From haunted mansions to Alcatraz legends, SF has plenty of ghostly tales.
San Francisco come of age as a fairly outlaw city , so it ’s no surprise that , despite its comparatively short history , it ’s had its fair share of murder and tragedies . And what do murders and tragedies provide if not the perfect justification for a restless spirit to hang around and lash out in spine - chilling way , like opening and closing door , screw on walls , or lingering in the fog , too tormented to endeavor to find oneself peace elsewhere ? From haunted mansions ( truly , the Disney ride has nothing on SF ) to the legacy of Alcatraz to mysterious phenomena that belie logical account , San Francisco is filled with spooky spots that go jut in the night . You ai n’t afraid of no ghost ? Well , we ’ll see about that , wo n’t we ?
Donaldina Cameron House
ChinatownLike many stories of haunted topographic point , this one is full of catastrophe from outset to end , though not without some hope and heart . Originally known as the Presbyterian Mission House , this was the place Donaldina Cameron , a 19 - yr - old woman from New Zealand , came to aid new Chinese girls and women who had come to the United States to either link up their actual families or with shape paper in hand that said they were already members of syndicate ( the only way they were legally reserve into the nation ) , but were rather sold into slavery or forced into prostitution , experience a brute existence and unremarkably dying within five years . The Presbyterian Mission was committed to deliver these girls , and it is believe that Cameron , also known as the “ Angry Angel of Chinatown , ” was able to help more than 3,000 Formosan missy and women escape over the course of her career . The construction was put down in the 1906 quake ( Cameron risk her living to redeem the logbook that proved the women could continue with her from the flak ) but was rebuilt — this clock time with the role of the mission in mind , include hole-and-corner passageway and seal off doorways so the girls could safely hide from brothel owners , striver traders , and the local police . The basement was specifically contrive to secure very few the great unwashed knew about it — there was no unveiling into it from the star sign , only from an secret passageway that led to the street . Unfortunately , when a fire broke out years by and by , an unknown turn of Formosan girls and women hiding in that cellar were unable to escape and died . the great unwashed claim to have watch white soma in the background of photos and feel the spirit of those who died . Today , theCameron Houseserves the needs of low - income and immigrant youth and sept in San Francisco and is always look for voluntary . Just do n’t seek to get into the basement ; it has been seal close .
1000 Lombard Street
Russian HillAt the foot of actually - not - the - most - crooked - street - in - San - Francisco ( but for certain , the most frequently visited by tourists ) sits an flowery home that once belonged to jet - setter , socialite , and venerate hostess Pat Montandon . Everything was hunky-dory until she host a party and hired astrologists , palm reader , tarot card expert , and crystal ball gazers to entertain her Guest . Allegedly one tarot bill reader did not get the potable he was forebode in a timely manner , at which point he laid a cuss upon Montadon and her house , swearing she would never have any glad moments in that sign again . After that , the firm had a incessant chill no matter what temperature the thermometer was set to , door were lock from the inside , blood - corresponding stains grew on the cap , and it was burglarized . Her dog , Doug , began act strangely , barking in the midsection of the night and scratching and gnawing at his fur . Montandon was also attack by a man while on a date . He attempted to kidnap her , but she manage to escape . The big disaster , however , happened when Montandon was out of town and her dear friend , Mary Louise Ward , was staying at her house . A fervency broke out , and when the fervency department arrive , the front door and the door to the primary bedroom were locked . When they ultimately open up the door , Mary Louise was found face down suddenly on the seam . But it was n’t from the flames or even fume inhalation . In fact , they were never able to determine the causal agent , only say that it likely materialise before the ardour even start .
The Whittier Mansion
Pacific HeightsWilliam Franklin Whittier , a railway system magnate , built this 30 - elbow room mansion in 1894 as a gift to his wife , who was never able to live in it as she died in a carriage accident before it was complete . He died in the home plate years subsequently of natural causes , and his boy Billy , know for being work-shy and very into partying , sold it in the thirties to the German Reich . It operated as the German Consulate from 1938 to 1941 , when it is say that it domiciliate German spies . It was seized by the U.S. in 1941 , used by the California Historical Society as their headquarters for a short clip , and is now a private hall once again . And though one does n’t necessarily need to envy anyone who wants to live in a home with over 30 rooms , just in case one does , they can take satisfaction in knowing that the home has been said to be haunted by all kind of ghost . Some say it ’s the German spies . Some say it is Billy who haunts the wine-coloured wine cellar , hoping to get his hands on just one more bottle of wine , and perhaps saddest of all , some say they have seen a shadowy anatomy who is think to be the ghost of William Whittier , still expect for his married woman to bring together him in the house she was never capable to call home .
Queen Anne Hotel
Sutter and Octavia StreetThis 1889 Victorian mansion was first constructed as Miss Mary Lake ’s School for Young Ladies , a wind up school run by Mary Lake , a school teacher and the schoolmarm of Senator James G. Fair , who built it in part so that his girl could move to San Francisco to be close to him , but also because it was the school teacher ’s biggest dream . Mary Lake loved her job and take up care of her charges , so she was devastated when it close in 1896 because of financial difficulties . So devastated that she generate to the edifice after her death in 1904 . The construction changed possession many times over the next 75 long time before becoming the Queen Anne Hotel in 1980.If anything , a hotel is a perfect fit for Mary Lake , a well-disposed spirit who bask see after the guest . She is most ofttimes spotted or felt in elbow room 410 , which once was her billet , and is always eager to lend a help hand . She is said to have unpacked travelling bag , tidied up , and even tucked the covers around people as they kip .
The Curran Theatre
Union SquareThe twelvemonth was 1933 . Hewlett Tarr was working as a slate - taker at the Curran and his wedding party day was just a few weeks away . Life was good . It was n’t as in effect for Eddie Anderson , however , who had a girlfriend who need to see “ Show Boat ” at the Curran , something Eddie could n’t afford . Not wanting to allow his girl down , Eddie show up at the box office , deplume out a ordnance , and take a pair of tickets . He lay claim he did n’t want to hit anyone , but the gun got stuck between the window rail and last off , killing Hewett and send his body falling back down a flight of stairs . Eddie was sent to San Quentin and hanged , but Hewlett remains at the theater . Next meter you go to a show there , take care at the mirror in the entryway . Instead of your reflection , you just may see a liberal man in 1930s garb with a perplexed and chopfallen flavour on his face .
Stow Lake
Golden Gate ParkThis man - made lake has been a tranquil refuge for Mungo Park - goers since it was constructed in 1893 — well , most park - goers , anyway . Just not the White Lady who has been haunting it for over 100 years . The tale goes like this : a young female parent was walking around the lake , pushing her babe in a saunterer when she decided to baby-sit on a workbench and rest . She started chatting with another madam , and when she looked up , the stroller was plump . She spent the repose of the twenty-four hours in a panic , ask everyone , “ Have you seen my baby ? ” but no one had . That is because the baby buggy had roll by and into the lake . When she eventually substantiate that might be the example , she walk into the lake herself and was never seen again . Well , never seenaliveagain . She now haunt the lake on bleary nights , dress in clean from head - to - toe , and has even been cognize to near strangers inquire if they ’ve ensure her baby .
Mary Ellen Pleasant Memorial Park
Lower Pac HeightsIt ’s said that Mary Ellen Pleasant , the “ Mother of Human Rights in California , ” first African - American self - made millionaire , and a ecumenical badass , haunts the six eucalyptus tree trees she planted at 1661 Octavia St ( the site of a 30 - room mansion she built with her business partner , banker Thomas Bell ) . She work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad in New England , but when it became too dangerous , she knew she had to impart . Realizing there was an opportunity to make money preparation and supply file for man seeking chance during the Gold Rush , she prompt to San Francisco , where she made fresh investments free-base on conversation she overheard wealthy men having while she service them meal .
She ground boarding houses , laundries , and restaurants , while also helping former enslave people with transfer , living accommodations , jobs , and legal battle . The papers wrote salacious and untrue thing about her , but she never get it deter her from fighting for equation .
Her finances were completely entangled with those of her long - time cooperator Thomas Bell , and when he topple over a banister in their home and fell to his destruction in 1892 , she lost most of her estate , and his wife ordered her out of the abode . She died in poorness in 1904 . The manse was demolished in the 1920s , but six eucalyptus trees she planted rest in what is now known as Mary Ellen Pleasant Memorial Park , the smallest park in San Francisco and a place she still shop . The website is known to spook dogs , commit shivering down people ’s spines , and , if you visit at night , do n’t be scared if a testis hits you in the head . That ’s just Mary Ellen Pleasant bear a spot of fun .
Flickr/Wayne Hsieh
Atherton House
Pacific HeightsRich , lazy , and unambitious George Atherton ( the townsfolk of Atherton was bring up after his father ) was a mo of an embarrassment to his mother , who built the mansion at 1990 California St in 1881 after his begetter died . George and his wife , Gertrude Franklin , lived in the residence where he was alleged to have suffered bout of cruelty and humiliation at the mitt of both women , who were be intimate to be quite domineering . In an attempt to head for the hills their clutches , George Atherton set sail for Chile with his naval policeman cousin . He was not even halfway there when his kidneys fail , and he died . The sailors stuff his eubstance into a barrel of rum to continue it ( give him overboard was n’t an alternative since he was so loaded ) and sent it back to the mansion .
That is allegedly when the ceaseless knocking on the walls and the opening and closing of doors began . His mother moved out , but voice in the Nox , cold winds blowing through the house , and other hauntings were too much for a string of Modern owner . Finally , in 1923 , Carrie Rousseau purchased the house and learn to live with George ’s trace . Well , kind of . She and her 50 cats lived only in the dance hall until she died in 1974 . The mansion was transformed into an flat building , but even today , there are tenants who hear the knock and experience the frigid confidential information created by a man who was so miserable there but also refuses to leave .
California Street
Pacific Heights to Nob HillIn 1876 , Flora Sommerton , an 18 - class - old member of one of Nob Hill ’s wealthy families , was tell by her parents that she was due to marry a importantly older human beings whom she did not roll in the hay . The engagement company was quite the affair , and “ everyone ” who was “ anyone ” was ask over . But right before her father made the official declaration , a combination of fear , ire , and guts wake a fire in Flora and she fled the party wearing her detailed and flowing beaded gown , never to be seen again .
Flora ’s parent and husband - to - be expended all of their resources searching for her but to no avail . She was a metaphoric ghost until 50 year later when her physical structure was discover in a boarding house in Butte , Montana , in 1926 . That is the dark she was pick out for the first clock time , walk down the middle of California Street in bust wear down the same dress from her appointment party . Keep an oculus out on foggy nights , and you might see her too .
555 California
Financial DistrictBuilt in 1969 as the universe home base of Bank of America , this Financial District building was the tallest construction in San Francisco at the time . in short after its opening , written report of poltergeist bodily function pass throughout the building : cold situation move from way to room , and files flying off shelves . An employee working late one dark reported seeing his own phone move itself off the lure . The rootage of the hauntings is unknown , although some have suppose it ’s the John Barleycorn of victim from the 1906 earthquake still trapped in the ground underneath the building . Others take it ’s the collective energy of so many men and women , command the world ’s money and desperate for more . Bank of America incite to North Carolina after its 1998 merger with Nations Bank , and thing have been relatively quiet at 555 California ever since . Although , what ’s really scary is that it ’s currently managed by Vornado Realty Trust with 30 % owned by Donald Trump .
Haskell House
Fort MasonSenator David C. Broderick was an challenging political crampoon and an outspoken emancipationist in the Democratic Party . His buddy , California Chief Justice David S. Terry ( who was known for get into fights and shank people ) , on the other hand , was a unswerving supporter of thrall and advocated for its extension into California . When Terry lost re - election in 1859 , he blamed Broderick for mastermind the loss and challenged him to a duel on the border of Lake Merced with the mind that whoever was bequeath resist would win the parameter of whether or not California should have thrall .
Both pistol had hairsbreadth trigger , but it was Broderick ’s that discharged prior to the final counting . He just had to stand there while Terry took an easy objective at him and discharge , murder his lung . Broderick was taken back to the home of his booster Leonidas Haskell , where he languished in hurting for three day until he died .
This event became known as the “ Last Duel in California , ” and Broderick would become a sufferer for the anti - slavery drift . After the Union army read over the fence arena in 1863 , many captain live on in the Haskell House . The families of these captains have take to see apparition move across rooms , lights flashing , and plants tipping over . One colonel even felt the bearing of someone watch him whenever he take a shower , and a captain said that when he and his family joked about the comportment of ghost , fixtures and photo start crashing to the ground . They stopped joking , and everything stayed put .
Flickr/Chris Parker
Palace of the Legion of Honor Museum
Lands EndSan Francisco has always had limited , and sought after , real acres . Back in the 1800s when people look at a burying ground , they did n’t see resting post for loved ones – they see land to deal , and the voltage for their own dimension value to go up . This led to the ending of new burials by 1900 , and a irksome , decades - long process of disinter all the dead from SF ’s 30 cemeteries , and send off them to their new resting place in Colma . ( The only burial site that remain are the military and best-loved cemeteries in the Presidio , and the cemetery at Old Mission Dolores . )
However , this transition did n’t always go smoothly . While doing renovations in 1993 , workers find 700 bodies buried underneath the Palace of the Legion of Honor , some still arrest their rosaries . The whole area was once the Golden Gate Cemetery , a graveyard for misfortunate and working course of instruction European and Taiwanese immigrant . The 700 that were found were moved to Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo County . But , expert say , there ’s probably thousands more still under the museum .
The Embarcadero Waterfront
EmbarcaderoThe captain of Norwegian sailing ship the Squando , which sail through the Golden Gate in 1890 , light upon that his wife was get an thing with the first Ilex paraguariensis . He was willing to forgive her in rally for retribution . So , the captain ’s wife got the first mate drunk one nighttime , and as she hold his hand behind his back , the chieftain bristle through the room access with an axe and geld the first married person ’s psyche off . The body was floating in the bay the next day . The captain , his married woman , and the nous were nowhere to be found .
Mysteriously , the next three captains were mangle by the crew . The Squando was taken back to New Brunswick , where it was dock , but no guard would stay on it as they all claimed to see a bloody headless valet de chambre cast the ship at night . The ship was finally demolish for salvage . On moonless night , when the fog hovers really low over the bay , you might see an old three - masted ship in the water sailing from point to stop to bespeak — almost as if it ’s lose its gallery .
Alcatraz
No tilt of unusual and spooky place of San Francisco would be unadulterated without a sojourn to Alcatraz . It ’s believed that the Miwok Indians may have used the isolated island for thou of years as a place to accumulate bird ’s eggs for food ( alcatraz means pelican in old Spanish ) and to banish member of their gild . By 1859 , the US government clutch control of the island and used it to imprison 19 Hopi Indians who refused to give into aggressive government tactics to “ Americanize . ” In 1912 the US Army build up a new prison on the island , and by 1934 the Fed took over and plow it into Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary , a prison house project to crush the person of men . Both captive and guards suffered thick physical and psychological trauma while there .
Rufe McCain drop three years in a metal boxful in nonsocial travail in cell 14D , also know as the Hole . When finally release , McCain stab another inmate to death . He was acquitted because of the irreparable psychological damage his incarceration had done to him . The prison close in 1963 and shortly after reopened as a US National Park . Every since , night guards have claimed to hear the sounds of items break , people running , and men screaming . If you ’re given the opportunity to sit in 14D during a visit , in one box of the cubicle you may be get the better of with emotion as you feel an wintry chill wash over your torso , even in the summer months . Be deliberate but be gentle , it may be Rufe beg to be set loose .
Flickr/John Olsen
Queen Anne Hotel
Curran
Flickr/twincrks
Flickr/sswj
Flickr/nrdalert
