The Haunted House on Benefit Street

Published: September 30, 2024

Benefit Street, a historic thoroughfare in Providence, Rhode Island, is renowned for its elegant Federal-style mansions.But beneath the stately facades lie tales of the supernatural, including the haunting of a particular house near the top of the hill.

The house in question, a grand three-story structure, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young woman named Elizabeth. According to local lore, Elizabeth was a member of a wealthy family who lived in the house during the 19th century. She was known for her beauty and charm, but also for her rebellious spirit.

One evening, Elizabeth was attending a masquerade ball when she met a young man from a rival family. The two fell deeply in love, but their families forbade their union. Heartbroken, Elizabeth decided to elope with her lover. However,their plans were discovered, and Elizabeth was forbidden to leave the house.

Desperate to be with her beloved, Elizabeth climbed out of a window and attempted to escape. Tragically, she slipped and fell to her death. Some say she was struck by a carriage, while others believe she drowned in the nearby river.

Since that fateful night, Elizabeth’s ghost is said to haunt the house on Benefit Street. Witnesses claim to have seen her wandering the halls, her ethereal figure draped in a white gown. Some have heard her mournful cries echoing through the night. Others report feeling a cold draft or a sudden chill in the presence of the ghost.

The house has been the subject of numerous paranormal investigations, with investigators claiming to have captured EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) and other evidence of supernatural activity. Despite these claims, the existence of Elizabeth’s ghost remains a matter of debate.

Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, the tale of the haunted house on Benefit Street adds a touch of mystery to this historic neighborhood. The legend of Elizabeth’s tragic love story continues to captivate locals and visitors, reminding us that even in the most elegant of homes, the past can sometimes linger.