Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour

Newport’s haunted history comes alive on the Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour. Visitors can uncover captivating tales of pirate treasure, a notorious murderer’s mysterious escape, and the ghostly presence of the Vanderbilt family. The tour promises to reveal the enduring spirits of a mass execution during the Revolutionary War and the remnants of the Artillery Company of Newport. With each stop along the way, the chilling yet enthralling exploration of Newport’s dark and enigmatic maritime heritage comes into focus. Those seeking to experience the darker side of this coastal town’s past won’t want to miss this illuminating tour.

This experience made our list of the 13 Best Tours In Newport Rhode Island.

Key Points

• The tour explores Newport’s dark maritime history, including tales of buried pirate treasure, doomed ships, and vengeful spirits.
• Visitors can uncover the mysterious escape of an infamous 19th-century murderer and the lingering presence of his ghost.
• The Breakers mansion, a symbol of Gilded Age opulence, is said to be haunted by the ghostly apparitions of the Vanderbilt family.
• The tour showcases the enduring spirits of the 13 American sailors publicly hanged by the British during the Revolutionary War.
• Visitors can experience the haunting legacy of Newport’s past, including the ghostly remnants of the Artillery Company of Newport.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Haunting Tales of Pirate Treasure

Newport’s long history as a hub for maritime trade and piracy has left behind a trove of haunting tales, many of which are told along the Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour.

Visitors on the tour can feel the chill as they learn about the rumors of buried pirate treasure hidden in the area’s coves and inlets. Tales of doomed ships, mutinous crews, and vengeful spirits who protect their ill-gotten gains abound.

The guide shares well-researched accounts of the darker side of Newport’s seafaring past, transporting guests back in time to when the allure of untold riches tempted many to take desperate and deadly measures.

These captivating stories linger long after the tour has ended.

Notorious Newport Murderer’s Mysterious Escape

One of the most notorious figures in Newport’s history is the murderer whose mysterious escape from custody has puzzled locals for generations.

In the late 19th century, a man infamously committed a grisly murder, shocking the seaside town. He was quickly apprehended and jailed, but one fateful night, he vanished from his cell without a trace.

To this day, no one knows how he managed to slip away, leaving behind only a window left mysteriously ajar. Rumor has it his ghost still haunts the streets, searching for the freedom he regained that night.

Tour-goers can try to uncover clues about this enduring mystery as they walk the same paths the notorious murderer once did.

Ghostly Vanderbilt Family Sightings

Visitors to the haunted Newport tour often try to capture evidence of the ghostly Vanderbilt family, whose grand mansion once stood as a symbol of the Gilded Age’s opulence.

The Vanderbilts were one of the wealthiest families in America, and their lavish residence, The Breakers, is said to be haunted by the spirits of family members.

Witnesses have reported seeing the apparition of a woman in a flowing white gown, believed to be Edith Vanderbilt, the mistress of the house. Strange noises, such as the sound of footsteps and the slamming of doors, have also been attributed to the restless souls of the Vanderbilt clan.

Despite the passage of time, the ghosts of this influential family continue to captivate and intrigue tour-goers.

Mass Execution’s Enduring Spirit Presence

The largest public mass execution in American history is said to have left a lingering spirit presence in Newport, with reports of ghostly figures and unsettling energy near the site.

During the Revolutionary War, 13 American sailors were publicly hanged by the British for treason. Eyewitness accounts describe the men’s restless souls, still roaming the area and the weight of their unjust deaths hanging heavy in the air.

Tour-goers have reported unexplained sensations, like a chill running down their spine or the feeling of being watched, as they explore the site.

While the event itself was a tragic chapter in Newport’s past, the enduring spirits are a reminder of the lives lost and the lasting impact of such a brutal act.

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Artillery Co. of Newport Remnants

Amidst the haunting legacy of Newport’s past, the former Artillery Company of Newport stands as a beacon, its ghostly remnants whispering tales of soldiers and their unfinished business.

Visitors to this historic site are said to feel the weight of the past, as if the very walls were imbued with the spirits of those who once guarded this location. Whispers and unexplained noises have been reported, leading some to believe that the restless souls of the Artillery Company still linger, unable to find peace.

For those brave enough to explore this eerie locale, the opportunity to connect with the enigmatic past of Newport’s military history presents itself, if one is willing to listen closely to the echoes of the past.

Chilling Seaside Hauntings and Hags

Along Newport’s picturesque coastline, chilling tales of ghostly encounters and eerie hags have captivated both residents and visitors for generations.

One of the most infamous is the legend of Mercy Brown, a young woman who died of tuberculosis in 1892 and was suspected of being a vampire. Locals exhumed her body, only to find it seemingly fresh, leading them to believe she was a ‘vampire’ feasting on her own family.

Nearby, the Vanderbilt Mansion is said to be haunted by the spirits of the wealthy family, their laughter and footsteps echoing through the halls. Brave visitors may even catch a glimpse of these ethereal beings as they explore the historic seaside estate.

Tour Inclusions and Meeting Point

Your guided haunted walking tour includes a knowledgeable local guide well-versed in the well-researched history and authentic ghost stories of Newport. Participants will meet their guide in the center of Washington Square (in Eisenhower Park), where the guide will be wearing a black USGA-branded t-shirt and carrying a lantern.

The tour highlights include feeling the chill of hearing tales of pirate treasure, murder, scandal, and war, investigating the mysterious escape of a notorious Newport murderer, trying to capture evidence of the ghostly Vanderbilt Family, and visiting the Artillery Co. of Newport to look for remnants of soldiers’ spirits.

The tour takes place rain or shine but isn’t recommended for those with mobility impairments.

Important Tour Information

The tour takes place rain or shine, but it’s not recommended for people with mobility impairments.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed, and video recording is also prohibited. Guests should dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared to walk for the duration of the 1-hour tour.

The knowledgeable guide will lead the group through the historic streets of Newport, sharing well-researched stories of the area’s haunted past. Participants can expect to hear chilling tales of pirate treasure, murder, scandal, and war. The guide will also point out locations associated with the mysterious escape of a notorious murderer and the ghostly presence of the Vanderbilt family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Dogs Allowed on the Haunted Walking Tour?

The information provided does not indicate whether dogs are allowed on the haunted walking tour. The guidelines state that smoking, alcohol, and video recording are not permitted, but there is no mention of dogs.

What Is the Minimum Group Size for the Tour?

The minimum group size for the tour is not specified. The tour is open to individual participants and does not have any minimum group size requirements. It’s a public tour that welcomes all interested guests.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Events?

The tour can be customized for private events. The company offers private group tours that allow clients to personalize the experience, including adjusting the itinerary and group size to fit their needs.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Senior Citizens?

Yes, the tour offers a 10% discount for senior citizens aged 65 and older. Seniors can enjoy the haunted walking tour at a reduced price, with the same knowledgeable guide and well-researched history provided to all guests.

Can the Tour Be Conducted in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is currently offered in English only. However, the company may be able to accommodate other language requests with advance notice, subject to guide availability. Guests should inquire about alternative language options when booking the tour.

Recap

The Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour provides a chilling yet captivating exploration of Newport’s haunted maritime heritage.

Visitors can uncover tales of pirate treasure, a notorious murderer’s escape, and ghostly Vanderbilt family sightings.

They’ll also witness the enduring spirits of a mass execution and feel the weight of the past within the historic Artillery Company of Newport.

This tour promises a truly haunting experience for those brave enough to embark on it.

You can check availability for your dates here: