If you’re a fan of colonial American history with a touch of the supernatural, then the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion in Portsmouth, New Hampshire should be at the top of your must-visit list. Overlooking the picturesque Little Harbor, this sprawling estate is the only surviving residence of a royal governor in the American colonies. But it isn’t just history buffs who flock to this site—it’s also a hotspot for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts intrigued by its centuries-old past and chilling tales of lingering spirits. With its elegant Georgian architecture, creaking wood floors, and shadowy corners, the mansion is both a historical marvel and a mysterious enigma waiting to be explored.
The History
Birthplace of Colonial Power
The Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion was originally constructed in the mid-1700s as the home of Benning Wentworth, the first royal governor of New Hampshire. Appointed by King George II in 1741, Wentworth governed the province with aristocratic flair until 1767. Although we often associate colonial governors with the political struggles leading up to the American Revolution, Wentworth’s reign reflects a fascinating period of expansion, development, and early American identity. His lavish residence served not only as a personal retreat but also a political hub where decisions affecting the entire colony were made.
The home itself, a serpentine-like building with multiple additions, overlooks the water and once served as the governor’s office, reception space, and hosting ground for European nobility and influential colonists. It was as much a symbol of wealth as it was of authority. Rooms were adorned with imported materials, elaborate woodwork, and period furnishings that echo 18th-century luxury and power. Even today, the mansion exudes an aura of prestige and mystery, largely due to its preservation and isolated setting.
The Coolidge Connection
After Governor Wentworth’s death, the mansion dwindled in prestige before eventually passing through several owners until it was acquired by the Coolidge family in the 19th century. The Coolidges were instrumental in preserving the estate. In the early 20th century, landscape painter J. Templeman Coolidge and his wife rose to prominence within artistic and historical preservation circles. They restored portions of the mansion and donated it to the state of New Hampshire in 1954 to ensure its continued care.
The home became a historic site, open to tourists and academics interested in colonial governance and architecture. Over the years, curators and historians have painstakingly restored various sections to represent the mansion’s 18th-century appearance. Today, visitors can walk through its eleven rooms filled with period furniture, portraits, and interpretive displays. Every molding, fireplace, and faded manuscript holds a whisper of the past, giving visitors an eerie sense that they are not alone.
Architectural Oddities
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion is its unique shape. The house was built and expanded over time in an almost haphazard fashion, resulting in a structure that bends and curves in ways that defy standard colonial layouts. The sprawling design produces narrow hallways, oddly shaped rooms, and unexpected nooks—perfect for hiding secrets or, some speculate, specters.
This unconventional layout adds to the mystique of the mansion. Many believe that certain architectural anomalies were not accidental but deliberate choices to accommodate secret meetings or ritual practices—offering endless fodder for ghost stories and speculative theories among paranormal circles.
The Haunt
Ghostly Governors and Whispering Walls
While many historic mansions claim to have their share of specters, the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion boasts a surprisingly well-documented history of paranormal activity. From unexplained footsteps and cold spots to ghostly apparitions and disembodied voices, the mansion has all the makings of a classic haunted hotspot. Employees, tour guides, and visitors alike have all reported eerie happenings that defy logical explanation.
The most commonly seen apparition is believed to be none other than Governor Benning Wentworth himself. Dressed in regal 18th-century attire, he has allegedly been spotted pacing the halls or gazing out over the harbor from his former study window. Those sensitive to energy changes often report a sudden chill or tightening in their chest when entering the governor’s rooms, suggesting a spiritual residue of his once-dominant presence still lingers.
The Red Room Mystery
One room that particularly seems to attract paranormal activity is known colloquially among staff as “The Red Room.” Though appealing in its warm décor and historic furniture, the room has been a site of frequent disturbances. Visitors have reported objects moving on their own, a sensation of being watched, and even mysterious whispering voices when no one else was present. Paranormal investigators using EMF detectors and EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) equipment have recorded abnormal readings in this very space, leading many to believe that a spirit—possibly tied to tragic events or former ownership—remains anchored there.
Phantom Footsteps and Excursions After Dark
Footsteps are another commonly reported occurrence. Often described as heavy bootfalls over creaking floorboards, these sounds tend to happen late in the evening or during quiet moments when the mansion is thought to be empty. Security personnel and custodians doing after-hours checks have encountered these sounds echoing through the halls, particularly in the wing that once housed guests and servants.
Some suggest these are not the steps of Governor Wentworth, but rather those of his loyal staff who continue to serve him in the afterlife. There have even been spooky tales of doors mysteriously opening and closing with no draft, and temperature drops that can’t be explained by old insulation alone.
Paranormal Investigations and Eyewitness Accounts
Several noted paranormal investigation groups have conducted overnight vigils at the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion. Their findings have only fueled the house’s ghostly reputation. Thermal imaging has picked up unexplained heat signatures, while audio recordings have caught static-laced voices uttering single words like “leave,” “here,” and “home.” These findings are still under review, but they offer tantalizing evidence for those who believe the mansion houses more than just antiques.
One prominent New England medium reported making contact with a spirit who claimed to be a former maid, abused by a past resident and now trapped within the confines of “her quarters.” Her story, though unverifiable, reflects the darker underbelly of life in colonial mansions—where class, secrets, and unspoken traumas often simmered beneath the surface harmony.
Conclusion: Visit If You Dare
Whether you’re a student of colonial architecture, a history enthusiast eager to walk in the footsteps of Benning Wentworth, or a ghost hunter hoping to commune with an 18th-century spirit, the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion offers an unforgettable experience. There’s something undeniably magnetic about the mansion’s tranquil harbor setting juxtaposed with its rich history and eerie vibe. The thin veil between past and present seems especially sheer here, inviting both researchers and supernatural seekers to peel it back.
If you’re planning a ghost-hunting road trip through New England, make sure the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion is on your list. Bring your EMF meter, your respect for the past, and your sense of adventure. Who knows—you might leave with a story that’s centuries old, whispered to you by someone who never truly left.