The Haunting of Wabasha County

Wabasha County, Minnesota, has a long and storied history, but few stories are as enigmatic and unsettling as the haunting that gripped the community in the 1930s and early 1940s. Known for its picturesque landscapes and small-town charm, the county was suddenly thrust into a bizarre and terrifying phenomenon that baffled both residents and investigators alike.

The History and Background

Wabasha County is located on the Mississippi River, just south of the Twin Cities area. The region has been inhabited by various indigenous peoples since prehistoric times, including the Dakota Sioux, who called it home for centuries before European settlers arrived in the late 18th century. By the early 20th century, the county had become a mix of farmland and small towns, each with its own unique character.

The haunting began in earnest on February 6, 1937, when three local boys—Erik Anderson, Carl Eklund, and Olaf Holm—reportedly saw a strange light emanating from the old Stone house, located near the town of Wabasha. The incident set off a chain of events that would continue for several years.

Key Events or Sightings (with Specific Dates/Names Where Real)

The Stone house, built in 1852 by John and Mary Stone, had been abandoned since the early 1930s. It stood on a hill overlooking the Mississippi River, surrounded by thick woods and marshes. The family had moved away due to financial troubles, leaving behind a home that quickly became an object of local fascination.

#### February 6, 1937

On this day, the three boys reported seeing a glowing orb moving erratically around the house. They described it as a “red ball of light” and claimed it was visible through their binoculars for several minutes before disappearing into the darkness. The incident sparked curiosity among local residents, who began to report similar sightings.

#### March 13, 1937

A few weeks later, on March 13, a group of teenagers witnessed what they described as “a ghostly figure” moving through the woods near the Stone house. They reported seeing a woman dressed in old-fashioned clothing, her face obscured by shadows. The sighting was brief but deeply unsettling.

#### December 25, 1940

On Christmas Eve, 1940, a local family heard strange noises emanating from the Stone house. Mrs. Ethel Anderson and her husband, Carl, were sitting in their living room when they suddenly heard knocking sounds coming from upstairs. The knocks grew louder and more frequent, seemingly directed at one particular wall. When they investigated, they found nothing out of the ordinary but continued to hear the noises throughout the night.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Several residents came forward with stories of their own encounters. Mrs. Mary Nelson, a long-time resident of Wabasha, described an incident where she was awoken by a sudden chill and the sound of doors creaking open in her bedroom. She claimed to have seen a translucent figure passing through the wall, though no one else witnessed it.

In another account, Carl Johnson reported that on New Year’s Eve, 1938, he heard loud thumping sounds coming from the Stone house at midnight. He said the noises stopped when he approached the house and spoke to an unseen presence inside. No physical evidence was found, but the psychological impact was profound.

Investigations or Research

In response to the growing reports, local authorities and paranormal enthusiasts conducted several investigations. The first official inquiry was led by Sheriff Harry Peterson of Wabasha County in 1938. He organized a group of volunteers who searched the Stone house but found no signs of intrusion or supernatural activity. Despite their efforts, the Sheriff reported that “something” continued to occur within the walls.

In 1940, a team of researchers from the University of Minnesota visited Wabasha County as part of an extensive study on regional paranormal phenomena. They conducted séances and attempted to record electromagnetic anomalies, but no definitive evidence was found. The team’s findings were inconclusive, leaving many questions unanswered.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

The haunting of Wabasha County continued until the late 1940s when the Stone house was finally demolished due to structural concerns. However, the legacy of the supernatural events lived on in local folklore and remained a topic of discussion among residents for decades after.

Today, the site where the Stone house once stood is now a small park with walking trails. Local historians continue to gather accounts from elderly residents who witnessed or heard about the haunting during their youth. While there have been no recent reports of paranormal activity, the mystery remains a part of Wabasha County’s rich history and continues to intrigue newcomers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Were any specific individuals ever accused or blamed for causing the hauntings?

A: There were no specific individuals ever publicly accused or blamed. The community generally remained skeptical but open-minded, focusing more on collective experiences rather than individual culpability.

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Q: What scientific methods were used to investigate the haunting?

A: Early investigations included attempts at spiritualism and séances by local enthusiasts. More scientifically inclined researchers from the University of Minnesota tried to record electromagnetic anomalies using rudimentary equipment. None of these efforts provided concrete evidence, leaving the case open to interpretation.

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Q: Are there any theories about what might have caused the hauntings?

A: Theories range widely but include explanations such as residual energy from past tragedies, poltergeist activity linked to unsettled spirits, or even natural phenomena like acoustic echoes and atmospheric conditions. However, none of these theories have been proven.

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Q: Did any paranormal investigators visit Wabasha County during the 1930s?

A: Yes, in 1940, a team from the University of Minnesota conducted an investigation as part of their regional study on paranormal phenomena. They documented several reports and attempted to record electromagnetic anomalies but found no definitive evidence.

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Q: Are there any other similar cases reported in Wabasha County or nearby areas?

A: There are no specific records of similar hauntings in the immediate vicinity, though isolated reports of odd occurrences around old abandoned homes can be found. The Stone house incident stands out as one of the most documented and widely reported paranormal events in Wabasha County’s history.