Rose Hill Mansion, Wisconsin

Rose Hill Mansion: The Haunting of Wisconsin’s Most Notorious Haunt

History and Background

Rose Hill Mansion in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, has a history as colorful as it is macabre. Built between 1867 and 1872 by wealthy local businessman John Hoxie for his wife Mary, the mansion was intended to serve as both their home and a grand hotel for guests. However, tragedy struck when John died in 1894, leaving behind a young widow and two young daughters, Mary and Martha. The tragic events that followed would cast a long shadow over Rose Hill Mansion, turning it into one of the most haunted locations in Wisconsin.

In 1902, just eight years after her husband’s death, Mary Hoxie passed away, leaving their daughters to inherit the mansion with no financial means. In an effort to maintain their home and support themselves, the two sisters sold parts of the property, including a portion that was turned into a brothel in 1912. This period marked one of the darkest chapters in Rose Hill’s history, but it was not the end.

In 1935, John Hoxie’s sister-in-law, Kate Hoxie, purchased the mansion with her husband Frank. They moved in and continued to run the hotel until the 1940s when they sold it to Harry and Louise Decker. It is during their tenure that the mansion gained its reputation as a paranormal hot spot.

Key Events or Sightings

#### The Early Years of Haunting

The first reported haunting occurred shortly after the Deckers purchased Rose Hill Mansion in 1935. According to several sources, strange noises and unexplained phenomena began almost immediately. Guests claimed that they heard whispers, footsteps on empty halls, and doors opening and closing by themselves. One guest, a woman named Clara Johnson, who stayed at the hotel in 1938, reported seeing a figure standing by her bed. She described it as a young woman with long dark hair, but she could not make out any features due to the dim lighting.

#### The Ghost of Mary Hoxie

One of the most persistent and well-documented hauntings involves the ghost of John Hoxie’s wife, Mary. In 1936, Frank Decker claimed he saw a woman in white walking through the halls of Rose Hill Mansion. He described her as tall with long blonde hair and an ethereal presence. This sighting was corroborated by several other guests who reported similar encounters. Over the years, these sightings became more frequent, leading to the belief that Mary Hoxie still roamed the mansion.

In 1942, a group of teenage girls staying at Rose Hill Mansion for their Girl Scout campout claimed they heard loud whispers in the night and saw ghostly apparitions of women. They described the figures as wearing Victorian-era dresses and moving silently through the hallways. One girl, Sarah Thompson, who was just 13 at the time, reported seeing a woman with long hair standing by her bed. The girls were so frightened that they left the mansion early in the morning.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### Eyewitness Reports

Numerous witnesses have come forward to share their experiences at Rose Hill Mansion. One of the most compelling accounts came from a group of paranormal investigators who spent a night conducting a séance in 1985. They reported feeling an overwhelming sense of unease and hearing faint whispers throughout the house. The temperature dropped dramatically, and they could see condensation forming on the windows even though it was not raining.

Another notable account comes from a local historian named John Peterson who visited Rose Hill Mansion in 1972 as part of his research on the area’s history. He claimed to have experienced a series of strange occurrences, including cold spots, unexplained noises, and fleeting glimpses of shadowy figures. His account was later corroborated by several other historians.

#### Paranormal Research

In recent years, paranormal investigators from various organizations have conducted formal investigations at Rose Hill Mansion. In 2015, a team from the Wisconsin Paranormal Investigators Association (WPIA) spent two nights conducting EVP sessions and EMF readings. They captured numerous instances of what they believe to be ghostly voices and reported increased levels of electromagnetic activity in certain areas of the mansion.

One notable piece of evidence was captured on video during an investigation in 2019. A group from the Midwest Ghost Hunters Society claimed to have recorded a fleeting image of a woman with long dark hair moving quickly down one of the hallways. While some skeptics argue that this could be explained by natural light effects, the investigators insist it is evidence of paranormal activity.

Investigations or Research

#### Early Paranormal Investigations

The first formal investigation at Rose Hill Mansion took place in 1982 when a team from the Wisconsin Paranormal Society (WPS) conducted a series of EVP sessions and EMF readings. They reported capturing several instances of ghostly voices, including what sounded like someone whispering “Help me.” The WPS investigators also noted an increase in temperature fluctuations and sightings of shadowy figures.

In 1986, a group from the National Paranormal Society (NPS) conducted a more comprehensive investigation that included psychical readings and seance sessions. They reported feeling a strong presence in certain areas of the mansion, including what felt like being pushed or pulled. The NPS investigators also claimed to have captured several instances of ghostly voices on audio recordings.

#### Recent Investigations

In 2019, a team from the Midwest Ghost Hunters Society (MGHS) conducted a detailed investigation that included thermal imaging, EVP sessions, and EMF readings. They reported capturing numerous instances of what they believed to be paranormal activity, including cold spots, unexplained noises, and fleeting images. The MGHS investigators also noted an increase in electromagnetic activity in certain areas of the mansion.

In 2021, a team from the Paranormal Research Group (PRG) conducted a night-time investigation that included infrared imaging and EVP sessions. They reported capturing several instances of what sounded like footsteps on empty hallways and unexplained noises in closed rooms. The PRG investigators also noted an increase in temperature fluctuations and sightings of shadowy figures.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

#### Preservation Efforts

In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve Rose Hill Mansion as a tourist attraction. In 2016, the property was purchased by a local businessman who began restoring the mansion to its former glory. Today, visitors can tour the grounds and explore the mansion’s many haunted rooms.

Despite ongoing preservation efforts, the mansion continues to attract paranormal enthusiasts from all over the world. The PRG conducted an investigation in 2021 that yielded several pieces of evidence that support the claim of paranormal activity at Rose Hill Mansion. However, skeptics argue that natural explanations cannot be ruled out entirely.

#### Paranormal Phenomena

Today, visitors and investigators continue to report a wide range of paranormal phenomena at Rose Hill Mansion. These include cold spots, unexplained noises, ghostly voices, and sightings of shadowy figures. The most persistent and well-documented haunting involves the ghost of Mary Hoxie, who is believed to still roam the halls of the mansion.

In recent years, several paranormal investigators have reported capturing evidence that supports the claim of paranormal activity at Rose Hill Mansion. However, skeptics argue that natural explanations cannot be ruled out entirely. Despite this, many visitors and locals continue to believe in the supernatural presence within the walls of this haunted mansion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Has anyone ever been injured by ghosts at Rose Hill Mansion?

A: While there have been reports of unexplained phenomena, no one has reported being physically harmed by ghosts during their visits. However, several guests and investigators have described feeling a strong sense of unease or experiencing what they perceive as supernatural pressure.

Q: Are guided tours available for visitors interested in the paranormal history?

A: Yes, guided tours are available that focus on the mansion’s haunted history. These tours often include stories from witnesses, historical context, and even some basic ghost-hunting equipment to help visitors experience the paranormal atmosphere firsthand.

Q: Is it possible to stay overnight at Rose Hill Mansion for a paranormal investigation?

A: Overnight stays are not typically offered as part of the standard tour package. However, some paranormal organizations do offer special events where guests can participate in formal investigations under the guidance of experienced investigators.

Q: Are there any local legends or myths surrounding Rose Hill Mansion that aren’t related to its haunted status?

A: Yes, Rose Hill Mansion has a rich history beyond its supernatural reputation. Local legends include tales of secret tunnels leading from the mansion to nearby properties, which were allegedly used during the brothel era. These stories add another layer of intrigue and mystery to the property’s past.

Q: What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of visitors who believe in paranormal activity?

A: The management of Rose Hill Mansion takes safety seriously for all guests. They provide clear instructions for visitors participating in paranormal investigations, including staying within designated areas, using proper equipment, and adhering to the rules of the property. While accidents can still occur, the management works to minimize risks through careful planning and communication with participants.