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Prospect Place is a historic site that was once an important safe haven for those fleeing along the Underground Railroad. As they say, no good deed goes unpunished. The property’s purpose did not go unrecognized and it was sometimes the site of fear and turmoil.
Haunted Ohio: Prospect Place
c. 2011
Prospect Place is a 29 room mansion that was constructed in 1856 by abolitionist George Wilson Adams. This handsome property included a barn that was used as living quarters for ranch hands as well as a stable for horses.
Adams brought many modern conveniences to his property. He began work on a new mansion that wold be the first in Ohio to have indoor plumbing.
Adams began helping in the fight for social justice long before the mansion was built. His father freed the family’s slaves and sold their plantation. Adams and his brother built a flouring mill that became successful. Two additional mills were constructed. While these were sources of wealth, they were also used to help runaway slaves.
Slaves would often take refuge inside the mills. Adams would go so far as to help smuggle slaves out of the South, improving their chances for freedom.
Prospect Place was used in much the same way. A cupola installed on top of the building created a brilliant light that let slaves know they would find sanctuary inside. The property became an integral part of the Underground Railroad.
The new laws didn’t provide complete immunity to slaves who managed to escape. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 allowed bounty hunters to apprehend runaway slaves and take them back to their southern owners. It was also illegal to harbor slaves, which meant Adams was willing to break the law to help his fellow man.
A bounty hunter showed up in the 1850s, demanding that Adams hand over slaves staying on his land. The ranch hands protected Adams and scared off the bounty hunter. According to legend, they were so loyal that they took matters into their own hands. The group trailed the bounty hunter to his camp, forced him to return to the barn and hung him.
Paranormal Activity at Prospect Place
Blogger “Sparrow” shared personal experiences on the Haunted History of Columbus Ohio blog. They claimed to have captured many intriguing EVPs during their investigation. At one point, the blogger was playing period music when they captured a female voice clearly stating “Yes, I am.”
The bounty hunter’s angry spirit is also believed to remain on the property. He often appears as a dark figure in or near the barn. Some visitors also described feeling a light touch when no one was nearby.
A ghostly servant girl is seen on the front balcony. Many believe she became ill and wandered out onto the balcony then fell to her death. Her figure is sometimes spotted standing on the balcony and other times on the stairs.
Famous paranormal TV show Ghost Adventures investigated Prospect Place for their January 1st, 2010 episode.
Prospect Place Today
After the death of George Adams, Prospect Place fell into a state of disrepair. The children who inherited the estate squandered their financial gain. By the 1950s the landmark was abandoned.
Luckily the great-great grandson of Adams purchased the property and is now working to restore and preserve it. Those who spend time at the mansion still report disembodied whispers, shadowy figures and other unexplained phenomena. Ghost hunts are currently offered to help raise funds to cover the cost of upkeep and repairs.
Have you been to Prospect Place (or would you like to go)? Share your personal experiences or investigative approach to this location in the comments.
Fringe Paranormal 