Schwartz Castle, Columbus
Schwartz Castle is described as haunted by some because of the bizarre habits and secretive lifestyle of its builder, Frederick William Schwartz, who reportedly built secret passageways and a multi-level basement before his death in 1914. Ghost stories claim his spirit still wanders the halls, and some accounts mention seeing his ghost on the turret ladder where he once sunbathed. Frederick William Schwartz was a successful German businessman who built the castle in the mid-1880s. While some stories suggest he was heartbroken by a jilted fiancée, sources indicate he was likely a happy bachelor who lived with his sister. Schwartz was known for his healthy, quirky habits, including being a vegetarian and sunbathing naked on his turret. He also added secret features to his house, such as a hidden room accessible via a bookcase, which fueled rumors of a secretive nature. The stories of his unusual life and the house's mysterious features contribute to its haunted reputation. Some claim his ghost can be seen climbing the ladder in the turret, or generally roaming the house.