wide range of strange phenomena, which includes both physical and auditory experiences. Here are some of the most notable events that were reported during the time of the haunting:

Bad smells: One of the most commonly reported phenomena at the Amityville House was a foul, ammonia-like odour that permeated throughout the house. The source of the smell was never identified, and many people believed it to be a sign of demonic presence.

Cold spots: The Lutz family and other visitors often reported feeling extremely cold spots in certain areas of the house, despite the fact that the

temperature was consistent throughout the house. These cold spots were often accompanied by a palpable feeling of dread and terror.

Swarms of flies: The Lutz family reported that their house was plagued by swarms of flies, even in the middle of winter. They claimed that the flies appeared out of nowhere and were seemingly impervious to bug spray.

Moving objects: One of the most famous phenomena associated with the Amityville House was the movement of objects. The Lutz family reported that doors and windows would open and close on their own and that objects would move across the room without any human intervention.

Auditory phenomena: The Lutz family claimed to hear disembodied voices, footsteps, and other strange noises coming from inside the house. They also reported hearing a marching band playing outside their home, despite the fact that there was no parade scheduled for that day.

In conclusion, the haunting of the Amityville House was characterized by a wide range of strange and unsettling phenomena. From bad smells to swarms of flies to moving objects, the stories associated with the Amityville House have

left many people frightened and intrigued for decades. While the veracity of the Lutz family's claims remains a point of debate, there is no denying the impact that this haunting has had on popular culture.

The Amityville House is located on 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York. Here is a brief history of the location:

The house was originally built in 1927 and was a relatively unremarkable property for several decades. In 1974, however, the house became the site of a gruesome murder. Ronald DeFeo Jr., the oldest son of the DeFeo family, killed his parents, two sisters, and two younger brothers while they slept in their beds. He was eventually apprehended and convicted of the murders.

A year later, the Lutz family purchased the house, which was still unoccupied after the murders. Almost immediately after moving in, the family reported strange occurrences in the house, including disembodied voices, cold spots, and the movement of objects. The phenomena eventually became too much for the family to handle, and they moved out of the house after just 28 days.

The Lutz family claimed that the house was haunted by demonic forces and sought the help of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The Warrens investigated the house and claimed to have found evidence of demonic activity.

The story of the Amityville House became a media sensation in the late 1970s, after the Lutz family's experiences were detailed in a book The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson. The book was turned into a popular movie series and spawned a number of imitations and adaptations.

While the veracity of the Lutz family's story has been called into question by some, the house remains a popular tourist destination and a cultural touchstone for those interested in the paranormal.

In 2010, the house was sold to a new owner who made significant renovations to the property, including changing the iconic eye windows that were featured in the original book and movie versions of the house.

In conclusion, the Amityville House is a historic property that has gained notoriety for its association with one of the most famous hauntings in American history. The house's tragic history and 

the Lutz family's experiences have made it a

cultural touchstone for those interested in the paranormal and the history of the region.

The Stanley Hotel

Abrief history of the Stanley Hotel:

The Stanley Hotel is a historic hotel located in Estes Park, Colorado. The hotel was built in 1909 by Freelan Oscar Stanley, a wealthy businessman who had moved to the area to improve his health. Stanley was the inventor of the Stanley Steamer auto-mobile, and he became a prominent figure in the community.

The hotel quickly became a popular destination for wealthy travellers, who were drawn to its opulent décor and scenic location. Stanley himself oversaw the design of the hotel, which features a grand staircase, a glass-enclosed veranda, and numerous other architectural features.

The Stanley Hotel is also famous for its association with the writer Stephen King. King stayed at the hotel in 1974, and was inspired to write his novel The Shining after experiencing a series of eerie occurrences there. The novel was later adapted into a film directed by Stanley Kubrick, further cementing the hotel's place in popular culture.

Over the years, the Stanley Hotel has undergone

numerous renovations and expansions. Today, the

hotel features over 140 rooms and a range of amenities for guests, including a spa, a restaurant, and a concert venue.

Despite its age and storied history, the Stanley Hotel remains a popular destination for travellers from around the world, who come to experience the grandeur of this iconic landmark.

The ghosts and paranormal activity reported at the Stanley Hotel:

The Stanley Hotel's reputation for paranormal activity has been widely discussed since the hotel's early days. It is said that the hotel is haunted by a variety of ghosts, each with its own personality and backstory. Here are some of the most famous:

Freelan Oscar Stanley - The hotel's founder, Freelan Oscar Stanley, is believed to still haunt the property. Many guests report feeling his presence in the lobby or on the grand staircase. Some have even reported seeing him sitting in his favourite rocking chair, which has been preserved in the hotel's music room.

Elizabeth Wilson - Elizabeth Wilson was the chief

housekeeper at the Stanley Hotel in the early

20th century. She is said to have been very particular about her work and was often scolded or criticized by Stanley. Wilson eventually died in the hotel, and some guests claim to feel her presence throughout the hotel. Others have reported seeing her spirit still tending to the job she loved so much.

Lord Dunraven - Lord Dunraven was a wealthy Irish nobleman who owned much of the land in the Estes Park area before Stanley arrived. Many guests have reported seeing his ghostly figure in the hotel's billiard room, where Dunraven is said to have played many games of pool during his time in the area.

Grady Sisters - Although not mentioned in Stephen King's The Shining, many guests believe the ghosts of the Grady twins from the film adaptation haunt the halls of the Stanley Hotel. These ghostly figures are often