What secrets linger behind Boston’s oldest surviving public building? At the haunted Old State House in Boston, Massachusetts, whispers of ghostly figures and tragic history seem to echo through its Revolutionary-era halls. Once the center of British colonial government—and the site of the infamous Boston Massacre—this landmark blends American history with eerie legend. If you’re drawn to spirits as much as heritage, the Old State House might just surprise you.
Ghost Stories of the Haunted Old State House
Boston’s Old State House is tied to centuries of spectral lore. These are just a few chilling reports:
- Ghosts of the Boston Massacre: The site outside the Old State House marks where five colonists died in 1770. Some visitors report hearing phantom gunshots, cries for help, or seeing shadowy figures near the spot.
- Apparitions in Colonial Attire: Staff and tourists have described full-body apparitions of men in redcoats or colonial garb, often appearing and disappearing in locked rooms.
- Elevator Anomalies: The building’s elevator is said to move on its own—stopping at unoccupied floors or opening and closing without prompting.
- Disembodied Voices: Guides report hearing murmurs, whispers, or unseen footsteps echoing through the upper floors after hours.
The Old State House has drawn national attention from both television and podcast audiences. It’s been featured in episodes of Ghost Hunters and the Haunted History series, where investigators explored claims of residual energy tied to the Boston Massacre and unexplained activity within its upper floors. Paranormal podcasts like Lore and Real Ghost Stories Online have also spotlighted the building’s chilling legends—delving into ghostly sightings, cold spots, and mysterious voices heard after hours. This ongoing media presence continues to cement the Old State House as one of Boston’s most intriguing haunted landmarks.
A Historic Legacy in Boston
Built in 1713, the Old State House once served as the seat of colonial government and later became the Massachusetts State House. From speeches by Samuel Adams to the bloody events of the Boston Massacre, this structure has witnessed the birth pangs of a revolution. Its Georgian architecture remains a striking symbol of America’s origins, nestled among Boston’s modern skyline. Now a museum operated by Revolutionary Spaces, it’s open to visitors interested in its layered past—both historical and haunted.
Visiting Tips for a Ghostly Adventure
Looking to explore the haunted Old State House? Here’s how to plan your visit:
Plan Your Visit: The museum is open daily with guided and self-guided tours available. Tickets can be purchased at the door or via RevolutionarySpaces.org.
Some Boston walking ghost tours include the exterior of the Old State House, particularly for its Boston Massacre connection.
Details about hours, access, and events are accurate at the time of writing. Please check the location’s official website for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.
Spooky Spots to Discover:
- Massacre Site Marker – The exact location of the Boston Massacre remains a focal point for paranormal claims.
- Council Chamber – Historic artifacts and strange cold spots combine in this reconstructed meeting room.
- Upper Galleries – Visitors have reported feelings of being watched or followed.
- Stairwell Area – Sounds of footsteps and whispers when no one is present.
Dare to Explore the Haunted Old State House?
Whether you’re retracing the steps of colonial revolutionaries or hoping to encounter echoes of the past, Boston’s Old State House promises more than just textbook history. Its walls speak volumes—and some say they whisper too.
