When most think of Cape May, relaxing beach days come to mind. But below the sunny seaside escape’s exterior is a mysterious world full of ghosts living alongside unsuspecting vacationers. Discover more of the ghostly history of our community when you visit these spooky haunted places in Cape May.
The Cherry House
The huge home stands on Hughes Street. It was built in 1849 by Lemuel Leaming, but he only lived there for five years. Lucky for him, he didn’t get to see it turn into a ghostly hangout. It was under the second owner James McCrey that the mysterious happenings started. Over his four decades of time in the home, he buried 3 of his wives. Though their bodies were long gone, their spirits never left.
After the current owners purchased the house and began to renovate, spooky reports came in. Doors that were deadbolted would be flung wide open. Rooms got so cold in the house that you could see your breath. One electrician recounted hearing water running in the bathroom. After shouting “Who’s in the bathroom?” the spirit of an old lady walked right through the wall. Needless to say, he cut his job short and left with a scream. He told the owners that they would have to find a new electrician.
The Cape May Lighthouse
Whether you enjoy sightings from “the other side” or not, the Cape May Lighthouse is a must-see during your stay in Cape May. Those who have climbed the lighthouse’s stairs to take advantage of the breathtaking views have seen a ghostly woman in white floating in the lighthouse. She is wearing a flowy dress, holding a lantern in one hand and a child in the other. Be sure to climb the lighthouse at night as part of the Ghost of Cape May Trolley Tour.
Emlen Physicks Estate
Built in 1879, the Emlen Physick Estate was once the home of the renowned Dr. Emlen Physick Jr. but stands today as a museum run by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities. Many of the staff have reported figures walking into rooms, only to find no one there. One of the managers described seeing the family photo album with the page standing straight up as she entered the parlor. Upon entering, the page dropped. It was as if the ghost had been caught in the act of looking through the album. There are claims that the second-floor hallway is the most haunted spot in the house. Visitors report seeing the image of a woman as she was looking into the mirror near the stairs.
Hotel Macomber
Built in 1916, The Hotel Macomber on Beach Avenue was a bustling vacation spot for Cape May visitors. The hotel has since been home to its fair share of tragedy. Ghosts of previous owners and visitors now frequent the building spooking guests. One particular ghostly guest is affectionately known as Miss “Trunk Lady.” She was a regular vacationer, always staying in Room 10 during the summers and always accompanied by her steam trunk. Today guests of Room 10 report hearing banging on doors and even ghostly whispers letting you know she’s still here.
Congress Hall
First built in 1816, Congress Hall stands today after being re-built since being destroyed by the 1878 great fire. Its walls are lined with photographs, letters, and documents of its past within Cape May’s history. The third-floor hallway is said to be haunted. There are several different ghostly encounters that send chills up people’s spines. Reporting’s from the cleaning staff said they would hear the radio or television on and hear people talking, but no one would answer when they knocked on the door. There have also been reports of children playing about when no children were present. This report seems to be backed by the 10-year-old boy who drowned in front of the hotel in 1876.
Stay at Stockton Inns
Complete your experience in Cape May with a stay at the Stockton Inns. Though it’s not considered one of the haunted places in Cape May there’s plenty of history here nonetheless. The Stockton Manor is a restored 1876 Victorian guesthouse and now is home to elegant guest suites perfect for weddings, couples, and more. As Cape May’s only oceanfront Victorian Inn with a pool, families enjoy the kid-friendly Stockton Inns.