Considering the long, fascinating history of North Carolina it is no wonder that the entire state is filled with ghostly tales and unusual sights. Whether you have an interest in the paranormal, or only enjoy learning about the history and strange tales around you, there are many fascinating places to visit.
One such place is Brown Mountain, near Morganton, where strange lights have been seen flitting through the trees. The Brown Mountain Lights have gained so much attention that they have been the subject of many scientific and paranormal investigations, and were even featured in an episode of X Files (called Field Trip) in 1999. While the cause of the lights is not known, they are a very real and much documented phenomenon.
Another interesting place to check out is Blowing Rock, located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is a Native American legend about Blowing Rock that adds to the unique charm of the place. Osseo, a chieftain, had a daughter named Starlight who was engaged to be married to Kwasind. However, a jealous suitor told Starlight that Kwasind was already married to a woman from a far-distant tribe. Starlight was devastated and broke her engagement, telling Kwasind that she would rather see him dead than marry him. Kwasind said "I will prove to you how much I love you." and jumped off the cliff. Starlight was terrified that she would lose Kwasind and called out "O strong West Wind, bring my lover back to me! O sweet South Wind, bear him in your gentle arms!" The winds blew and raised her lover back up into her arms, where she quickly forgave him and agreed to become his wife. To this day the winds at the top of Blowing Rock are said to be so strong that they will catch anything thrown from the cliff and return it to its owner.
If you are interested in the history of the old plantations, a visit to Historic Stagville might be worth your time. This historic site offers tours and gives insight into the lifestyles of both masters and slaves. The site is reported to be haunted, particularly in the slaves' quarters, where specters of African-Americans have been seen in windows and in the barn. The main house is also reported to have had several ghostly sightings.
Another plantation worth seeing is the Mordecai Plantation near Raleigh. Now called the Mordecai Historic Park, the old main house is open to visitors. Additionally you can take a trolley tour that takes you around the city of Raleigh, stopping at many historical sites. Legend has it that Mary Willis Mordecai Turk haunts the Mordecai house, walking down the staircase and throwing down her portrait if someone should make rude comments about her appearance.
For more recent sources of mystery, consider checking out the Battleship North Carolina. Located across the river from Wilmington, the Battleship North Carolina offers a unique look into the lives of WWII navy crew. The museum focuses on the history of all of the vessels named "North Carolina" over the years including everything from the confederate ironclad ship to a nuclear attack submarine. Although only 10 people died on the Battleship North Carolina, it is apparently haunted by at least two ghosts who enjoy moving things around.
It seems that no matter where you travel in the state one legend or another catches your attention. Have fun creating your own legend with a trip to North Carolina.
Get the complete list of every haunted place in North Carolina: "Ghost Stories In North Carolina (Every Haunted Place In North Carolina)"
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