In this video we explore some stops on the new Connecticut Haunted History Trail!
I had the privilege of attending a content creator exclusive first look of the new Connecticut Haunted History Trail! There are over 130 stops that you can visit in a build-your-own adventure kind of way! We toured nine of these amazing locations within the Hartford county area.
Hartford
Ancient Burying Ground
The Ancient Burying Ground in Hartford has colonial tour guides who take you through Hartford's most haunted cemetery! We learned about the rampant witchcraft trials that took place in Hartford during the 1600s. Did you know the first witch was executed in Connecticut, not Salem? Learning about Connecticutās history while surrounded by centuries-old graves definitely set the spooky mood for the day!
Connecticutās Old State House
This CT state house is rumored to be haunted by Joseph Steward, an 18th-century museum curator and painter. Visitors have reported unexplained noises and even furniture mysteriously moving around the building! Some people have also reported seeing his shadow within the state house windows.
Mark Twain House & Museum
The Mark Twain house was home to the famous author Samuel Langhorne Clemens, who went by the pen name Mark Twain. It was named one of the most haunted places in America by CondĆ© Nast Traveler in 2023. The TV show Ghost Hunters has investigated the home three times, and during one investigation, they reportedly communicated with the homeās former butler, George Griffin.
Wethersfield
Buttolph-Williams House
This home was built during the Puritan era in 1711. It was licensed to be a bar and it's said to have inspired the setting of the famous novel The Witch of Blackbird Pond.
The Blackbird House
The Blackbird House is a shop full of spooky and mystical items including crystals, tarot cards, astrology items and more! A ghost reportedly targets employees who clock in early or leave work late. So maybe thereās a good reason to stick to your scheduled hours! š
Webb Deane Stevens Museum
While the Webb Deane Stevens Museum isn't technically haunted, it was chosen to launch the Connecticut Haunted History Trail because of it's deep ties to local folklore and historical ghost-hunting programming. The museum also has spooky events including every October when the museum runs special seasonal programs like the Witches & Tombstones Tour and the Witches and Tombstones Spooktacular.
Haunted Connecticut Restaurants
Abigailās Grille & Bar
In Simsbury, Abigail's Grille & Bar was originally the home of Abigail Pettibone. She unfortunately was murdered in the home and is said to haunt the building. According to the legend, Abigail can sometimes be seen appearing in the ladiesā restroom mirror. š We checked the mirror for ourselves, but luckily (or unfortunately!), we didnāt see anything!
Harrie's Jailhouse
In Middletown, the Harrie's Jailhouse building was once home to the Pameacha Jailhouse in the 1850s. The owners say they were told the former jail is haunted by a ghost, thought to be a little girl named Sarah. Despite the hauntings, the spot is popular for its creative cocktails and sandwiches themed around its jailhouse past.
Twisted Vine
In Derby, the Twisted Vine is housed in a historic 1892 bank building. Guests and staff have reported unexplained footsteps, shadowy figures, and strange activity, particularly near the original bank vault and upstairs areas. The restaurant embraces these ghost stories by hosting paranormal-themed events.
Find all 130 haunted destinations on the Connecticut Haunted History Trail map from all over Connecticut! The trail brings together spooky stories, historic locations, legends, and some of Connecticutās most fascinating and allegedly haunted places.
Follow the Deanna Troy Travels blog and YouTube channel for more spooky findings in CT and beyond!