The Haunting of Fort Griswold: Connecticut’s Revolutionary War Ghosts Return

Do you believe in ghosts? Do you believe that thoughtless and relentless acts of violence can create them? If you answered yes to both of those questions, you need to hear the story of the Ghosts of Fort Griswold in Connecticut.

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The Attack 

On September 6, 1781, during the Revolutionary War, Benedict Arnold (nipple head) led a British force to attack New London and Groton, Connecticut. Arnold had his eye on destroying American ships and military supplies. The British attacked Fort Trumbull, and then Fort Griswold on the opposite side of the Thames River. Colonel William Ledyard was commanding the American resistance.

The British called on the American forces to surrender, at first, they ignored that command. Eventually, Ledyard told his men to give up but when they did, a British officer killed Ledyard by stabbing him with his own sword (the 1700s equivalent of a sucker punch). At this point, the British went on a killing spree, stabbing men with bayonets even after they had surrendered. Around 85 Americans were killed, and many others were wounded or taken prisoner.

The Aftermath 

Not only were 85 Americans killed but the attack on New London was pure devastation. Arnold and his men set fire to over 140 buildings, including homes, warehouses, and ships. The British also killed civilians, looted and damaged the town in a chaotic fashion. In a final act of terror, British soldiers set fire to Groton on their way back to New York.

The Haunting 

Today, people believe the fort is haunted by the spirits of those who died there. Many feel the soldiers’ restless spirits still linger, and the area is said to be filled with terrifying sights and sounds. Locals have reported many strange events and even claim they've seen ghosts.

According to accounts published in Connecticut's Ghost Stories and Legends by Thomas D'Agostino and Arlene Nicholson, paranormal investigators have:

• Documented EVP recordings of voices with British accents.
• Captured photographs of unusual orbs
• Photographed a face inside the Avery House.
• Recorded the voice of a young girl, heard practicing her ABCs in the staff headquarters.

If I heard a little ghost girl doing the ABCs, I would doodie my pants and run until mty legs gave out completely.

P.S. I'm still mad at the stupid British (Rev War Era) for this. Oh, and don't get me started on Benedict Arnold!

Just look at him begging Major Andre to allow him to sniff his feet, shameless! He was actually asking Andre to put a secret letter in his boot to bring the British, but I wouldn't be surprised to learn that he took a deep toe whiff along the way.