Union Cemetery

Union Cemetery, located in the small town of Piketon, Ohio, is known for its ghostly legends and eerie atmosphere. Steeped in history, this cemetery has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted places in the state, with a variety of paranormal activity reported by both locals and visitors.

WRITTEN BY

James Sutton

Established in 1803, this burial ground has stood for over two centuries, holding the graves of many of the region’s earliest settlers, as well as Civil War veterans and other prominent community figures. Over the years, however, its haunting history has overshadowed its peaceful role as a final resting place, with numerous reports of ghostly encounters and paranormal activity.

Ghostly Legends and Hauntings:

The White Lady: Union Cemetery is perhaps best known for the ghostly figure of the “White Lady,” a spectral woman often seen in the cemetery, dressed in a flowing white gown. She is said to appear near the entrance or walking along the paths between graves. Witnesses have reported seeing her vanish into thin air, or in some cases, watching her glide silently among the tombstones.
Apparitions of Civil War Soldiers: Several reports suggest sightings of Civil War-era soldiers haunting the cemetery. Some believe these apparitions are tied to the numerous veterans buried at Union Cemetery, and they are often described as appearing in uniform, walking solemnly among the graves or standing watch near the entrance.
Strange Noises and Unexplained Phenomena: Visitors have reported hearing disembodied footsteps, the sound of rustling leaves, and unexplained whispers coming from the darkness. Some have also felt sudden drops in temperature, even on warm days, which is often interpreted as a sign of paranormal activity.
The Haunted Bench: There’s a particularly spooky legend associated with a weathered stone bench in the cemetery. Some people claim that when they sit on the bench, they feel an unsettling pressure or a cold, ghostly presence beside them. Others report seeing a figure sitting there in the dark, only for the figure to disappear when they approach.
Unexplained Lights: On some nights, bright orbs of light are said to hover above the graves, particularly near the older sections of the cemetery. These mysterious lights have been observed by both ghost hunters and casual visitors and remain unexplained by scientific means.

Paranormal Investigations:

Local Investigations: Union Cemetery has become a popular destination for paranormal investigators and ghost hunters. The cemetery’s reputation has been documented on several ghost-hunting shows and in books about Ohio’s haunted locations. Investigators have captured strange EVPs (electronic voice phenomena), photos of ghostly figures, and unusual energy readings.
Tales from Locals: Locals often tell stories of personal experiences, such as driving by the cemetery at night and seeing figures standing by the graves or hearing the faint sound of someone crying. One common story is of a group of friends who ventured into the cemetery at night and encountered cold spots and the sensation of being watched by unseen eyes.

Visiting Union Cemetery:

Union Cemetery is open to the public and can be accessed during daylight hours. However, given its reputation for hauntings, it’s best to visit with respect for the historical significance of the site, as well as for those who are laid to rest there. For those looking to experience the cemetery’s eerie atmosphere firsthand, it’s recommended to visit at dusk or in the evening, when the cemetery’s ghostly presence is said to be at its peak.

Location: Union Cemetery is located off State Route 23, just outside of Piketon, Ohio. The cemetery is easily accessible by car, though it’s recommended to exercise caution when visiting after dark due to the rural, isolated nature of the area.

Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, Union Cemetery remains a chilling reminder of Ohio’s haunted past, where history and the supernatural meet beneath the ancient trees and weathered gravestones.