5 Of The Most Haunted Places In Norfolk

Founded in 1682, the city of Norfolk is older than the country itself. As such, it has experienced countess tragedies, such as when a fire burned over 300 buildings along the waterfront, or when the city experienced one of the largest tank battles in American history. These traumatic events, combined with the city's rich history, are said to have made Norfolk quite haunted. Below are five places around the city said to have lingering spirits.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Norfolk's first house of worship was built in 1739 and is one of the area's surviving colonial-era buildings. With its deep history, St. Paul's is covered in marks of the past, such as a cannonball, fired by Lord Dunmore at the Battle of Great Bridge, still lodged in the church's brick wall. The spirit of former minister Dr. Nicholas Albertson Okeson is said to walk around the church graveyard at twilight, continuing to watch over his congregation.

Wells Theatre

Theaters are well known as a hotspot for spiritual activity. The extreme emotions theatergoers experience can leave behind energy that is said to allow ghosts to manifest. Employees have reported seeing a girl who fell to her death from a balcony as well as audience members is old-time clothing. One of the most notable spirits is that of a sailor who died after being tangled in the stage rigging. According to the Culture Trip, he is blamed for missing props and locked doors.

Norfolk City Jail

A terrifying place for the living may still house the dead. Norfolk City Jail is rumored to be the most haunted building in the city. It is said that a prisoner hanged himself in his cell years ago, and anyone who stays in the cell is affected by his spirit. According to Visit Norfolk, guards have also reported seeing a silhouette but when they go up to investigate, they don't find anyone there.

Battleship Wisconsin

The largest battleship operated by the U.S. Navy is now home to Nauticus, a museum dedicated to the city's rich naval history. The most famous ghost story of the ship involves a shipmate who tragically died during the Korean War while he was working on the ship's air conditioning system. His spirit was supposedly seen by a quartermaster 2nd class who served on the ship during Operation Desert Storm.

Freemason Abbey Restaurant

Built in 1873, this Norfolk eatery used to be a church and meeting hall for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. For as long as the restaurant has been in operation, paranormal activity has been pretty commonplace. Employees have reported seeing dark figures and hearing a crying woman. Other times, cabinets will open on their own and items will be pushed off shelves.

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