Can you recommend some famous New England ghost stories?

The story of Mercy Brown in Rhode Island is quite famous. During a tuberculosis outbreak, Mercy was exhumed as part of a vampire - like superstition. Since then, there have been reports of her ghost. In addition, many of the old, colonial - era houses in New England have their own ghost stories. These often involve the original settlers or their descendants who are believed to have unfinished business. The ghosts are said to make their presence known through cold spots, moving objects, or unexplained voices.

One famous New England ghost story is the tale of the Lizzie Borden House. It's said that the ghosts of Lizzie Borden and her family members haunt the place. Another is the legend of the Flying Dutchman which has connections to New England coastal areas. There are also stories about phantom ships and sailors.

A really well - known New England ghost story is about the Hanging Tree. It was a place where executions took place long ago. People claim to see the ghosts of the hanged men and women there. Also, in some old cemeteries in New England, there are stories of phantom figures emerging from the graves at night. These stories might have been influenced by the region's long history and the superstitions that have developed over time.

One famous New England Gothic story is 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' by Washington Irving. It has a spooky setting and a headless horseman which is very characteristic of the genre.

The ghost of a headless horseman is also part of Dartmoor's spooky tales. It is believed that this spectral rider gallops across the moor at night, especially near areas where battles were fought long ago. Some locals claim to have heard the thunder of hooves and seen a shadowy figure without a head. There are also stories of strange lights that float above the moor, which some think could be related to the ghosts of long - dead miners who perished in the mines on Dartmoor.

Another great book is 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott. It gives a wonderful look into the lives of a family in New England during the 19th century, showing family values, coming - of - age experiences, and the social environment of the time.

One of the most well - known New England witch stories is the Salem witch trials. In Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, many people were accused of witchcraft. Hysteria spread as young girls claimed to be possessed and tormented by witches. Bridget Bishop was one of the first to be hanged. It was a time of great fear and superstition in the community.

One well - known New England folklore story is the legend of the Headless Horseman. It's a spooky tale often associated with Sleepy Hollow. Another is the story of Paul Bunyan. While he's more widely known across America, his tales also have a place in New England folklore, often depicting his superhuman strength and large - scale feats. And then there's the Witch of Endor story, which has roots in the region's history of superstition and the Salem Witch Trials era.

H. P. Lovecraft's works often had a New England setting. For instance, 'The Call of Cthulhu' has elements related to the region. His use of the strange, isolated locations in New England and the idea of ancient, unknowable horrors lurking beneath the surface are characteristic of his horror stories set in the area.

One famous New England ghost story novel is 'The House of the Seven Gables' by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It weaves a tale of an old, haunted house and the secrets within its walls.