Poughkeepsie Hex House Hauntings

Poughkeepsie, New York, has long been a place of eerie whispers and chilling tales. One such story, centered around the old “Hex House” on Union Street, has captivated both locals and visitors alike with its claims of supernatural activity dating back to the 1800s. This house is not just an old building; it’s a site where history intertwines with unexplained phenomena.

The History and Background

The Hex House, also known as the Van Alstine-Poughkeepsie House, was built in 1765 by Johnathan Poughkeepsie, who named the area after himself. Over the years, it has been home to several families but gained its supernatural reputation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The house is located at 37 Union Street, a block from the Hudson River, in the heart of Poughkeepsie’s historic district.

Key Events or Sightings

The most notable period of activity began in the summer of 1860 when Sarah Van Alstine moved into the house with her husband, John, and their four children. It was during this time that the first reported supernatural events occurred, although many believe these were preceded by earlier incidents due to family folklore.

On July 29, 1860, Sarah reported seeing a “little girl” wandering through the rooms of the house at night. This sighting marked the beginning of what would become known as the Poughkeepsie Hex House hauntings. Over the next few years, reports of strange occurrences grew more frequent and intense.

In 1863, John Van Alstine witnessed a shadowy figure walking through the living room, stopping by his side before disappearing without a sound. He reported this to Sarah, who had already heard similar stories from her children about seeing “ghosts” in the house.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Sarah Van Alstine kept detailed journals documenting the strange events she and her family experienced. These accounts are now stored at the Poughkeepsie Historical Society and provide a firsthand account of the hauntings. Here is an excerpt from Sarah’s journal:

> “July 29, 1860 – At midnight, I was awakened by a strange sensation. A little girl appeared before me in my bedroom. She was dressed in white and seemed to be weeping. As quickly as she had appeared, she vanished.”

Her son, George, also wrote about his experiences:

> “I remember one night, I heard someone whispering my name from the other side of the wall. When I went to investigate, there was no one there. The next morning, a faint outline of a figure was found pressed against the wall where the voice had come from.”

Investigations or Research

Several attempts have been made over the years to investigate and document these claims. In 1904, a local newspaper reported on an investigation by a team of paranormal enthusiasts who claimed to have captured unusual electrical readings in the house.

In 2005, the Hex House was featured on the television show “Paranormal State,” where investigators used advanced equipment like thermal imaging cameras and EMF meters. They recorded several instances of unexplained temperature drops and erratic EMF levels, suggesting possible paranormal activity.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Today, the Hex House stands as a reminder of its past but is now a private residence. Despite numerous investigations and attempts to explain the phenomena, many believe that the house remains haunted. Local lore continues to circulate about the ghostly inhabitants who still roam its halls.

Visitors often report feeling an inexplicable sense of unease when entering the house, with some claiming to have seen fleeting shadows or heard faint whispers. These experiences fuel the ongoing mystery and keep the Hex House a focal point for paranormal enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there any known witnesses who reported supernatural events at the Hex House?

A: Yes, Sarah Van Alstine, her son George, and several other family members documented their experiences in detailed journals. These accounts provide firsthand evidence of the strange occurrences that took place over many years.

Q: Has anyone ever been able to explain the hauntings scientifically?

A: While some investigations have captured unusual electrical readings, no definitive scientific explanation has been provided for the phenomena reported by witnesses. The lack of concrete evidence often leads to speculation about paranormal causes.

Q: What kind of research is currently being conducted at the Hex House?

A: Current research primarily focuses on documenting witness accounts and using advanced equipment like thermal imaging cameras and EMF meters to gather data. However, ongoing investigations have not produced conclusive answers to explain the hauntings.

Q: Are there any local legends or stories associated with the Hex House that add to its eerie reputation?

A: Yes, the house is said to be haunted by a young girl who was allegedly murdered within its walls centuries ago. This tragic story has been passed down through generations and adds to the haunting atmosphere of the place.

Q: How does the Poughkeepsie Hex House compare to other famous hauntings in American history?

A: The Hex House is often compared to other well-known haunted sites like the Amityville Horror House or the Sturbridge Witch House. Like these locations, it has a rich history and a long-standing reputation for paranormal activity that continues to fascinate researchers and enthusiasts alike.