Beyond the Grave: Hometown Ghost Stories
The Whispers of Waverly Hills Sanatorium (Louisville, Kentucky)
Waverly Hills Sanatorium, perched ominously on a hilltop in Louisville, Kentucky, is a gothic behemoth steeped in tragedy and whispered legends. Built in the early 20th century to combat the tuberculosis epidemic, it served as a final, often fatal, destination for thousands. Stories swirl of experimental and often brutal treatments, including pneumothorax (collapsing a lung) and thoracoplasty (removing ribs), leaving an estimated 63,000 bodies within its walls.
The most frequently cited ghosts are those of Nurse Mary Lee, who allegedly hanged herself in Room 502 after contracting tuberculosis and becoming pregnant by a doctor, and a young boy named Timmy, who is said to play with balls and interact with visitors on the third floor. Many report cold spots, disembodied voices, and the unmistakable feeling of being watched. The “Death Tunnel,” a 500-foot underground passageway used to discreetly transport bodies away from the main building, is a hotbed of paranormal activity, with many claiming to hear the sounds of gurneys and mournful cries. Waverly Hills has been featured on numerous paranormal investigation shows, further solidifying its reputation as one of the most haunted places in America. Its history, coupled with the immense suffering endured within its walls, has created a palpable atmosphere of sadness and dread, fueling countless tales of the spectral residents who refuse to leave.
The Bell Witch of Adams, Tennessee
The Bell Witch, a poltergeist phenomenon centered around the Bell family of Adams, Tennessee, in the early 19th century, remains one of the most well-documented and terrifying haunting cases in American history. John Bell, a respected farmer, and his family were tormented by an unseen entity that became known as “Kate.” The haunting began with strange noises – whispering, knocking, and scratching – and escalated to physical attacks, primarily targeting John Bell and his daughter Betsy.
“Kate” possessed a remarkable intelligence and malevolence. It could speak, sing hymns, and recite entire passages of scripture. Its voice was often described as a high-pitched, almost inhuman squeal. The witch’s torment of Betsy was particularly cruel, consisting of pinching, slapping, and hair-pulling. It actively interfered with her courtship of Joshua Gardner, discouraging the match with relentless harassment. The entity claimed it would kill John Bell, and in 1820, he died under mysterious circumstances, with many attributing his death to “Kate’s” influence. Following Bell’s death, the activity reportedly diminished, but the legend of the Bell Witch continues to haunt the area, with visitors reporting strange occurrences near the Bell Witch Cave and the old Bell family property. The enduring power of the Bell Witch legend lies in the detailed accounts of credible witnesses and the profound fear it instilled in the community.
The USS Yorktown (Charleston, South Carolina)
The USS Yorktown, a World War II aircraft carrier permanently docked in Charleston Harbor, is a floating city of ghostly tales. As a veteran of numerous battles, including the Battle of Midway, the Yorktown witnessed intense combat and unimaginable loss. Many sailors perished on board, and their spirits are said to linger within the ship’s steel hull.
Common reports include disembodied footsteps, phantom voices, and apparitions of sailors in period uniforms. The engine room is a particularly active area, with reports of unexplained banging and the feeling of being watched. Many believe the ghost of a sailor who died during an engine room fire still haunts the space. The ship’s sickbay is another area prone to paranormal activity. Visitors often report the smell of antiseptic and the sensation of being touched by unseen hands. Some claim to have seen the apparitions of injured sailors being tended to by nurses. The Yorktown’s history of bloodshed and sacrifice has imbued it with a palpable sense of sorrow and unrest, making it a popular destination for ghost hunters and history buffs alike. The echoing corridors and dimly lit compartments serve as a constant reminder of the lives lost at sea, contributing to the ship’s haunting atmosphere.
The LaLaurie Mansion (New Orleans, Louisiana)
The LaLaurie Mansion, located in New Orleans’ French Quarter, is infamous for the unspeakable horrors that occurred within its walls. Madame Delphine LaLaurie, a prominent socialite, was revealed to be a sadistic torturer who kept enslaved people chained and mutilated in her attic. In 1834, a fire broke out in the mansion, exposing LaLaurie’s gruesome secret to the public.
The subsequent discovery of the torture chamber ignited public outrage and led to LaLaurie’s hasty departure from New Orleans. The mansion has remained largely vacant ever since, earning a reputation as one of the most haunted houses in the city. Reports include the sounds of screams and moans emanating from within, as well as sightings of ghostly figures peering from the windows. Some claim to have seen the apparitions of the tortured enslaved people, their bodies bearing the marks of LaLaurie’s cruelty. The overwhelming sense of evil and suffering associated with the LaLaurie Mansion makes it a place that few dare to enter. The building stands as a stark reminder of the city’s dark history and the enduring legacy of slavery. Its haunted reputation serves as a testament to the enduring power of trauma and the lingering presence of those who suffered within its walls.
The Lizzie Borden House (Fall River, Massachusetts)
The Lizzie Borden House, the site of the infamous 1892 ax murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, remains a chilling reminder of one of America’s most enduring mysteries. Lizzie Borden was accused of murdering her father and stepmother, but she was ultimately acquitted. Despite the verdict, the case continues to fascinate and the house has become a popular destination for paranormal investigators and true crime enthusiasts.
Guests at the bed and breakfast report a variety of paranormal phenomena, including disembodied footsteps, flickering lights, and the distinct smell of decay. Some claim to have seen the apparitions of Andrew and Abby Borden, their faces bearing the wounds inflicted upon them by the ax. Lizzie Borden’s presence is also said to be felt throughout the house, with some reporting a sense of unease and the feeling of being watched. The breakfast table, where Andrew Borden ate his last meal, is a particular hotspot for paranormal activity. The Lizzie Borden House offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the chilling atmosphere of a crime scene that continues to captivate the world. Whether or not one believes in ghosts, the house’s history and the unsolved mystery surrounding the Borden murders make it a truly unforgettable experience. The lingering questions of guilt and innocence contribute to the house’s eerie atmosphere and fuel the enduring legend of Lizzie Borden.
The Myrtles Plantation (St. Francisville, Louisiana)
The Myrtles Plantation, steeped in history and shrouded in mystery, is considered one of the most haunted homes in America. Built in 1796, the plantation has been the site of numerous deaths, including those of enslaved people and family members. The stories of these tragic events have given rise to a plethora of ghost stories and paranormal claims.
The most famous ghost at the Myrtles Plantation is Chloe, an enslaved woman who is said to have poisoned a birthday cake, killing Sara Woodruff and her two daughters. Chloe is often seen wearing a green turban and is said to wander the grounds, watching over the house. Other reported phenomena include the sounds of children playing, the appearance of bloodstains that cannot be washed away, and the reflection of ghostly figures in mirrors. One particularly chilling story involves a mirror brought to the house after the deaths of Sara Woodruff and her children. Legend says that anyone who sees their reflection in the mirror will soon die. The Myrtles Plantation’s rich history and the numerous tales of ghostly encounters make it a popular destination for ghost tours and paranormal investigations. The beauty of the plantation contrasts sharply with its dark history, creating a captivating and unsettling experience for visitors. The layers of history and the unanswered questions surrounding the deaths that occurred within its walls contribute to the plantation’s enduring haunted reputation.
Hell yeah! Perfect timing! Just climbed into bed
Sameee
just settling in for a quiet night and early bedtime and this comes up 🥹🥹
Yes dude your stories are so good dude only ones I listen to now
Washing dishes in Singapore and listening!!
Wtf r u doing over there???? 😂
@valeriegogel4214😂 washing dishes!!
Brushing my hair in the south of Brazil, and listening!
@valeriegogel4214🤨 living?
Singapore is a beautiful state.
Ooooh man. It’s rare I’m this early. Thanks for all your hard work Joel
Have a peaceful night everyone ♥️
👻Spooky🎩season 🕸🖤Let’s Read ,fam🕷
Got off work looking to play some games, good timing
I said I was gonna have an early
Night. I’m glad I didn’t <3
Hope yall sleep well!
You too
Never been so early. Love your stuff
👻cant wait for sunday live👻 Happy October frightening 🎃
Amazing can’t wait to jump back into bed tonight and all ears 💙
Two hours! All paranormal! Wow. It’s my lucky night. Thanks Joel! ❤
Just in time for me to start getting ready for bed. Relaxation mode activated. Thanks, Joel! ❤😊
Yooooooo, love when Ghost Stories get posted by you. Thanks Lets Read!
Perfect timing for bed! Thank you Joel for all of your consistent uploads and the work that goes into it. You have no idea how much these stories help! 👻🖤🩶🤍
Ahhhh what a way to end a night of pre Halloween trick or treating!
perfect timing! we’re being released from the hospital now and now i have some spooky stories to listen to while i pump for our newest addition. 🖤
Congratulations with the little one!! 💋♥️
Ohhh a new baby! ❤ Congrats!🎉
Congrats ! Keep pumpin for that pumpkin 🎃 ❤
Congratulations!🎊🎉 ❤
Congratulations!! 🎉🎉🎉 I wondered about the “we’re” at first and also whether you were ready to be discharged…😂
yayyy! : ) a little snack for the algodawg
YES – my favorite subject by my favorite story teller!
Yay a ghosty one! 🎉
Your simply the best….insomniacs from across the pond thank you❤
Thanks Joel x Listening in east London, UK
Sweet dreams everyone , and, as always, thank you’ll you Joel
The 🐐…Thanks dude!
Ghost stories…my favorite 😮😊
Yesss! The only thing I love more than creepy, kidnapping, “Lets not meet” scary stories, etc. are true ghost stories. Woot! Woot! I’m beyond excited right now, yeah baby!!😍👌👏👏👏👏👏🫶🫠🥰😍 Cleaning my bedroom, doing laundry and listening to LR on my portable speaker. There is nothing better than that in my eyes. Did I tell you I AM BEYOND EXCITED RIGHT NOW? Because I truly am.😁🙃🤣😅😂 THANKS SO MUCH JOEL, I appreciate you! 😊 So does my insomnia. Lol. I take my sleep meds and lay here listening to your stories until I end up falling asleep… (Hours later🙄🥱😤) Hey, I’ll take whatever I can get these days. You rock! Tysm for putting all your hard work into this channel for us. I definitely appreciate it more than you could ever know.😊🫶😍👌💘 TY! TY! TY! THANK Y♡U!!!
I agree. A ghost story drop from Lets Read is better than anything on the internet.
You are always here when I need you <3
Most people click ASAP, I click when I can give these videos my full, undivided attention! Thanks for always being so amazingly consistent and perfect, Let’s Read! 🎉
Lol! That first story is the biggest whopper I’ve heard. He should sell that fantasy story to a producer for the next installment of the Paranormal Activity series.
That first story was a real trip!
I’m a believer in the paranormal.
I believe this happened to this guy.
I hope this guy becomes a real believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, cause he’s real too!!
Legit made me tear up!!! Because it’s so true!!! Something you never forget!!! I’ve had a couple myself! 😅
Amen !!! ❤
We finally get some paranormal stories, we’ve got to beg for this.
I guess he doesn’t post them much because people say they’re fake.
always look forward to thursday’s !!!
I love listening to any of your stories but specifically ghost and paranormal stories are and always will be my favorites, thank you very much for this upload Joel.🎃😁👍
My favorite thing about these stories, is that the author always includes some variation of, “I’m a skeptic, so you can trust that I’m not making any of this up!!!”. ROFL.
You’re talking about me in story 2. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. I wanted to be safe with a disclaimer so you don’t think this is a normal everyday event in my life. Guess that backfired 😆
@cd5sircoupe I honestly didn’t mean it as an attack, or to imply that you’re not being truthful.
@lobobobo8471 No worries man, I only addressed it because I basically literally said what you were criticizing. I get it dude, I’ve heard enough stories in my day that I don’t believe for a second as well.
I was trying to get across that I’ve been on that side of the fence, and this little month long urbex binge was quite unexplainable. I speculated based on what I know of the facts for each situation, not exactly pulling it out of my ass so to speak.
Had fun lurking 👀👀👀 in the live last night! Really enjoy those, thanks!
Joel finally uploading a Paranormal video again feels like finally seeing an old friend of yours after a long time..it’s been a while buddy! Saving this for sleep 🤫👻
I don’t think I can work without Lets Read. EVER.
Same
The story about the white 8ft creature. They’re very real, and come in different sizes. 2010 Suffield Ohio, me and my cousin encountered one twice, both times in the same location, two weeks apart. Ours was about 4ft tall, very fast. First time, we seen it standing on the edge of the woods, second time, it hid behind the goodyear sign watching us, until we noticed, then bolted for the woods. I’ve lived in haunted houses, and that thing still scares the hell out of me to this day.
Once again – Thank you.
No one talking about the Ent? Thought it was going to be a Sasquatch story with the knocking but I’m all in for an Ent tale.
Great stories! Story 10 really resonates with me. I have always been very different. Flashes of images, knowing what someone is fixin to say. I can remember nearly 38 yrs ago coming home crying telling my pops i got called weird and telling him why I was called that. He looked unsettled. Told me he never believed in that until my mom made him pull over saying she had a sence of doom. The 2 cars behind us ended up wrecking badly the 1st car hitting a buck, car behind plowing into that car at 65. He never questioned her after. Told me to listen to my gut figure out if its good or bad and pay attention to surroundings. It can be super weird and won’t go away until I tell whoever the warning is for. I get smells as well. Told mom in law she smelled funny urged her to get checked. She called to tell me I scare her.(cancer diagnosis) told my neighbor she smelled bad,sick onion like.(colon had ruptured 2 days later.) So many instances my family & friends are usually like geeze now what lbvs. Listen to your intuition.
I have the same exact type
Of skills- although not the smelling part but the very high and accurate intuition and hearing what people say in their heads it’s kind of a blessing
And a curse at times because some times you don’t want to know what some
People are thinking 😮 🤷♀️
Listen to MORE Ghost stories! — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUF4FDV3rKY&list=PLvC0iydiKnChuSEypt8JqXqTZ2fUxWFXB
it all stopped when I called out to Jesus. I swear that gave me full body chills. No matter what you believe that line hit different.
Amen 🙏 ❤
It really is powerful. I experienced something similar and only when I called out to Jesus was when that stopped.
@maivang3849the Word gives peace but is also a weapon 🙏 God bless 🙏
OMG that last story was freaking scary
Man, it’s been a while since you did paranormal stuff.
You’re on my top 10 narrators on YouTube, but I rarely listen to anything but paranormal.
Glad to see this pop up!!
Damn that last story was intense , woke me out of a deep sleep .
17:51 for me too,4 years ago i practiced a form of ritual magic meant to summon demons. Things got scary. It all ended the second i called out for Jesus, my messiah.
Your god isn’t real; you are just experiencing psychosis
Paranormal stories read by Joel are the best!!!