Haunted Ohio: Local Lore and Legends

LEBANON – THE HAUNTED GOLDEN LAMB

The Golden Lamb Inn in Lebanon is Ohio’s oldest operating hotel and has been in continuous operation since 1803. Over its long history, it has hosted numerous famous guests, including 12 U.S. Presidents, authors like Charles Dickens, and historical figures such as Neil Armstrong and Annie Oakley. But not all of its guests have left. The most famous spirit is Sarah Stubbs, a relative of a former innkeeper who lived there as a child. Her presence is often felt on the fourth floor, where her room, now a museum display, has been a hotspot for paranormal activity. Guests and staff have reported hearing Sarah’s ghostly laughter and witnessing objects moving on their own.

However, some believe the ghost in Sarah’s Room may not be Sarah at all. Another theory suggests the ghost is actually Eliza Clay, the 12-year-old daughter of Henry Clay, Secretary of State under President John Quincy Adams. Eliza tragically died of a fever while staying at the inn in 1825. The spirit of a girl in a white nightgown has been seen by many, but her true identity remains a mystery. Some also report seeing the ghost of a lawyer, Clement Vallandingham, who accidentally shot himself in one of the rooms in 1871 while trying to demonstrate a courtroom scene.

With its rich history and well-documented hauntings, the Golden Lamb remains one of Ohio’s most intriguing landmarks, inviting visitors to explore its historic halls, have a wonderful meal, and perhaps encounter one of its spectral residents.

MIDDLETOWN – MIDDLETOWN’S HAUNTED OPERA HOUSE

The Sorg Opera House in Middletown, Ohio, built in 1891 by local millionaire Paul J. Sorg, is known for both its cultural significance and its ghostly visitors. Originally hosting operas and vaudeville shows before transitioning to movies, the theater has been under many restoration efforts to bring it to its former glory in recent years. However, its most famous residents may be the spirits who linger long after the curtain has fallen. The ghost of Paul J. Sorg himself is often spotted sitting in his favorite seat in the first balcony, still watching over performances in the grand old theater. His presence, along with the sounds of footsteps backstage and on the catwalks, have become part of the building’s haunted reputation.

Another ghost rumored to haunt the Sorg is the “lady in red,” a spectral figure heard singing in the dressing rooms. Witnesses report hearing her voice, only for her to vanish as they draw near. The now-inaccessible upper balcony is also said to be home to a ghostly figure, silently sitting in his old seat. With its rich history and reports of paranormal activity, the Sorg Opera House remains a beloved yet chilling landmark in Middletown.

OXFORD – THE PHANTOM OF THE OXFORD LIGHTS

The Oxford Light, also known as the Phantom Motorcyclist, is one of the most famous urban legends in Ohio, captivating Miami University students and locals for decades. According to legend, a young man was tragically killed while riding his motorcycle to meet his girlfriend on Oxford-Milford Road. Some versions say he crashed into a barbed wire fence and was decapitated, while others suggest he was speeding to rescue her from danger. Today, if you park near a certain intersecion and flash your headlights three times, a single headlight is rumored to appear in the distance, believed to be the ghostly motorcycle light of the young man. It approaches, then vanishes before it reaches you.

While long-time residents have debunked the idea of a tragic accident occurring in the area, many still claim to witness the mysterious light, believing it could be a paranormal phenomenon or an optical illusion caused by distant car headlights. Regardless of its origins, testing the legend has become a rite of passage for many, and the Oxford Light continues to be one of the most talked-about ghost stories in the region.

TROY – MIAMI COUNTY MUNICIPAL COURT

SPRINGBORO – THE WRIGHT HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST

The Wright House Bed & Breakfast in Springboro (also known as the Jonathan Wright House), built in 1815, is steeped in history and haunted tales. Originally a station on the Underground Railroad, the house was home to Jonathan Wright, a Quaker who helped runaway slaves find freedom. Over the years, visitors and residents have reported strange occurrences, including lights turning on by themselves, rocking chairs moving without explanation, and the presence of cold spots. One famous story involves a mother hearing her baby cry, only to find the child fast asleep while the rocking chair beside the crib moved on its own.

More recently, a guest at the bed & breakfast claimed to see one of the resident dogs in her room, only to be told that all the dogs had been locked up overnight. Along with sightings of a woman dressed in 19th-century clothing, these eerie events continue to fuel the house’s haunted reputation, making it a must-visit for those interested in the paranormal.

WILMINGTON – THE GHOSTS OF WILMINGTON COLLEGE

Wilmington College, founded in 1870, is steeped in history, but some say it’s also home to ghostly residents. College Hall, the oldest building on campus, is rumored to be haunted by the spirit of Colonel Azariah Doan’s horse, entombed within the building. During renovations in 1957, the horse’s skull was found, and some claim to hear the sound of hooves echoing through the halls. Another story tells of a student prank gone wrong, resulting in a tragic accident that left behind yet another spectral presence.

In addition to these ghostly legends, there have been reports of shadowy figures, flickering lights, and strange noises throughout College Hall. Whether fact or folklore, Wilmington College remains a captivating spot for those intrigued by the supernatural.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP/CENTERVILLE – ROBERT BRADFORD HOUSE

Built in 1839, the Robert Bradford House is a Federal-style home known for its history and its hauntings. The ghost of Elizabeth Bradford, Robert’s wife, is said to linger in the house, with residents reporting strange noises, including the sound of a china cabinet crashing down the stairs—only to find everything in place. The home, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, remains a historic and eerie landmark in the area.