Haunted houses are homes that are believed to be inhabited by ghosts, spirits, or demons.

While many do not believe in other-worldly existence, some tales are too bizarre to question.

All over the world, stories about sightings, malevolent occurrences, even demonic possession seem to surround certain homes.

Now referred to as the most famous haunted houses in the United States, these homes have caused great controversy.

Paranormal investigators have gone above and beyond to document stories about these homes.

Built in a different era and inhabited by different people, each of these homes is unique.

However, they all share spooky stories that have sometimes started and ended in death.

Here are the 5 most haunted houses in the United States:

1.  Villisca Ax Murder House, Villisca, Iowa 

Villisca Ax Murder House

Our first haunted house story starts with an eerie murder.

In June 1912, an unknown individual with an ax murdered Josiah and Sarah Moore, their four children, and two guests.

Never solved,  the Villisca murder case is still considered a mystery to this very day.

Since then, the house has been a center for paranormal activity.

Widely reported incidents include apparitions, footsteps, and voices.

The most common occurrence comes in the form of children’s laughter and crying.

Although the home has no running water or electricity, you can spend the night at the Villisca Ax Murder House for $400-plus.

2. The Sallie House, Atchison, Kansas

The Sallie House

If you visit this house, expect to meet apparitions, flying objects, and items reappearing all over the house.

It is believed that a little girl named Sallie, who was the victim of a failed appendectomy, sparked the hauntings.

Although there is no evidence that little Sallie ever lived or died in the house, the rumor lives on.

Residents and paranormal investigators have additionally reported scratches, burns, and cuts on their bodies.

The property is empty but still attracts fans of the paranormal who record their own experiences.

3. Lizzie Borden House, Fall River, Massachusetts

Lizzie Borden House

Another house that starts with a gruesome murder, as two individuals were found axed to death in their home in 1892.

They were Lizzie Borden’s father and stepmother.

Although acquitted of the crime due to lack of physical evidence, Lizzie was the prime suspect at the time.

Despite her acquittal, many believe she had committed the heinous act.

You can hear Lizzie laughing at the top of the stairs late at night.

Sightings also include her murdered parents and a maid screaming for help.

The house is now a museum and bed and breakfast.

Guests continue to report paranormal visions and voices.

4. Lemp Mansion, St. Louis, Montana

Lemp Mansion

The Lemp Mansion is currently a restaurant and Inn that harbors a dark secret.

Four members of the prominent Lemp family, owners of the Lemp Brewing Company, killed themselves between 1904 and 1949.

Three of them did so inside the mansion itself.

Guests have reportedly heard footsteps, knocking on doors, and even slamming doors.

They also frequently report the uncomfortable feeling of being watched.

Shadows and apparitions, especially that of a little boy, are also common throughout the mansion.

The little boy will usually ask guests to play with him.

5. The Amityville Horror House, Amityville, New York 

The Amityville Horror House

On November 13, 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr killed every member of his family as they slept with a rifle.

His victims were his parents and four siblings.

A little over a year later, the Lutz family moved in and abruptly left after living in the house less than a month.

They had experienced cold spots, odd smells, slamming doors and moving objects.

Their youngest daughter had even befriended what they referred to as a demonic entity.

To read more about strange houses see also:

Weird Homes: the most Unconventional Converted Houses

Cartoon Houses: Real Life Houses Inspired By Cartoon

Hanging Architecture: The Most Amazing Tree houses Around The World

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