The Haunted Ropes Mansion
Posted: 09.24.2024 | Updated: 10.18.2024
When most people hear Salem, images of witches and Halloween come to mind. It’s certainly earned its spooky reputation. Salem is known as one of the most haunted towns in New England and has a long history of ghostly tales beyond the infamous Salem witch trials.
Today, Salem, Massachusetts, has embraced its spooky heritage with haunted houses, historical museums, and festivals. The town often sees massive numbers of people flocking to its streets in October for Halloween fun. Who would have guessed the city tied to America’s most talked about witch trials would eventually embrace its legacy?
Why is the Ropes Mansion Haunted?
One of the best parts of the Salem experience is the Ropes Mansion.
After a long history, including a fire that gutted the place, the Ropes Mansion was restored and opened to the public in 2015. Although the mansion was steeped in tragedy and death in its long history, these days, it’s a far cry from such grim beginnings with a tranquil flower garden, pristine greenhouse, and dog-friendly grounds.
However, some parts of its more eerie past remain - chiefly the numerous ghosts that still haunt the mansion. That’s right; “ghosts” is the plural. Read on to learn more about the ghosts that haunt this mansion, and book a ghost tour with Salem Ghosts to learn about the haunted history of this unique city.
The Early Years of the Ropes Mansion
As mentioned, the Ropes Mansion has a long and tragic history. It was built for a Massachusetts merchant by the name of Samuel Barnard. Originally from Deerfield, Barnard moved to Salem after the unfortunate death of his wife and son and after surviving an Indian raid on his town.
Barnard’s luck would begin to turn around in Salem as his business prospered enough for him to construct a beautiful mansion. However, his earlier dark days would serve as grim foreshadowing for the future residents of his mansion.
Eventually, Barnard gave his mansion to his nephew, who would sell it to the Ropes family for a then-impressive eight hundred pound price. It was with the Ropes family that it would remain for many years. When they purchased the mansion, Nathaniel Ropes, a Harvard-educated judge, was the patriarch of the Ropes Family. He was an important man and, by all accounts, well-liked.
That is, until the Revolutionary War.
During the war, Judge Ropes remained loyal to the Crown. Not a popular stance in New England, an angry mob appeared outside his mansion to protest his allegiance to England. Already sick with smallpox, it’s widely believed that the stress from the mob contributed to Ropes’ untimely demise. After the war ended, Judge Ropes's son, Nathaniel Ropes III, moved back to the home with his wife, Sarah. They had three children- Abigail, Sarah (Sally), and Nathaniel lV.
Unfortunately, the endings weren’t much brighter for the rest of the Ropes family. Sally’s husband died at 22 of tuberculosis. Abigail Ropes died in 1839 after her dress caught fire when she walked too close to the fireplace. Sally’s daughter, Elizabeth, would later die in the mansion of tuberculosis at 24 years old. Even the mansion wasn’t immune; it caught fire during renovations in 1894.
The Haunting of Ropes Mansion
Of course, it’s to be expected that with the tragic history of this house, some spectral elements might remain in it. The Ropes Mansion ghosts seem to have some unfinished business, as they just won’t leave the place, no matter how many times it’s renovated or visited by tourists.
The first of the ghosts is Judge Nathaniel Ropes himself. According to eyewitnesses, he mostly keeps to himself, walking around the mansion’s museum, looking longingly at family furniture, and hanging around near some of his old belongings. His favorite haunt is his old couch in the front hall, where he sits, naps, and occasionally frightens the unsuspecting visitors.
People say Nathaniel’s ghost hangs around because of his anger at his neighbors for their role in the mob. He feels as though he died too young, and his hanging around after his time is his little way of getting revenge.
But he’s not the only Ropes family member haunting these halls.
Nabby’s Pranks
Abigail Ropes (nicknamed Nabby) has also stuck around the mansion. Like Nathaniel, she too is bitter at her untimely end and is said to be constantly reliving her tragic accident. People have reported sounds of a woman screaming now and again - perhaps Abigail’s harsh reaction to walking by the same fireplace that killed her.
However, despite her holding onto her unfortunate end, it is said that Abigail’s ghost still likes to have fun now and again. Unlike Nathaniel, she likes to venture outside more, walking around the property and taking in the views. Many people report a strange woman looking out of a second-floor window, even after the mansion is closed to the public. Most people who live around Salem believe that to be Abigail herself, looking out at her beloved town from the comfort of her home.
She has a wicked sense of humor, too. Visitors will report feeling as though a cold hand taps them on the shoulder, only for said hand to vanish when they turn around to find the culprit. Objects will also sometimes move independently, and doors will open and close.
Some Disney Magic
Fans of the 1993 cult classic Hocus Pocus may recognize the Ropes Mansion. That’s because, in the movie, the Ropes Mansion is used as the filming location for the home of Allison - Max’s love interest in the film. Notably, it’s featured in the scene where Max and Dani learn about the legend of the Sanderson Sisters. Since coming out, legions of fans have flocked to the home to experience the magic that the Ropes Mansion holds, both on and off the screen.
Haunted Salem
Nowadays, the Ropes Mansion is no longer in the hands of the Ropes Family. It was donated to the county by the last Ropes family members who lived here - Mary and Eliza. If you want to learn more about Salem and see some spooky sights, book a ghost tour with Salem Ghosts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and keep reading our blog for more real Massachusetts hauntings.
Sources:
https://www.pem.org/historic-houses/ropes-mansion
https://tattednomad.com/10-haunted-places-in-salem-massachusetts
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