Even in the wake of springtime, Boston maintains its reputation as a spooky city. One way it does so is by monetizing the spirit presence through ghost tours.
Ghosts & Gravestones, arguably one of Boston’s most popular ghost tours, is where tourists and locals alike go to learn about the ghouls that roam Boston and their history.
Today, I’ll be reporting the ins and outs of the Ghosts & Gravestones tour so that you know how to best prepare for this spooky ride.
5:33p.m. – Arriving at the meetup spot, just boarded
Just left the Aquarium T stop off of the blue line. Greeted by a strange man with an open mouth and graveling voice. He led me to this trolly, which is pretty cool. Wooden benches line the car and purple velvet curtain adorn the curtains. Now we wait!
5:52p.m. — Waiting for take-off
It’s a little strange to be going on a ghost tour in broad daylight. But the sun feels nice through the plastic tarp windows. The actors are really in character. Some of my tour mates are unconvinced, though.
Take off is at 6p.m., but they require folks to arrive at the pick up location half an hour before, hence my early arrival. I’m excited to get started! I’ve always wanted to go on a ghost tour in a Boston trolley.
6:03pm — Monologue from tour guide
Introductory monologue from the weird guy with the graveling voice. Really cool guy! Ronoc is his name. He said he’s from the underworld or something. Not of this planet at least.
6:10pm – Cops Hill Burying Ground
One in every thousand was buried was alive here, according to Ronoc. At Cops Hill Burying Ground, he’s telling us about these alive burials.
6:18pm — About Daniel Malcolm
Over 10,000 bodies are buried at Cops Hill. That’s including Captain Daniel Malcom, who smuggled a whole bunch of wine into the Boston harbor without taxation. The Son of Liberty’s tomb was Ronoc’s favorite grave, who called Malcom “punk rock.”
6:43pm — Charles Hauntings and the Strangler
We delved into the hauntings of The Charlesgate Hotel, Charles Street and the Charles Street Jail. The Boston Strangler also gets a shoutout on this tour.
6:53pm — Boston Common visit
We arrive at the oldest park in the country. Ronoc discusses the gallows that were here in the 17th century, and even how many knots the nooses would have. He said about 40,000 bodies are estimated to be buried here.
6:59pm — Haunted Green Line
Ronoc tells us about the green line and how some train conductors would stop in their tracks as they saw apparitions of Red coats in their way, entrails pouring out. Apparently, the largest mass grave of English soldiers in Boston was right below the Boylston T stop.
7:06pm — Granary Graveyard
“2345, no one in here is alive!” That’s what Malachi Malice, our tour guide of Granary Graveyard, told us to remember the amount of people buried in the iconic lot.
Famous headstones here include Benjamin Franklin’s parents, Sam Adams and Paul Revere.
7:25pm — 10th floor of Omni Parker House
We drive by the Omni Parker Hotel, looking through the Last Hurrah. Ronoc comes back to tell us about the founder who haunts the 10th floor, asking patrons how their stay was.
7:32pm — Tour is over!
Just like that, the tour has come to an end! Overall it was informative, although try and go on a day where you will be accompanied by patrons who are eager to participate.
