Historic Deerfield in Massachusetts is kind of like a Plimoth Plantation or Colonial Williamsburg, just on a smaller scale. Having grown up in Massachusetts, I have been there in the past. And since I’m a history geek, I loved it. So I was intrigued when I saw an article that said the grounds of the Deerfield Inn may be haunted.
Historic Deerfield is known for its colonial buildings and rich history, but some say not everyone seen in the picturesque village is among the living.
Several prominent locations have been rumored to be the location of ghost sightings. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that ghost tales are traded among the locals given that nearly 50 people were killed during the infamous 1704 raid on the British settlement.
In the old burial ground, a mass grave marks the spot where many of the dead were laid to rest, however some say they’re not all at rest. Some say a woman can be heard mourning in the cemetery every Feb. 29 on the anniversary of the massacre.
Another one of the victims, the minister’s wife, was killed along the Deerfield River, and her ghost is rumored to still haunt the area. A woman in colonial attire has also allegedly been spotted in the Williams house, where strange occurrences have reportedly taken place. However, the Historic Deerfield officials do not comment on ghosts.
Jane Sabo and her husband have been innkeepers at the Deerfield Inn for 22 years. The inn dates back to 1884, and she said ghostly occurrences have been reported frequently. The original owner of the inn has been heard to knock o the doors of guests and ask be let in, she said.
The ghost of a young boy has also been said to cause mischief for guests, according to Sabo. She said she personally has been a witness to a strange occurrence, as she said she once witnessed only one rocker in a long row along a porch inexplicably rocking on a still day.
