Meet Concord’s friendly Ghosts & their Haunted homes
Concord is a great city to live in, so it’s not surprising that a few ghosts might also stick around. There’s tales of them walking, moving things out of place and drinking what’s left of our margaritas. If you want to reach out to them this Halloween, here are are some of the most haunted places around town:
Concord is a great city to live in, so it’s not surprising that a few ghosts might also stick around. There’s tales of them walking, moving things out of place and drinking what’s left of our margaritas. If you want to reach out to them this Halloween, here are are some of the most haunted places around town:
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
A former police HQ and jail, this Mexican restaurant in Bicentennial Square still features cells and bars. The cells, once occupied by local thieves and smugglers, now make up the restaurants seating space. “George” is the resident ghost. A former convict, he’s known for bad behavior by moving plates, hiding leftovers or moving drinks. We don’t know if he double dips…
1, 1 Bicentennial Square
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 224-2821
New Hampshire State Hospital
Built in 1842, the “New Hampshire Asylum for the Insane” was a public hospital dedicated to mental illness disorders. But it also became known for using period treatments that are discredited by modern medicine, such as electric shock methods and other cruel experiments. In 1901 it was re-named as “New Hampshire Public Hospital” but not everything changed inside its walls. The hospital ended up being shut down a decade ago, even though its tenants stayed behind. They say the ghosts of former patients still wander around its aisles. Parts are state offices, another section is abandoned and many have claimed they have heard footsteps, weird noises and the occasional screams. There are stories about the old elevator running by itself and objects randomly falling from shelves. Sorry no tours or sleep overs…
The home of Ocean-born Mary, Henniker
Ocean-born Mary's claim to fame is as a ghost in Henniker, NH. Her ghost is said to darken the home of her son, Robert, built in 1760.
The story of the haunting was told by Louis Roy. According to Roy's tale, a pirate captain who spared Mary's ship reunited with her in her in old age, she took him in and cared for him. But when the captain was murdered, Mary buried him andhis treasure under the hearthstone. Her ghost now protects the hidden treasure. Those stopping at the house to ask for directions were said to be met by a tall red-haired woman in an old-fashioned dress. Some claim to have seen a similar woman on the lawn or walking on the road.
Ocean-Born-Mary House,
Route 202
Henniker
The Centennial Hotel
A Victorian-era building, turned Hotel, from the 19thcentury, the Centennial is a landmark near downtown Concord. It first opened as the Centennial Home to host elderly people in town, providing them with a comfortable place to live. Some of them might not have ever left! Seen at night, with the towers in the main entrance and the lights contrasting the brick block structure, some have viewed shadows. But you would be amazed by the renovated interior, with modern twists that make it into a luxury boutique hotel and the Granite Room is one of the city’s top eateries – so we’re not afraid of ghosts!
96 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 227- 9000
