Haunted Winchester House

By Crusader1307

 A fixture in San Jose, California a long a subject of Paranormal Studies, The Winchester Mystery House began construction in 1884. Building never stopped as it were, and it would continue for nearly 38 years. Owned by William Winchester the Owner of The Winchester Rifle Company, William never lived there. The bulk of the Mansion was began by his Widow Sarah. Tragedy followed Sarah. The death of her Husband from Tuberculous coupled with the death of their only daughter (infant), made Sarah (as some said) very interested in The Paranormal and The Occult. Sarah became an avid believer in Ghosts. Many stated at the time that she hired hundreds of Carpenters and Builders to construct what Sarah hoped was a Spirit proof home.

Later named The Mystery House , The Mansion features a myriad of staircases that lead to nowhere, windows installed on the interior of the home, odd angle and ceilings designed to channel malevolent energies . Originally 7-Stories high (after The Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906) it was reduced to only 4-Stories. There are 161 Rooms, 40 Bedrooms, 17 Fireplaces and much more. The Mansion occupies 162 acres of land. Much of Sarah's time was spent in the study of The Supernatural often having Seances conducted. Sarah earnestly felt that that her home was constantly assaulted by the Spirits of those killed by her Husband s firearms (Winchester Rifle). Sarah also was preoccupied with the number 13. So much so, that it was used  in much of her building. In fact, the tradition was created by her that at 1300 O Clock (the 24-hour time variant of 1:00 PM) a Bell is rung 12 times, still continues.

Dying in 1922, The Winchester Mansion passed into Trust, where it has been maintained every since. Today, thousands come to The Mystery House to tour the Victorian Era Home and hope to catch a glimpse of a Ghost . By way of investigation, the only Paranormal Investigation ever held at The Mansion was in 1990. It was determined that The Mansion is a hotspot of Paranormal Activities. The Mansion served as inspiration for American Horror Writer Stephen King's Novella "Rose Red" as well as a host of ''Haunted House" Movies over the years.