Alcatraz Island is rich in history--and ghosts, some say.
California is famous for attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Hollywood and Disneyland. This large state also contains more unusual attractions, such as ghostly houses, hotels and islands. Some visitors and paranormal organizations regard these places as haunted.
Brookdale Lodge
Located in northern California, the Brookdale Lodge won an award for its "playful ghosts" from Ghosttrackers.org, an established paranormal research group. Ghosts have been heard or seen by several sources at the lodge, now called the Brookdale Inn & Spa after being burned down. One of the managers heard mysterious footsteps and laughter coming from the lobby. He also reported his office door being closed when he had opened it and open when he had closed it, and the abrupt disappearance of his keys. Ghostly sightings have been reported of a young girl named Sarah, and the Ghost Trackers reported the sound of a child's laughter. Other findings were flashes of light and orbs (ball-shaped lights that are believed to be ghosts), which were witnessed by more than two people.
The Lodge at the Brookdale Inn & Spa
11570 Highway 9
Brookdale, CA 95007
831-338-1300
www.brookdaleinnandspa.com/index.html
The Whaley House
The No. 1 most haunted house in America, according to Mania.com, the Whaley House is located in San Diego in the southern part of the state. It was built in 1856 and is one of only two haunted houses certified by the state of California. Thirteen ghosts are purportedly living inside, including the home's first lord of the manor, Thomas Whaley, and his wife, Anna Whaley; a horse and boat thief named Jim Robinson; and Dolly the family dog. Thomas's laugh and cigar smells have been sensed in the house, and Anna is frequently spotted, accompanied by the sounds of a piano and the scent of her perfume. In addition to being a thief, Jim was a murderer and was hanged, according to legend. This event occurred four years before the house was built, and Thomas left journal entries claiming to have seen Jim's ghost. Visitors also express an eerie feeling in the exact spot of Jim's death. The Whaleys' dog, Dolly, reportedly has been seen running down the halls and has been felt rubbing up against visitors. Tours are self-guided and are available in the daytime, evening or after-hours (after 10 p.m.). Later tours have higher costs..
The Whaley House
2476 San Diego Ave.
San Diego, CA 92110
619-297-751
www.whaleyhouse.org/ghostly.htm
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is rich in historical ghost encounters dating as far back as its first Native American visitors, who said the island was inhabited by evil spirits. The island became Fort Alcatraz from 1850 to 1907 and Alcatraz Military Prison from 1907 to 1934. From then to 1963, the island was a federal penitentiary that housed some of the most ruthless criminals. Soldiers and prisoners reported numerous occurrences of sobbing and moaning accompanied by appalling smells and ghost sightings. There were also stories of hearing screams, gunshots and cannons when nothing was there. Currently, visitors and staff report cold spots where the temperature dips below 20 degrees, visions of dismembered men, sightings of specific inmates such as Abie Maldowitz (also called Butcher), banjo strumming (said to be by Al Capone), and sounds of voices and clanging metal doors. The island is open every day of the year except Christmas, New Year's, and Thanksgiving, and admission is free. There is a ferry service charge, which differs depending on the time of arrival. Tours are also given.
Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Fort Mason, B201
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-981-7625
//www.nps.gov/alca/index.htm
