Fort William Henry – Haunted Military Fort in Lake George, New York

Fort William Henry stands as a reconstructed relic of colonial conflict, but its foundations rest on a blood-soaked history. Built during the French and Indian War, the fort was the site of a brutal massacre in 1757, where British troops and civilians were slaughtered after surrendering to French forces and their Native American allies.

Today, this once-strategic stronghold draws visitors not just for its historical significance—but for the ghosts believed to linger within its stone walls.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1755
• Original Purpose: Military fortification during the French and Indian War
• Significant Events:
  • In 1757, the fort fell to the French after a prolonged siege.
  • The infamous “Massacre of Fort William Henry” followed the British surrender. Hundreds of retreating soldiers and civilians were ambushed and killed.
  • This event was immortalized in James Fenimore Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans and remains one of the darkest moments in early American warfare.

Paranormal Activity Summary

Visitors and staff report a wide range of supernatural activity.

• Disembodied footsteps echo through empty corridors.
• Sudden cold spots, even during summer months, are common in the underground powder magazine.
• Muffled cries, phantom musket fire, and distant screams have been recorded at night.
• The ghost of a headless soldier is said to roam the barracks.
• Apparitions in colonial uniforms have appeared during guided tours—only to vanish into thin air.

Ghost Stories & Reports

• The Headless Soldier: Said to be a British officer decapitated during the massacre, his spirit lingers in search of justice. Witnesses report seeing a uniformed figure pacing, with no head on his shoulders.
• The Weeping Woman: Often seen at dusk near the fort’s gates, this ghost is believed to be a woman mourning the death of her husband during the siege.
• Shadow Figures: Visitors frequently describe tall, dark silhouettes watching them from the walls or slipping through doorways.
• Paranormal investigators have recorded unexplained EMF spikes and EVP sessions filled with voices whispering names from the past.
• Local lore also tells of ghostly drums echoing from the parade ground, as if soldiers still march in spectral formation.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The underground powder magazine is considered the most haunted part of the fort. Cold air lingers unnaturally here, and guests report feeling watched. Some claim to hear dragging chains or feel invisible hands brushing their shoulders.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: Varies by season (typically $12–$20)
• Tour Availability: Ghost tours run seasonally, with nighttime paranormal investigations available by reservation.
• Photography Allowed? Yes
• Visiting Hours: Generally open 9 AM – 6 PM; ghost tours after dark

Best Time to Visit

Fall is the prime season—especially around Halloween. Many ghost sightings occur in October, during twilight or shortly after sunset.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

Fort William Henry has been featured on several paranormal TV programs, including Ghost Hunters and Most Terrifying Places in America.

• Investigators have documented EVP recordings of voices saying “Help me” and “Get out.”
• Infrared cameras have captured misty figures and moving orbs in sealed-off sections of the fort.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

Visitors are advised to stay on marked paths during nighttime tours. Certain sections are off-limits due to structural safety concerns, especially during bad weather.