Historic Four Corners Ghost Hunt, Herkimer County, New York

Historic Four Corners Ghost Hunt

Located in the heart of New York’s scenic Mohawk Valley, Herkimer County holds some of the state’s most intriguing and haunted historic landmarks. Together with our team you will explore two of the most haunted locations in Herkimer County in one unforgettable night of ghost hunting.

The 1834 Herkimer County Jail and the 1884 Suiter House Museum are steeped in history, scandal, and chilling hauntings. From notorious inmates like Roxalana Druse, who was hanged after brutally murdering her husband, to the infamous Chester Gillette, who was tried for the murder of Grace Brown, these sites hold some of the darkest tales in New York’s history.

The Suiter House, once the site of medical examinations and autopsies for criminal trials, is home to eerie artifacts like Druse’s rocking chair, which reportedly moves on its own. With shadowy figures, disembodied voices, and ghostly echoes of past trials still lingering, you’ll be walking through the very heart of Herkimer’s haunted past with us, on an thrilling evening of paranormal investigation.

1834 Herkimer County Jail

The 1834 Herkimer County Jail stands as one of New York’s oldest jails, located in the historically significant Herkimer County in the Mohawk Valley. The jail’s history is steeped in dark events and notorious criminals, but its origins were born from tragedy. In 1834, the original wooden jail was destroyed when a fire, set by inmates, spread quickly due to ill winds, engulfing several nearby structures including the courthouse and surrounding homes. This devastating event prompted the construction of a new, more fire-resistant facility, built of ashlar limestone to prevent another disaster.

Designed with ‘fire-breaks’ to halt the spread of flames, the 1834 Herkimer Jail was modeled after the Auburn Prison in New York, incorporating its solid stone construction and federal-style architecture. This two-story structure served not only as a jail but also as the home for the county sheriff and his family until its eventual closure in the early 1980s.

Throughout its years of operation, the Herkimer County Jail housed countless criminals, some of whom became infamous in New York’s history. Among the most notable was Roxalana Druse, whose horrific murder of her husband in 1884 shocked the nation. Her trial was held at the nearby courthouse, and she was sentenced to death—becoming the last woman to be hanged in New York.

Her botched hanging, led to the introduction of the electric chair as a more humane way to carry out the death penatly. The door, and reportedly the hook in which her rope was hung are still visible at the jail to this day.

Another infamous criminal, Chester Gillette, who was convicted of murdering Grace Brown in 1906 (a case later fictionalized in Theodore Dreiser’s An American Tragedy), was also held here while awaiting trial and sentencing.

Beyond these high-profile cases, the jail was home to a variety of violent criminals, and over the decades, the site witnessed numerous suicides, tragedies, and even a birth within its walls. These events have all contributed to the jail’s dark, haunted reputation.

1884 Suiter House Museum

The 1884 Suiter House, located in the heart of Herkimer’s “Historic Four Corners,” offers a different but equally chilling look into the county’s past. Originally built as a doctor’s office, this building served a crucial role in the area’s criminal justice system by performing autopsies for trials held at the adjacent courthouse. Dr. Suiter, a respected physician, provided expert medical testimony in many significant trials, including those of Roxalana Druse and Chester Gillette.

Though it was never used as a residence, the Suiter House became integral to many legal cases in the area, serving as a place where justice was served—whether in life or death. The building’s role in preparing evidence for the court imbued it with a somber and serious atmosphere, as it dealt with the consequences of violent and tragic deaths.

The Suiter House now operates as a museum, preserving relics from Herkimer’s gruesome past. One of its most eerie artifacts is Roxalana Druse’s rocking chair, which many believe to be haunted. The museum also holds a fragment of the rope used to hang Druse, marking the building as a significant repository for some of the county’s darkest moments.

1834 Herkimer County Jail

The jail’s walls are thick with both history and hauntings. Numerous reports of shadowy apparitions and strange noises have been recorded, particularly in the cell blocks. Investigators have captured EVP recordings, light anomalies, and the unmistakable sense of being watched. It is said that Roxalana Druse’s spirit still lingers here, perhaps reliving her final days before her execution. Chester Gillette, who was held here during his scandalous trial for the murder of Grace Brown, may also have left a mark, with some even reporting the eerie sound of footsteps echoing down the corridors.

1884 Suiter House Museum

Though this building was never a residence, it has its fair share of paranormal activity. Roxalana Druse’s rocking chair, housed here as part of an exhibit, is notorious for rocking on its own. During investigations, audio anomalies and EVPs have been captured, including one of a child’s voice that seems to react to the investigators. Many believe that the energy from the intense trials and autopsies performed within the building has left behind a residual haunt, and perhaps even an intelligent one.

– Exclusive Access to both the 1834 Herkimer County Jail and the 1884 Suiter House Museum.
– Ghost Hunting Vigils in the most active areas.
– Structured Vigils led by experienced investigators.
– Use of Paranormal Equipment, including EMF meters, trigger objects, and recording devices.
– Free Time to explore both locations and conduct your own investigations.
– Snacks & Refreshments to keep you energized throughout the night.

This is a unique opportunity to investigate two locations with deep ties to Herkimer’s haunted history. Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or simply curious, this night promises to be unforgettable. Book your spot now and see what you can uncover—if you dare!