Fort William Henry – Haunted Colonial Fort in Pemaquid Beach, Maine

Fort William Henry, standing near Pemaquid Beach in Maine, is a reconstruction of a 17th-century colonial stronghold with a grim and bloody past. Originally built to defend settlers from attacks, the fort saw brutal battles, massacres, and betrayals, leaving behind an eerie atmosphere that lingers to this day. Visitors and paranormal investigators report chilling encounters, including ghostly apparitions, mysterious voices, and inexplicable cold spots.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1692 (original), reconstructed in 1908
• Original Purpose: Military fortification to protect English settlers from French and Native American raids.
• Significant Events:
  • The original fort was destroyed in 1696 during a brutal attack by French and Wabanaki forces.
  • English soldiers and settlers inside were either killed or taken as prisoners, with many executed on-site.
  • The ruins were left abandoned for centuries, but whispers of lingering spirits never faded.

Paranormal Activity Summary

• Common Reports:
  • Unexplained murmurs and whispers echoing through the fort’s stone walls.
  • Sudden drops in temperature, even on warm days.
  • The sensation of being watched when walking through the darkened passages.
• Notable Ghostly Figures:
  • The spirit of an executed English soldier, often seen pacing the ramparts.
  • A woman in colonial clothing, appearing briefly before fading into thin air.
  • Shadowy figures spotted near the reconstructed wooden watchtower.

Ghost Stories & Reports

• The Haunting of the Ramparts: Several visitors claim to have seen a spectral soldier patrolling the upper walls of the fort, only to vanish when approached. His identity remains unknown, but some believe he was a sentinel killed during the 1696 attack, still carrying out his final orders.
• The Weeping Woman: A ghostly woman, dressed in colonial attire, is often seen wandering near the fort entrance. Some say she was the wife of a soldier who perished in battle, doomed to search for him forever.
• Echoes of the Past: Paranormal teams have recorded disembodied voices in old English accents, and visitors sometimes hear what sounds like battle cries from long ago.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The lower dungeon chamber is considered the most active area. Used to detain prisoners before execution, visitors report hearing phantom footsteps, the sound of chains dragging, and an overwhelming sense of dread.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: $5 per person
• Tour Availability: Guided historic tours are available, but ghost tours are only offered in October.
• Photography Allowed? Yes
• Visiting Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Summer & Fall), limited hours in Winter

Best Time to Visit

• Fall and Winter nights seem to bring the most activity, with many reports of ghostly encounters happening during late afternoon tours as the sun sets over the fort.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

• Several ghost-hunting groups have investigated the fort, capturing EVP recordings of whispers and an eerie “help me” voice.
• The fort has been featured in local paranormal documentaries, highlighting unexplained shadow figures and temperature anomalies.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

• No access to the fort at night unless part of an official tour.
• Some areas, like the watchtower, are off-limits due to safety concerns.