The Whaley House is not only a museum that showcases the life and times of the Whaley family, but also a site of paranormal activity that has attracted ghost hunters and curious visitors for decades.
The Whaley House was built in 1857 by Thomas Whaley, a successful merchant and businessman who wanted to create the finest home in Southern California. The two-story Greek Revival house was made from bricks that Whaley produced in his own brickyard, and featured elegant furnishings and modern amenities. The house also served as a general store, a courthouse, a theater, and a community center.
However, the Whaley House also has a dark and tragic history that dates back to before its construction. The land where the house stands was once the site of a public gallows, where a notorious horse thief named Yankee Jim Robinson was hanged in 1852. According to legend, Whaley witnessed the execution and was unfazed by it. He bought the land and built his dream home on it, unaware of the curse that would haunt him and his family.
The Whaley family suffered many misfortunes while living in the house. Their second child, Thomas Jr., died of scarlet fever at 18 months old. Their daughter Violet committed suicide by shooting herself in the chest after a failed marriage. Their son Francis died of scarlet fever at 22 years old. Their daughter Corinne died of diphtheria at 18 months old. Thomas Whaley himself died of natural causes in 1890, followed by his wife Anna in 1913.
Many people believe that the spirits of the Whaley family and Yankee Jim Robinson still linger in the house, along with other unknown entities. Visitors and staff have reported hearing footsteps, voices, music, crying, laughing, and other strange noises. They have also seen apparitions, shadows, orbs, mists, and objects moving by themselves. Some have even felt cold spots, touches, pushes, and scratches.
The Whaley House is open to the public for daytime self-guided tours and evening guided tours. You can explore the interior and surrounding grounds of the house and learn about its history and hauntings. You can also join a paranormal investigation tour with an experienced guide and use ghost hunting equipment to communicate with the spirits. You might even witness some paranormal activity yourself.
The Whaley House is one of the most iconic attractions in San Diego and a must-see for anyone interested in history or the paranormal. Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, you will find something fascinating and thrilling in this haunted house. Just be prepared for some unexpected surprises along the way.
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