Manhattanville College - Real Haunted Place

Founded on Houston Street in Manhattan as the Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart, Manhattanville College did not relocate to its current campus in Purchase until 1952. The new campus came with more than a few unwelcome surprises, unfortunately, as Manhattanville proved to be one of the most haunted schools in the state. Underneath the campus’ Old Chapel is a catacomb system where nuns were put to rest for a period before being moved to a graveyard. Dark shadows have been seen in the catacombs, and footsteps have been heard in the gravel outside during the early morning hours. The Castle, which stands as the school’s most distinguishing building, is haunted by the ghosts of three children who died within its walls. It originally belonged to a millionaire by the name of Whitelaw Reid who lived there with his family until a terrible fire broke out, claiming the lives of his three sons. A painting of the boys now hangs in the west wing, where their ghosts have also been known to roam. Students also report feeling cold spots and as though they are being watched when in the Castle, doors have opened and closed on their own, and tour guides have become temporarily immobilized while taking prospective students through the building. Behind the castle is a cemetery where the founders and former nuns of Manhattanville are buried; three statues stand in the graveyard, but if you try to take a picture at night it will often either come out blurry or depict orbs surrounding the statues. Even the residence halls have had some spooky happenings. Locked doors have swung open in the middle of the night, and students have received inexplicable scratches running down their feet. The freshman dormitory is said to be haunted by a nun who hanged herself in room 118; despite renovations to the room, her spirit still remains, walking the halls and opening doors to check on the students. The school library appears to be quite active as well. Whispers have been heard throughout the building and the elevator has been known to operate on its own, taking passengers where they need to go without the push of a button. Apparitions have been seen playing in the back room near the books and archives in the early morning.

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