There are a number of real haunted places in America, but the Daniel Benton Homestead in Tolland, Connecticut is actually one of the most intriguing ones.
This particular homestead seems to house real ghosts, yet not the poltergeist kind…on the most part, they seem to be spirits that mean no harm, simply surprise the individuals that experience them. Here, you will learn about this basic history of this real haunted house, and the unexplained phenomenon that several individuals have experienced over the course of this particular structure’s history. If you are looking to visit real haunted places in America, the Daniel Benton Homestead in Connecticut may prove to be an interesting consideration.
The History of the Benton House
It is believed that this real haunted house was established in the year of 1720. It was constructed in such a way that it reflects the New England style architecture. This is what is often referred to as a “Colonial Cape” complete with an “ell” that is relatively long in the rear of the homestead. The first time that this structure became notable was in the year of 1777. During this time, over twenty different Hessian officers were housed there awaiting their time to be shipped to Germany. These officers were actually considered “mercenaries”. Once the British defeated Saratoga, these officers surrendered to the Americans. They were allowed to reside in the basement of the Daniel Benton Homestead in Connecticut, and were apparently happy during their stay.
If we go back a year prior to this, in 1776, the grandson of Daniel Benton had resided in the home. His name was Elisha Benton. Elisha fell in love at the homestead. It was with a girl who came from the Barrows family. Her name was Jemima. It is said that she was approximately twelve years younger than Elisha, but they were very much affectionate for one another. A story of complication occurred between the Benton family and the family of the girl, and the marriage was not approved between the two. Elisha decided that it was best that he sign up for military service. It is believed that he thought that the two families could resolve their differences, and, upon his return, the marriage would be approved.
When the war between the Americans and the British took place, Elisha Benton was actually captured. It was then he was sent to a ship that served as a prison for the Americans by the British that was nestled in the harbor of New York. This was considered to be a “notorious” place for American prisoners. Americans were allowed to use bedding, clothing, and other items that had been infected by the deadly smallpox disease of the time. Naturally, Elisha Benton caught the disease. Shortly thereafter, he was on the list of individuals in the prisoner exchange and was allowed to go home.
Being sent home was probably the start of the reputation of the Daniel Benton home being considered one of the real haunted places in America. Naturally, the Benton family was excited to have Elisha home. Unfortunately, fear immediately followed as the smallpox disease was very contagious and was known to result in a relatively rapid death. No one really wanted to subject themselves to contracting the disease, yet they knew someone needed to care for the sick, weak soldier and loved one. This is when the Barrows girl, Jemima, came forward in her love and vowed to ensure to care for her one, true love.
A special room was included in the homestead. This room was used to house the sick, or individuals giving birth. Within a few weeks, despite the best efforts of caring for him, Jemima had to say goodbye to Elisha Benton, who died on the 21st day of January in the year of 1777. He was a mere twenty nine years old. He was buried near the driveway of the home, with a simple stone as remembrance. Five weeks later, on the 28th day of February, Jemima also died of the smallpox disease. The family buried her close to her true love because of her sacrifice, but a few yards away as they had not been married, could not be buried closely.
True Ghost Stories of the Real Haunted House
There are many true ghost stories of this real haunted house. If you visit the Daniel Benton Homestead in Connecticut, one of the most famous real haunted places in America, you are likely to come away with some true ghost stories of your own. The following represents some of the experiences encountered in this real haunted house:
1. There have been experiences in which crying that expresses deep mourning and loss has been heard. The girl that is heard crying is said to be Jemima Barrows. It is believed that this is a
residual type of haunting,
and seems to occur regularly.
2. An apparition of what is believed to be Jemima has been seen by numerous individuals throughout history. Many state that she is wearing a wedding dress, while others have noted her in typical dresses from the late 1700 era. It is believed that she is waiting, or searching for her one true love, Elisha Benton.
3. Several typical “haunted house sounds” have been observed. Mostly, sounds that reflect a presence walking, but no physical evidence has been documented. Furthermore, sounds that reflect items being moved and even distant voices and whispers have been encountered.
Visiting Real Haunted Places in America
When visiting real haunted places in America, like the Daniel Benton Homestead in Tolland, Connecticut, it is important to bring a friend, or a group of friends. It is also important to bring a standard and digital camera, as well as a video camera and a journal. This way, you can take a number of ghost pictures and ghost videos. You may be able to catch a glimpse of an apparition in military type clothing, a spirit seeking her one, true, love, and maybe even a distant conversation from beyond. If you would like to experience one of the real haunted places in America, the Daniel Benton Homestead, you may contact:
Daniel Benton Homestead
160 Metcalf Road
Tolland,Ct
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