(Published with permission from Discover Saint John)
Saint John’s streets are alive with history, but it’s the whispers of the past that truly capture the imagination. Beneath the surface of this historic port city lies a world of eerie legends, sordid battles, and ghostly encounters waiting to be uncovered.
Dare to explore the haunted side of Saint John?
Disclaimer: While this blog is meant for entertainment purposes and the ghost stories are all speculation, the historical facts provided for each location are true and may be upsetting to some due to the nature of the content.
The County Courthouse – Gallows Hill
20 Sydney Street, Saint John
In 1825, the County Courthouse began to take shape in the heart of Saint John, designed by architect John Cunningham, who was known for his designs of many prominent Saint John buildings of the period. One of the most striking elements of the Courthouse was the stone staircase that still today spirals upward for three stories, even without a central support. Legend has it that this staircase once raised eyebrows among the government of the day, who deemed it unsafe and refused to cover the costs of its construction. Cunningham gathered 49 men off the street and stood them on the stairs all at once. To everyone’s astonishment, the staircase held firm, and the bill was finally paid. The Courthouse was used until late 2012, yet the story of this historic building continues, as the Saint John Theatre Company begins to transform the space into a vibrant performance venue.
Spooky Speculations: Behind the Courthouse lies a dark piece of Saint John’s history: Gallows Hill. What remains now is a partial rock wall which once stood as the final sight for many who met their fate there. This space was the site of public executions. Visitors to the area today claim to hear faint, echoing creaks carried by the wind. Others have spoken of shadowy figures glimpsed near the wall. Though the physical remnants may be few, the lingering energy is something that just can’t be ignored.
