Dead President's Tavern, Wilmington
Dead Presidents Tavern in Wilmington, Delaware, has been the subject of numerous haunted stories and paranormal claims for years. The following are some of the descriptions and occurrences reported by staff and patrons. One of the most prominent tales involves a man who was allegedly hanged in the building during the late 1700s. It is said his body was later unearthed in the 1950s when part of the dirt floor was excavated. A bartender and a companion once reported seeing a man sipping a drink at the bar after the establishment had been closed and locked for the night. The figure vanished after they looked away for a moment. Staff members have reported seeing plates, tables, and chairs moving on their own overnight. Some believe this is caused by the spirit of a waiter who was killed in the 1780s and is angry about the injustice of his death. Other accounts describe a general feeling of being watched or a mysterious presence in the tavern, particularly at night. Photographs taken inside the tavern have shown strange, unexplainable orbs, which some believe are evidence of paranormal activity. Some paranormal claims are linked to historical events, such as the alleged hanging in the 1700s and the killing of the waiter. These tragic events are thought to be the source of the lingering spirits. Staff and patrons have reported hearing unexplained footsteps, especially on the upper floors, even when no one else is around. Some people have described being touched or feeling a cold spot on their skin, which is a common experience in haunted locations.