The Haunting at University of Vermont – Burlington, Vermont

  • By: Gareth Popovic
  • Date: 17 January 2024
  • Time to read: 6 min.

Introduction of University of Vermont

An unsettling air shrouds the University of Vermont, Burlington’s intellectual stronghold. The tapestry of eerie whispers and shadows, where the quest for knowledge blends with the enigmatic and unknown, is hidden beneath the vivid façade. As you step through the door, get ready to explore not just the academic hallways but also the spectral spaces of a university whose mysteries are hidden in the otherworldly.

History of University of Vermont

Established in 1791, the University of Vermont (UVM) holds the distinction of being Vermont’s largest higher education institute. It proudly stands as the fifth university founded in New England, a testament to its enduring commitment to academic excellence. However, beneath its scholarly façade lies a campus steeped in eerie tales and ghostly legends.

Over the years, the campus has absorbed many homes, each with its own spectral resident. The Counseling Centre, once Captain John Nabb’s residence, echoes with paranormal activity. Staff members report encounters with Nabb, who, in the afterlife, manifests through knocking over buckets and slamming doors and windows.

The Public Relations building harbors the spirit of its former owner, John E Booth. His presence is marked by inexplicable banging noises resonating throughout the house, a lingering testament to his spectral existence. The most haunted among UVM’s buildings is The Bittersweet House, where visitors claim to have witnessed full-body apparitions. Legend suggests the ghost is Margaret Smith, a widow who lived in seclusion until her death in 1961.

UVM boasts more haunted buildings than any other place in Vermont, solidifying its reputation as one of the state’s most haunted locations. Amidst the pursuit of knowledge, the campus conceals a spectral history, inviting those who dare to explore the intersection of academia and the supernatural.

Historic University of Vermont
Historic University of Vermont – Credit Ghostwalk

Haunting Legends and Supernatural Phenomena

Spirit of Student Henry – Converse Hall

Converse Hall at the University of Vermont is infamous for its haunting activity. Legend has it that the attic is haunted by a student named Henry who took his own life in the 1920s due to academic pressures. Henry’s ghost is said to cause slamming doors, knocking over objects, and rearranging dorm furniture. Some, however, attribute the disturbances to an engineering student who died in an electrical accident in the 1980s.

In Converse Hall, students share stories of the ghostly presence in the attic believed to be Henry, a student overwhelmed by academic stress in the 1920s. Doors mysteriously slam, objects fall, and dorm furniture shifts without explanation. Alternatively, some argue that these occurrences stem from a more recent tragedy—the death of an engineering student in an electrical accident during the 1980s. The debate adds an extra layer of mystery to Converse Hall, leaving students both intrigued and uneasy.

As night falls over the University of Vermont, Converse Hall retains its haunted reputation. Whether it’s Henry’s ghost or the lingering energy of the engineering student, the unexplained phenomena continue to capture students’ imaginations. The tales of slamming doors and rearranging furniture ensure that Converse Hall remains a place where the line between the living and the supernatural blurs. The haunting legacy persists, making Converse Hall an enduring part of the University of Vermont’s folklore.\

Read Also: Vermont Police Academy

Wandering Spirits – Bittersweet & Jacobs House

The University of Vermont harbors a ghostly tale centered around the Jacobs House on South Williams Street. This building, now home to the Center for Counseling and Testing, is believed to be haunted by a 19th-century sea captain who lived there until his death in 1877. Witnesses recount seeing the apparition of an elderly man descending the stairs, flickering like a “jellyfish” before disappearing.

The Jacobs House is steeped in supernatural encounters linked to the sea captain’s ghost. Descriptions of the spectral figure descending the stairs and exhibiting an ethereal quality contribute to the eerie reputation of the building. Janitors have reported strange incidents, such as lights turning on, buckets toppling over, and other poltergeist-like activities, adding to the mystique surrounding the Jacobs House.

Other campus buildings have their own ghostly tales. Bittersweet House, home to the agriculture department, reportedly houses a female ghost in late 19th-century attire. Witnesses share unexpected sightings of this apparition, introducing an element of mystery to the surroundings. Similarly, the Center for Cultural Pluralism in Allen House is said to have a ghost on the top floor. Though unseen, a chilling presence is felt, further deepening the connection to the supernatural.

Popular Culture and Media Coverage of University of Vermont

The University of Vermont, well-known for its enigmatic atmosphere and rich history, has been the focus of numerous scholarly investigations and documentaries examining the paranormal. It was particularly important in the fascinating series “Academic Enigmas: Unveiling Paranormal Chronicles,” in which investigators investigated the spooky stories and uncomfortable experiences at the institution.

In the realm of literature, the University of Vermont has left an indelible mark, appearing in works such as “Abandoned Vermont: Down Forgotten Backroads” by Marie Desrosiers and “The Vermont Ghost Guide” by Joseph A. Citro. These literary pieces unveil the otherworldly narratives surrounding the campus, offering enthralling glimpses into its spectral past.

Presently, the University of Vermont stands as a destination of fascination for history enthusiasts and those intrigued by the paranormal, drawn to its mysterious presence in scholarly culture and media. This academic landmark exudes an air of curiosity and the supernatural, beckoning all who desire an immersive encounter with its captivating and enigmatic ambiance.

Conclusion University of Vermont

The ghostly echoes of the University of Vermont’s eerie past reverberate throughout the academic experience as you say it farewell. The whispers of forgotten legends are carried by Burlington’s breezes, and the shadows you leave behind preserve the mysterious narratives that have grown to be an essential part of this illustrious organization. Never forget that the University of Vermont’s strange past will always follow you, acting as a spectral guide on your quest for knowledge, as you walk forth into the world. The mysteries of this scholarly sanctuary will continue to beckon from the shadows until the day you return, waiting to divulge their secrets to those who have the courage to listen.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Where is the University of Vermont located?

A: The University of Vermont is situated in Burlington, Vermont.

Q: Are there any haunted locations on the University of Vermont campus?

A: Yes, the Jacobs House is renowned for its spectral tales, housing the ghost of a 19th-century sea captain. Other haunted spots include Converse Hall, where the ghostly presence of Henry is said to linger.

Q: Can you provide more details about the ghost in Jacobs House?

A: Certainly, the Jacobs House is believed to be haunted by a 19th-century sea captain who lived there until his death in 1877. Witnesses have reported seeing his ghostly form descending the stairs, flickering like a “jellyfish” before disappearing.

Q: Is there any other haunted building on campus besides Jacobs House?

A: Yes, Converse Hall is another infamous location with reports of paranormal activity. The ghost of Henry, a student from the 1920s, is said to manifest through slamming doors, knocking over objects, and rearranging dorm furniture.

Q: Are there female ghosts on campus, as mentioned in the legends?

A: Indeed, Bittersweet House, home to the agriculture department, is rumored to have a female ghost in late 19th-century attire, adding an extra layer of mystery to the campus folklore.

Q: What is the significance of Allen House in the ghost stories?

A: Allen House, currently housing the Center for Cultural Pluralism, reportedly has a ghost residing on the top floor. While not visually seen, a chilling presence is felt in the vicinity, contributing to the supernatural reputation of the building.

Q: How did the legends of the haunted locations become part of the University of Vermont’s history?

A: The legends surrounding haunted locations on campus have been passed down through generations, shared among students, staff, and the local community. These stories contribute to the rich tapestry of the university’s history and add an air of mystery to its historic buildings.

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