If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys uncovering history with a side of the unexplained, then your next must-visit destination lies tucked away in the seaport city of Newport, Rhode Island. At first glance, the Liberty Hotel (formerly the Newport Jail) looks like an ordinary boutique inn steeped in colonial elegance. But behind its imposing granite walls lies a darker, more chilling past — one whispered through creaking floors, phantom footsteps, and ice-cold breezes cascading down otherwise warm hallways.
Once a functioning jailhouse that locked away criminals and revolutionaries alike, the Liberty Hotel has since been repurposed into a unique lodging experience that pays careful homage to its storied history. Whether you’re a paranormal investigator, curious traveler, or history buff, this offbeat destination offers more than just a bed for the night — it offers a portal into the past.
The History
From Colonial Law to Modern Lodging
The building that today stands as the Liberty Hotel dates back to the late 18th century, around 1772, when construction began on what would become the Newport Jail. At the time, Newport was one of the most bustling ports in the American colonies, and with that commerce came crime. The jail was constructed out of heavy granite blocks, chosen for durability and security, and it was built to house a range of criminals — from petty thieves to dangerous outlaws.
Unlike today’s correctional facilities, early American jails were sparse, cold, and unforgiving. Inmates were often confined in small, damp cells with minimal ventilation. The Newport Jail was no exception. Designed as a high-security holding place, it emphasized punishment and containment more than rehabilitation.
Famous Inmates & Political Prisoners
Throughout its long service, the Newport Jail held more than its fair share of colorful characters. During the Revolutionary War, British loyalists and suspected spies were imprisoned within its walls. The jail also famously held members of the infamous pirate crew led by Captain Thomas Tew, a local man who turned to piracy in the 1690s and created lasting maritime lore in the region.
It wasn’t uncommon for the jail to feature prominently in political upheavals over the centuries. Records show that dissenters and dissenting voices — some committed to abolition and others involved in labor movements — were imprisoned here. It became more than just a place to house criminals; it was a silent witness to America’s struggle and transformation.
Decline and Closure
By the early 20th century, the Newport Jail had become outdated and inadequate by modern law enforcement standards. Prisons across the country were being revamped to reflect humanitarian reforms, while the Newport Jail remained a relic. It officially closed its doors as a functioning jail in the 1950s and sat vacant for decades, succumbing to time, dust, and decay.
But like many historic buildings in Rhode Island, it was eventually rediscovered and reimagined. Developers turned the site into the Liberty Hotel — carefully preserving the original stone layout and cell structures — giving travelers the rare opportunity to sleep in a cell-turned-suite, complete with stories (and possibly spirits) from centuries past.
The Haunt
The Spirits That Stayed Behind
It should come as no surprise that a building with as much turmoil, suffering, and political imprisonments as the Newport Jail would leave behind more than just history. Many guests, and even staff of the Liberty Hotel (formerly the Newport Jail), have reported unexplained phenomena that defy conventional explanation.
- Phantom Footsteps: Guests have frequently heard footsteps in the corridors — particularly at night — when there is no one there. The sounds often mimic booted footsteps and are clear enough to give the impression someone is approaching your room.
- Shadowy Apparitions: Several visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures in the stairwells or peeking around corners. These figures disappear upon closer inspection, leading many to believe they are full-bodied apparitions of past inmates or guards.
- Cold Spots: Unexplained cold drafts are felt throughout the rooms and hallways, even during the summer months. Paranormal investigators note that these cold spots are especially strong in what used to be solitary confinement cells — now converted into compact, eerie suites.
- Disembodied Voices: Some guests have reported hearing voices — whispering, crying, or moaning — particularly late at night. One visitor staying in Room 203 claimed to hear a woman sobbing uncontrollably, only to find the hallway outside completely empty.
Historical Paranormal Investigations
Numerous paranormal investigation groups, both local and national, have passed through the Liberty Hotel in search of answers. EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) sessions have yielded unsettling results: responses to questions, sudden spikes in EMF readings, and audio clips capturing what can only be described as cries or groans from another time.
One paranormal team from Boston captured a chilling EVP in the isolation cell area. When asking, “Are you here with us?” a gravelly voice is heard distinctly replying, “Still here.”
The Ghost of a Jailor?
A recurring story told by both guests and night staff is that of a former jailor thought to have died of a heart attack inside the building during a prisoner escape attempt. His figure — stocky, uniformed, and looming — is often seen in the early hours of the morning near what is now the front desk. Though he has never been reported as malevolent, his energy is enough to make an elevator ride or a solitary walk down the hallway feel… watched.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit for Ghost Hunters
Whether you’re here for the historical gravity or the ghostly encounters, a stay at the Liberty Hotel (formerly the Newport Jail) delivers on both. Where else can you sip artisanal coffee in a cell block or lay your head in a former solitary confinement room said to be haunted by the cries of former inmates?
The hotel blends boutique luxury with one of the most authentic atmospheres you’ll find anywhere in Rhode Island. For ghost hunters, it’s more than just a cool spot — it’s a veritable paranormal hotspot, with layers of tragic and eerie tales to uncover. Bring your EMF detectors, your night vision cameras, and most importantly, your courage.
If you’re ready to blend comfort with a side of otherworldly intrigue, add the Liberty Hotel to your haunted travel itinerary. It may just be one of New England’s most underrated paranormal gems — a place where the past truly refuses to rest.