Lighthouses have long been symbols of hope and guidance, standing as solitary sentinels against the relentless sea. But beneath their picturesque exteriors, many hold eerie secrets—tales of restless spirits, tragic fates, and ghostly encounters that have been passed down for generations.
New England, with its rugged coastline and deep maritime history, is home to some of the most chilling lighthouse legends in the country. From the eerie notes of a phantom piano drifting over Seguin Island to the mischievous pranks of an otherworldly keeper at New London Ledge, these stories continue to send shivers down the spines of visitors and locals alike.
What is it about lighthouses that makes them such prime locations for hauntings? Is it the isolation endured by lighthouse keepers? The tragic shipwrecks that have claimed countless lives just offshore? Or is there something about the lonely beacon of a lighthouse that naturally invites the supernatural?
Why Lighthouses Are So Often Haunted
Lighthouses are more than just maritime landmarks—they are places of solitude, tragedy, and mystery. With their remote locations, harsh living conditions, and centuries of shipwrecks just offshore, it’s no wonder they are prime settings for ghost stories. But what is it that makes so many lighthouses, especially in New England, the focus of supernatural legends?
Isolation and Tragedy
For much of history, lighthouse keepers lived incredibly lonely lives. Many were stationed on remote islands, where they endured brutal winters, violent storms, and long periods of isolation. Cut off from the mainland, they often had only the roar of the ocean and the dim flicker of their lanterns for company. Some keepers went mad from the solitude, while others met tragic ends—accidents, illness, or even violent disputes. Their spirits, some say, still linger in these lonely towers.
Shipwrecks and Lost Souls
New England’s coastline is notorious for its treacherous waters, rocky shores, and deadly storms. Hundreds of ships have met their fate along its shores, claiming the lives of countless sailors. Many believe that the spirits of those lost at sea never truly move on, instead wandering the very lighthouses meant to protect them. Ghostly figures, disembodied voices, and strange lights are often reported near the sites of famous wrecks.
Historical Significance and Lingering Energy
Most of New England’s lighthouses were built in the 18th and 19th centuries, making them some of the oldest structures in the region. Over the decades, they have witnessed war, piracy, and personal tragedies. Some paranormal investigators believe that strong emotions—whether fear, grief, or loneliness—can imprint onto places, leaving behind residual energy that manifests as hauntings.
From mysterious lights flickering in empty towers to spectral figures glimpsed in the mist, the legends surrounding these lighthouses are as enduring as the structures themselves. In the next section, we’ll dive into the eerie tales of New England’s most haunted lighthouses—places where history and the supernatural intertwine.
The Most Haunted Lighthouses in New England
New England’s lighthouses are steeped in history, but some are also home to legends of restless spirits and eerie encounters. Whether it’s the echoes of a phantom piano, the spectral form of a lost keeper, or mysterious lights flickering in the night, these lighthouses continue to fuel ghost stories that have stood the test of time.
1. Seguin Island Lighthouse (Maine) – The Phantom Piano
Perched on a rocky island off the coast of Maine, Seguin Island Lighthouse has been the site of one of New England’s most chilling hauntings. According to legend, a lighthouse keeper once brought his wife to live with him on the isolated island. To ease her loneliness, he gifted her a piano, but she only knew how to play one song. Over time, she played it over and over—until the monotony drove the keeper into madness.
In a fit of rage, he destroyed the piano with an axe and then turned the weapon on his wife before taking his own life. Ever since, eerie piano music has been heard drifting across the island, even though no piano has been there for years. Visitors and keepers alike have reported hearing the ghostly melody on quiet, foggy nights.
2. Boon Island Lighthouse (Maine) – A Tale of Cannibalism and Ghostly Wails
Boon Island Lighthouse stands on a barren rock six miles off the coast of York, Maine. Though uninhabited today, it carries the weight of a gruesome history. In 1710, the Nottingham Galley wrecked on Boon Island, stranding its crew in the dead of winter. With no food or shelter, they eventually resorted to cannibalism to survive.
Some say the spirits of the lost sailors still haunt the lighthouse and the surrounding waters. Passing ships have reported hearing eerie wails carried on the wind, and lighthouse keepers over the years have spoken of ghostly figures appearing in the fog.
3. New London Ledge Lighthouse (Connecticut) – The Pranks of “Ernie”
Built in 1909, New London Ledge Lighthouse stands at the mouth of the Thames River in Connecticut. It is said to be haunted by a former keeper named “Ernie,” who allegedly took his own life after his wife left him. Since then, generations of keepers—and now the Coast Guard crews who maintain the lighthouse—have reported strange occurrences.
Doors slam shut on their own, objects move mysteriously, and footsteps echo through empty hallways. Some have even said they felt an unseen presence watching them. Coast Guard members stationed there in the 1970s reported that Ernie would play pranks—turning off radios, flicking lights on and off, and even unmaking beds.
4. Boston Light (Massachusetts) – The Spirit of George Worthylake
Boston Light, the oldest lighthouse in the United States, has a tragic past. In 1718, the lighthouse’s first keeper, George Worthylake, drowned along with his wife and daughter while returning to the island by boat. Some say their spirits never left.
For centuries, visitors and keepers have reported seeing ghostly lights flickering in the windows at night when no one was inside. Others have described hearing whispers on the wind, especially on stormy evenings.
5. Whitehall Mansion & Lighthouse (Lake Champlain, Vermont) – The Wandering Spirit
Though Vermont may not be the first place that comes to mind for haunted lighthouses, the shores of Lake Champlain hold their own eerie secrets. The Whitehall Mansion, which once served as a lighthouse and navigation aid for ships on the lake, is said to be haunted by a spectral figure that appears along the water’s edge.
Local legend tells of a sailor who drowned nearby, and ever since, eerie lights have been seen floating across the lake at night. Visitors have also reported hearing phantom footsteps echoing through the old mansion’s halls.
Firsthand Accounts and Paranormal Investigations
For centuries, ghostly tales have surrounded New England’s lighthouses, but what happens when visitors, lighthouse keepers, and paranormal investigators experience the supernatural firsthand? Reports of eerie encounters continue to surface, lending credence to the legends that these lighthouses may indeed be haunted.
Strange Encounters at New London Ledge Lighthouse
Many Coast Guard personnel stationed at New London Ledge Lighthouse have reported unnerving experiences. Some claim to have heard heavy footsteps pacing the halls when no one else was present. Others recall finding their beds unmade right after tidying them—an apparent prank played by the resident ghost, “Ernie.” One former keeper even recounted the unsettling experience of having locked doors mysteriously open on their own.
Mysterious Music on Seguin Island
Even in modern times, visitors to Seguin Island Lighthouse have reported hearing the soft, distant sound of a piano playing. Some skeptics chalk it up to the wind, but seasoned keepers and local historians insist that there is no logical explanation. One tourist, visiting on a clear summer day, swore they heard the distinct notes of a song they couldn’t quite place—only to learn afterward that no instruments had been on the island for decades.
Ghostly Lights at Boston Light
Kayakers and boaters passing by Boston Light on dark, stormy nights have reported seeing glowing lights flickering in the tower when it was supposed to be unoccupied. Some have even described shadowy figures appearing in the windows, only for them to vanish the moment they tried to take a closer look.
Paranormal Investigations: What the Experts Say
New England’s haunted lighthouses have attracted ghost hunters, historians, and paranormal researchers looking to separate myth from reality.
- Ghost Hunters and TV Investigations: Shows like Ghost Hunters and Mysteries of the Abandoned have featured lighthouses such as New London Ledge and Seguin Island, capturing unexplained sounds and unusual electromagnetic readings.
- EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) Recordings: Paranormal teams investigating Boon Island Lighthouse have captured unexplained whispers on audio recordings, with some resembling faint cries or voices calling out names.
- Thermal Imaging and Motion Sensors: A team investigating Boston Light recorded temperature fluctuations and unexplained motion triggers in rooms that were completely empty.
While skeptics argue that most of these experiences can be explained by natural causes—wind, old building creaks, and overactive imaginations—those who have witnessed the strange occurrences firsthand remain convinced that something supernatural lingers in these lighthouses.
From eerie piano music to shadowy apparitions, the reports are as varied as they are chilling. But for those who dare to visit, what should they know before stepping into these haunted locations?
Visiting Haunted Lighthouses: What to Know
For those intrigued by ghostly legends, visiting a haunted lighthouse can be an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a skeptic looking for history or a believer hoping for a paranormal encounter, New England offers plenty of opportunities to explore these eerie locations. Here’s what you need to know before planning your visit.
Which Haunted Lighthouses Can You Visit?
Not all haunted lighthouses are open to the public, but several allow visitors to explore their grounds—or even step inside.
- Seguin Island Lighthouse (Maine) – Open seasonally, visitors can take a boat tour to the island and explore the lighthouse. Guided tours often include local ghost stories.
- New London Ledge Lighthouse (Connecticut) – Though inaccessible to the public, boat tours pass by the lighthouse, and some ghost-hunting groups have arranged special access.
- Boston Light (Massachusetts) – The U.S. Coast Guard offers limited public tours of this historic lighthouse, giving visitors a chance to step inside one of the oldest and most haunted lighthouses in the country.
- Whitehall Mansion (Vermont) – This former lighthouse is now a historic inn, allowing guests to stay overnight—if they dare.
- Boon Island Lighthouse (Maine) – This offshore lighthouse is closed to the public, but boat tours in the area may provide views of the eerie structure.
Best Times to Visit for a Spooky Experience
While ghost stories know no season, certain times of the year enhance the eerie atmosphere:
- Foggy Evenings & Stormy Nights – Many visitors report paranormal encounters during misty, unsettled weather when lighthouses feel their most mysterious.
- Autumn & Halloween Season – Some lighthouses offer special Halloween tours or events, making it the perfect time for a spine-tingling visit.
- Twilight & Midnight Tours – If you have the chance to explore a lighthouse after dark, it can add an extra layer of suspense and potential for ghostly encounters.
How to Prepare for Your Visit
- Respect the History – Many of these sites are historic landmarks. Always follow guidelines, respect restricted areas, and avoid disturbing the surroundings.
- Check for Tour Availability – Some lighthouses only allow seasonal visits or require advance reservations, so plan ahead.
- Bring a Camera & Audio Recorder – Many visitors claim to have captured strange orbs, flickering lights, or even unexplained voices on their devices.
- Stay Open-Minded—but Skeptical – While ghostly legends are fun, most encounters can be explained by natural causes. Still, many visitors leave with stories they can’t quite explain.
Visiting one of New England’s haunted lighthouses is a mix of history, mystery, and adventure. Whether you encounter a ghost or simply soak in the eerie beauty of these iconic landmarks, you’re sure to walk away with a story worth telling.
Dare to Visit? The Legends Live On
New England’s haunted lighthouses are more than just relics of the past—they are storytellers, keepers of history, and, for some, home to lingering spirits. Whether it’s the mournful piano notes on Seguin Island, the mischievous pranks of Ernie at New London Ledge, or the flickering ghostly lights of Boston Light, these legends continue to captivate visitors and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
If you’re drawn to eerie tales and historic sites, these lighthouses offer the perfect blend of mystery and adventure. Plan a visit, listen for whispers on the wind, and see if you, too, leave with a story to tell.
Looking for more? Check out our guide to New England’s most iconic lighthouses to keep exploring the maritime past.
