7 Bucks County Historical Haunts And Their Stories

BUCKS COUNTY, PA —It's now the time for ghosts and ghouls and things that go bump in the night. When you think of Halloween, candy probably first comes to mind.

But what makes this time special are also the stories, like Washington Irving's "Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and the Headless Horseman chasing poor Ichabod Crane. We think of Dracula, Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon.

But in Bucks County, with its history dating back to the 1600s, we have our own stories that will make the mind wonder and worry about legends and myths and haunted places with tales to tell that would make even Edgar Allen Poe shiver and Vincent Price give his diabolical laugh like he does at the end of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video.

Visit Bucks County lists some of these historical hauntings, with legends ranging from Bensalem to Yardley and many locations in between.

Here are some of the places that are sure to attract spirits —and maybe tourists —this Halloween:

Growden Mansion – Bensalem

The Story: Like many places with three centuries of history behind it, this manor is enveloped in legend.

The mansion along Neshaminy Creek is said to be where Benjamin Franklin conducted his world-famous kite experiment. Not only that, there have been anecdotal reports of ghostly apparitions of a figure flying a kite on rainy nights. In addition, there are also accounts of battle sounds being heard by the trenches surrounding the house. Some say these are otherworldly echoes from the Revolutionary War.

Historic Bolton Mansion —Levittown

The Story: Built in 1687, Bolton Mansion has a whole host of spectral stories that have given it a reputation as one of the area's most haunted buildings. The stories of spirits spotted there include a little girl looking out windows on the second floor, a woman in a white dress, and, our favorite, a ghost cat prowling the mansion's floors. Contractors reported seeing children playing on stair landings and adult spirits running from room to room. Now a museum, the Bolton staff frequently welcomes paranormal teams and others, including the crew from "Ghost Detectives."

The Black Bass Hotel – Lumberville

The story: This hotel is what some may consider the “crown Jewel” of haunted locations in Bucks County. It has become associated with many different ghostly legends, notably the “Woman in White," who has been seen wandering the halls as well as sitting in a guest room holding a revolver.

According to legend, this is the ghost of a woman who found her cheating husband in a room with his mistress. Embroiled with vengeance, the woman then killed them both and then turned the gun on herself. Witnesses claim that her apparitions are accompanied by the smell of lavender.

Logan Inn – New Hope

The Story: Many people report feeling a bizarre presence or queasiness whilst in the Logan Inn. It should come as no surprise. This centuries-old landmark has survived the Revolutionary and Civil War but is reportedly haunted by many soldiers who did not. Some claim to see a Revolutionary War-era figure beating a drum throughout the establishment, while others report seeing inexplicable dancing orbs.

Perhaps the most notoriously haunted part of the house is Room 6, otherwise known as “Emily’s Room," allegedly taking its name after the mother of a previous owner. Reports range from sightings of figures in the mirror to sensations of pressure in the chests of inhabitants while they sleep, oftentimes resulting in guests deciding to prematurely end their stay.

Wedgwood Inn Bed and Breakfast – New Hope

The Story: The Inn dates back to the late 1800s, however the grounds on which it was built already made history as a camping ground for George Washington before the famous Delaware River crossing.

This may have implications for the location’s haunted status, but the most well-known phantom is that of a young slave girl named Sarah. Not much is known regarding how Sarah died, but she reportedly stayed at the Inn as part of her route along the Underground Railroad. She is said to appear to other young girls and tell them her story.

Craven Hall—Warminster

The Story: At this home built in 1780, people say a young man in Colonial Era garb has been seen through the windows of the first floor. He's been said to bang on windows late in the evening as if he's trying to escape. As the legend goes, this is the spirit of a Revolutionary War-era soldier who was buried on the grounds where the historic home was built.

The Continental Tavern – Yardley

The Story: It's a favorite eatery right in the heart of Yardkey Borough. This tavern, though, also has a haunted history. The pub was established in 1864, served as a stop along the Underground Railroad, and also bore witness to two murders within its years of establishment. Spine-tingling reports of the paranormal by the staff of the tavern are exchanged as casually as hellos, just to give an idea of how strong the spiritual presences are here. Come for the food and drink, but stay for the ghosts.

Patch compiled these tales from websites of the historic places and the Visit Bucks County website.

Read more Bucks County haunted places here from a prior Patch story.