12 Colleges Known for Their Spooky Legends and Haunted Halls

5. Ohio University: The Spirits of Athens

Ohio University, located in the small town of Athens, is often cited as one of the most haunted campuses in the United States. Its reputation for paranormal activity is bolstered by a plethora of ghost stories that have become part of the university's lore. One of the most infamous tales is that of Wilson Hall, a dormitory believed to be built on a Native American burial ground. The building is said to be haunted by the spirit of a former student who died under mysterious circumstances. Residents have reported strange occurrences, such as doors slamming shut and objects moving on their own, as if the spirit were trying to communicate with the living. The Ridges, a former mental asylum located on the university's property, is another site of reported hauntings. The asylum, with its dark history of patient mistreatment, is said to be haunted by the ghosts of former patients. Visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices and seeing shadowy figures, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the abandoned building. These stories, while unsettling, are embraced by the Ohio University community as part of its unique identity. They serve as a reminder of the university's complex past and the enduring presence of those who once called it home.