1. The Belvoir Winery, Liberty, Missouri
The Belvoir Winery is known as one of Missouri’s most eerie and mysterious abandoned buildings. Once a bustling winery and a well-loved event venue, it now sits empty, hauntingly silent. Local legends speak of ghostly apparitions that wander its hallways, with tales of ghostly brides seen in the window and an unsettling feeling that hangs in the air. Visitors have reported cold spots, flickering lights, and strange sounds that echo through the once-vibrant estate.
Many attribute the unsettling atmosphere to its grim history. The building served as an orphanage in the 1800s before becoming a winery, and the spirits of children who once lived there are thought to haunt the property. The combination of historical tragedies and abandonment has left it with a reputation for being cursed. Locals often avoid the area, believing that something dark lingers within its walls.
2. The Sanatorium, Waverly Hills, Kentucky
Waverly Hills Sanatorium is one of the most infamous abandoned buildings in the U.S. With a history rooted in treating tuberculosis patients, many believe that the souls of those who suffered and died within its walls are still trapped. The eerie, gothic structure was designed to house hundreds of patients, but its isolation and high death rate created a lasting sense of foreboding.
The building’s haunting reputation grew after it was closed in the 1960s and left to decay. Paranormal investigators have flocked to the site, reporting strange phenomena like disembodied voices, shadowy figures, and cold drafts that seem to move on their own. Locals swear that the sanatorium’s cursed energy can be felt the moment you step onto the grounds, and many avoid it at night, fearing what might still linger within.
3. The Old Joliet Prison, Joliet, Illinois
The Old Joliet Prison in Illinois, once home to notorious criminals like John Wayne Gacy, is a place steeped in grim history and chilling tales. Built in the 1850s, the prison housed tens of thousands of inmates over the years, many of whom died within its walls due to harsh conditions, violence, and executions. After it closed in 2002, the prison’s decaying structure became a magnet for ghost hunters and urban explorers, all drawn by its eerie reputation.
Locals claim that the spirits of former inmates still haunt the prison, with reports of strange sounds, shadowy figures, and cold spots in the darkest corners. The haunting presence is said to linger even in the abandoned, overgrown yard. Many believe the curse of the prison is tied to the suffering and violence that occurred there, leaving behind restless souls that still roam the halls, ensuring that the site remains a chilling landmark in the area.
4. The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Weston, West Virginia
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is known for its history of overcrowding, abuse, and tragic neglect. Built in the mid-1800s, the facility housed thousands of mentally ill patients, many of whom were subjected to horrific treatments, including lobotomies and isolation. After the asylum closed in the 1990s, it became a hotspot for urban explorers, but many believe it’s haunted by the souls of those who suffered there.
Visitors to the asylum report hearing eerie footsteps, strange voices, and even feeling an overwhelming sense of dread. The building’s ominous architecture, with its towering spires and imposing walls, only adds to its spooky reputation. Locals have long claimed that the asylum is cursed, with some even stating that the souls of the patients have never left, continuing to roam its hallways.
5. The Myrtle’s Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana
Known for its haunting beauty, Myrtle’s Plantation in Louisiana is often called one of the most haunted homes in America. The mansion’s history is steeped in mystery, as it was the site of numerous tragedies, including the death of a young woman rumored to have been murdered. Over the years, stories of spirits haunting the plantation have become more frequent, with reports of ghostly figures seen in the windows and strange noises echoing through the halls.
Locals swear that the mansion is cursed, and the spirits of those who met untimely ends still wander the grounds. One of the most famous stories involves the ghost of Chloe, a former slave who is said to haunt the property after being involved in the poisoning of a former owner’s family. The chilling atmosphere and tragic past have led many to believe the plantation carries a curse that has never been lifted.
6. The Hollywood Tower Hotel, Los Angeles, California
The Hollywood Tower Hotel, an iconic building in the heart of Hollywood, has long been associated with tales of hauntings and curses. Once a glamorous hotel in the 1920s, it fell into disrepair after a series of mysterious events and unfortunate accidents. The most chilling story involves the tragic death of several guests during a botched elevator ride, which some believe may have cursed the building for good.
Locals and visitors alike claim to experience strange sensations when near the tower, from the flicker of lights to the sudden feeling of unease. Paranormal investigators have reported strange activity, including the sounds of footsteps in empty hallways and doors slamming shut without warning. With its tragic history and chilling atmosphere, the Hollywood Tower is said to be one of the most cursed spots in Los Angeles.