New Hope is a small borough town nestled along the Delaware River in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Incorporated in 1932, the town is rich in Revolutionary War history and George Washington is said to have led his troops through New Hope in 1778 on the way to Valley Forge. In addition to its historical interest, New Hope is a hub for paranormal enthusiasts who hope to encounter the town's famous spooks and specters.
Ghosts of New Hope Tour
Founded and designed by author Adi-Kent Thomas Jeffrey, the Ghosts of New Hope (ghosttoursofnewhope.com) is a lantern-led walking tour that leads visitors through picturesque New Hope and past its spookiest sites. Public tours are offered each Saturday, June through November, and private tours are available year-round. During the month of October, the Ghosts of New Hope tours are also available on Friday evenings. The tours meet at Main and Ferry street and start promptly at 8 p.m.
The Logan Inn
Established as an inn in 1727, the Logan Inn (loganinn.com) is the oldest continuously run inn in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and one of the five oldest inns in the United States, according to the Logan Inn official website. However, it's not just the inn's colonial period charm that draws visitors in droves. Legend has it that the basement of the Logan Inn was used to store bodies of fallen Continental soldiers during the Revolutionary War and visitors often report seeing a spectral solider frequenting the inn's well-appointed tap room. Guests also report strange noises, unexplained drafts and the strong scent of lavender perfume in room six, where the ghosts of two young girls are said to linger.
Aaron Burr House
The third vice president of the United States, Aaron Burr, is primarily known for killing his rival, Alexander Hamilton, in a bloody duel in 1804. What is less well-known is that, after the duel, Burr fled to New Hope, Pennsylvania and sought refuge in a private residence for nearly a week. In 1873, an inn was erected on the stone foundation of the private residence and today the Aaron Burr House (aaronburrhouse.com) welcomes visitors who are eager to catch a glimpse of Burr's brooding specter.
Joseph Pickett House
Joseph Pickett is New Hope's resident ghost. Pickett was a local shopkeeper and artist whose painting, "Manchester Valley," was posthumously hung in New York City's Museum of Modern Art. Though Pickett died in 1918, his spirit is said to linger in his home and studio (newhopevisitorscenter.org). A former tenet claimed that she was startled by a man who she assumed was an intruder. When she later visited a local museum, she saw a picture of Joseph Pickett and recognized him as the man she had seen. Other tenets report hearing footsteps on the stairs, knocks on doors and objects that have mysteriously moved. Joseph Pickett's house is located on Mechanic Street in New Hope.
- "Bucks County Ghost Stories"; Charles J. Adams III; 1999
- "Haunted New Hope"; Lynda Lee Macken; 2006
- Adi-Kent Thomas Jeffrey Ghost Tours: Ghosts of New Hope
- American Public House Review; A Favorite Haunt in New Hope; Chris Poe
- Aaron Burr House: Homepage
- Pennsylvania Center for the Book; Believe or Not: Can't Doubt the Spirit of New Hope; Allison Lang; 2010
Megan Mattingly-Arthur has been writing professionally since 1998. She has contributed to various publications, including "Teen Voices" and "Positive Teens" magazines, as well as a book, "The Young Writer's Guide to Getting Published." Mattingly-Arthur is studying travel and tourism through Penn Foster Career School.