If you are a true New York City dweller, you might think that nothing about Manhattan can scare you anymore. I mean, you have probably gotten over the virtual nonexistence of public restrooms, littered streets, and daily subway shenanigans by now.
But there are actually a few hidden spooky gems littered throughout the boroughs that horror fans and history lovers alike need to visit before Halloween.
The Rivers Cosmogram
Located inside the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, the Rivers Cosmogram is a public art installation and memorial that honors historian Arturo A. Schomburg and poet Langston Hughes.
However, I guarantee that this installation’s foundation is unlike any you had ever walked upon before– because, in 1991, Langston Hughes’ ashes were actually interred beneath it.
So now, when visitors enter the Langston Hughes Lobby, they can literally stand upon the “lifelines” of both Hughes and Arturo Schomburg.
The Morris-Jumel Mansion
In 1810, Eliza Jumel– former vice president Aaron Burr’s wife– moved into this mansion located in Washington Heights, Manhattan. And from the start, she told all of her friends that the home was severely haunted.
Eliza had been married to a wealthy merchant named Stephen Jumel earlier in her life. After Stephen passed away, though, she went on to marry Aaron.
TTstudio – stock.adobe.com – pictured above is the New York City skyline
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Interestingly, though, they were only wed for a short period before Eliza actually sued for divorce– which was practically unheard of at the time.
But Aaron ended up dying before their separation was finalized. So Eliza remained in this very mansion by herself for decades before dying inside in 1865.
The mansion was originally constructed in 1765 and, to this day, remains the oldest house in New York City. Manhattan natives and tourists alike can also go tour the historic home now.
But beware, many visitors claim that they have come face to face with Eliza’s very ghost inside. And some even go on “paranormal investigations” inside in hopes of stumbling upon a paranormal encounter.
Pier 54
When the Titanic tragically sank on April 14, 1912, the RMS Carpathia was the only boat to rescue any survivors– seven hundred and five, to be exact.
And three days after the disaster, the ship actually brought the survivors to Pier 54 in the West Village of Manhattan.
At the time, no information about the survivors had been released to the public. So, everyone from journalists to families huddled on the pier and waited to learn what had happened.
And today, the only remains of this spot is the large, looming gate– which serves as a reminder of this spot’s devastating history.
Harry Houdini’s Gravesite
After Harry delivered a breakthrough performance in 1899, he immediately mystified the public, and “Houdini” became a household name.
Sadly, though, the escape artist and magic man did not live a very long life. Instead, he died at just fifty-two years old after letting a fan gut-punch him in the stomach.
The act was supposed to symbolize a feat of strength. But, it ultimately led to Harry’s appendix rupturing, and he actually died on Halloween in 1926.
Despite being a bit skeptical of mediums, though, Harry did believe that some form of an afterlife was possible. So, before his death, he left his wife a few coded phrases that she could use to identify him after he passed away.
And interestingly, Harry’s widow would go to his grave each year– which is located in Glendale, Queens– and conduct a seance.
So now, fans of the performer have taken over. Visitors bring rocks to leave on his headstone– which is a Jewish tradition– and also leave playing cards and other supposedly magical objects.
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