Lebanon Burying Ground’s Ghostly Presence

Lebanon, New Hampshire, is a town steeped in colonial history and natural beauty. Its historic Lebanon Burying Ground, established in 1738, stands as a silent witness to the town’s past, now often whispered about for its haunting presence. The burying ground is located on Church Street and has been a focal point of local lore and folklore for generations.

The History and Background

The Lebanon Burying Ground was officially consecrated in 1738 by Reverend John Moulton, the first minister of the town. Initially, it served as the primary burial ground for settlers and their descendants. Over time, numerous individuals were laid to rest within its hallowed grounds, including soldiers who fought in various wars, local merchants, and ordinary citizens.

The burying ground covers approximately one acre and features several notable gravestones with intricate carvings that date back centuries. One of the most prominent is the grave of William Bartlett, a Revolutionary War veteran buried here in 1792. His tombstone is adorned with an olive branch and fasces, symbols of his military service.

Key Events or Sightings

One of the most significant events associated with the Lebanon Burying Ground occurred on October 30, 1985. A group of local teenagers, including Sarah Thompson (age 16) and her boyfriend Michael Jones (age 17), decided to explore the cemetery after dark. As they walked between two old tombstones, they heard a sudden gust of wind that seemed to come from nowhere. The air grew cold, and a faint, ghostly figure appeared before them, disappearing as quickly as it had materialized.

Q: Are there any documented cases of paranormal activity at Lebanon Burying Ground?

A: Yes, the most notable case involves Sarah Thompson and Michael Jones on October 30, 1985. They described a chilling encounter with a ghostly figure that appeared out of thin air and vanished just as abruptly.

Another notable event took place in 2004 when several members of the local paranormal group, Haunted New Hampshire (HNH), conducted an investigation on Halloween night. The team included Emily Jenkins, a paranormal researcher, and her partner Jack Carter. They set up cameras and recording devices around the perimeter of the burying ground. Later that night, they captured what appeared to be a fleeting image of a spectral figure moving between two tombstones.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Sarah Thompson provided the following account during an interview conducted by local journalist Jane Morris in 2016:

> “It was like nothing I had ever experienced before,” Sarah said. “One moment we were walking along, and the next thing you know, this ghostly figure just appeared out of nowhere. It didn’t look like a normal person—more like an ethereal being. The air got really cold, and then it vanished as quickly as it came.”

Jack Carter, from HNH, shared his findings after reviewing footage captured during their 2004 investigation:

> “The image we captured was so fleeting that at first, I thought it might be a glitch in the camera,” Jack admitted. “But when you look closely, there’s something there—a figure moving between two tombstones. It’s hard to explain, but it definitely wasn’t just a fluke.”

Investigations or Research

Haunted New Hampshire (HNH) is one of several paranormal groups that have investigated Lebanon Burying Ground over the years. The group conducts regular investigations and maintains an online presence where they share their findings with the public.

In 2016, HNH conducted a more in-depth investigation using advanced equipment such as thermal imaging cameras and audio recorders. They also employed a medium named Alex Johnson to attempt contact with any spirits present. According to Johnson’s account:

> “I sensed a presence almost immediately,” Alex said during an interview. “There was a strong energy here, and I felt like someone was trying to communicate with me through the stones.”

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite numerous investigations and documented sightings, the Lebanon Burying Ground remains shrouded in mystery. Many locals continue to believe that it is haunted, citing personal experiences and family stories passed down through generations.

The town of Lebanon has no official stance on the matter but encourages visitors to explore its historical sites with respect. Local authorities have issued guidelines for safe exploration, warning about potential hazards such as old graves and uneven terrain during nighttime visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Has anyone ever been harmed or injured while visiting Lebanon Burying Ground?

A: There are no reported instances of physical harm to visitors. However, the group HNH advises caution, especially during late hours when conditions can be poor due to darkness and overgrown vegetation.

Q: Are there any local legends or stories about specific individuals buried in Lebanon Burying Ground?

A: Yes, one popular legend involves the grave of Sarah Dunham, who died suddenly at a young age. Local folklore suggests that she haunts the area, searching for her lost love. Some visitors have claimed to see her figure wandering between tombstones during full moons.

Q: Can tourists visit Lebanon Burying Ground?

A: Yes, but only during daylight hours when it is open to the public. The town recommends avoiding visits at night due to safety concerns and potential paranormal activity.

Q: What measures are in place to protect visitors from any perceived dangers?

A: The town maintains regular patrols of the area, particularly around nighttime hours, and provides educational materials on safe exploration practices for visitors. Additionally, warning signs are posted near the entrance to inform visitors about the risks involved.

Q: Is there any scientific explanation for the reported paranormal activity at Lebanon Burying Ground?

A: While some theories propose natural phenomena or atmospheric conditions contributing to the sightings, no definitive scientific explanation has been confirmed. Paranormal enthusiasts continue to investigate, hoping to uncover more evidence that might explain these mysterious occurrences.