If you're fascinated by the supernatural side of Chicago, prepare to dive into a spine-chilling exploration of the city's most haunted locales. The Original Chicago Hauntings Companion by Ursula Bielski takes readers on an eerie journey through Chicago’s most infamous ghostly sites, unraveling the city’s dark past, historical landmarks, and the spirits said to still linger there. This newly released book is a perfect partner for Bielski’s renowned
Chicago ghost tours and offers a vivid, richly detailed companion for anyone seeking to experience Chicago's haunted history firsthand.
A Tour Through Chicago’s Dark History
Ursula Bielski, a respected Chicago historian and founder of Chicago Hauntings, has dedicated years to uncovering the ghostly tales hidden in the Windy City. Her book captures stories from notorious locations such as Lincoln Park, where unmarked graves and restless spirits from the city’s early days refuse to be forgotten, and the Hancock Center, infamous for its tragic and often unexplained deaths.
This book doesn’t just recount ghost stories—it dives into the history that shaped them. Readers are introduced to the tragic tale of the Fort Dearborn Massacre, where early Chicago settlers faced a brutal end, and the ghosts that many claim still haunt the city’s south end. The Companion brings out the voices of these past tragedies, transforming Chicago’s streets into a living, haunted map of memories.
Highlights of The Original Chicago Hauntings Companion
1. Ghosts of Lincoln Park: The area now known as Lincoln Park was once Chicago’s City Cemetery, and many buried there were never removed. Bielski’s account of this haunted park reveals the unsettling discovery of remains during renovations and construction. Locals and visitors alike report ghostly sightings, a chilling reminder of the area’s former use.
2. The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Site: No Chicago ghost book would be complete without mentioning this tragic piece of history. The book revisits one of the most violent days in Chicago’s Prohibition era, delving into the reported hauntings that followed the gangland murders orchestrated by Al Capone.
3. The Hancock Center - "Satan’s Skyscraper": Known for its distinct trapezoidal shape, the Hancock Center has seen numerous mysterious deaths and suicides since its completion. Bielski explores whether this architectural marvel carries a curse and investigates the haunted reputation that has gripped the building’s upper floors.
4. Resurrection Mary: One of Chicago’s most famous ghost stories, Resurrection Mary is said to haunt Archer Avenue and Resurrection Cemetery. This section of the book explores numerous sightings of the spirit of a young woman, dressed in white, who mysteriously vanishes when people try to offer her a ride home.
5. The Devil Baby of Hull House: Bielski recounts the story of Hull House’s famous “Devil Baby,” a local legend of a deformed infant born in the early 1900s. Sightings and mysterious sounds have kept this tale alive, with Hull House’s haunted reputation drawing visitors and paranormal investigators for generations.
Why This Book Is a Must-Read
Whether you’re a Chicago native, a history buff, or a paranormal enthusiast, The Original Chicago Hauntings Companion offers a compelling blend of historical facts and ghostly lore. Through Bielski’s captivating storytelling and expert research, the book brings Chicago’s haunted past to life. Her accounts are thorough, fascinating, and often chilling, making this book a page-turner for anyone interested in the supernatural side of history.
Each story in the book is also a testament to the city’s resilience. While Chicago is known for its architectural beauty and rich history, it’s the lesser-known, eerie tales of these iconic places that make the city’s history so memorable. The Original Chicago Hauntings Companion doesn’t just document these stories; it invites readers to imagine the lives—and afterlives—of Chicago’s past residents.
About Ursula Bielski
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