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The Spy House, otherwise today known as the Seabrook-Wilson House is known as the most haunted location in America. It’s a small building near Sandy Hook in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown. Built in 1648, it was used a tavern and frequently visited by the British Troops. The Innkeeper, Thomas Seabrook, was secretly a militiaman in the continental army. With his eyes set on destroying the British forces, Seabrook used the tavern to his advantage, hence the name, “the spy house”. He would use the tavern in two ways; he would give the soldiers enough alcohol that they would spill secret information which he would relay to the continental officers. Secondly, he used the location to keep an eye on the seaway. With the tavern location along the ocean and a perfect view of the Hudson River/New York City, Seabrook kept an eye out for approaching and departing ships, watching for supplies, new troops and more. The information he presented to the continental army was pivotal in winning the war.
It wasn’t until the early 19th century the house belonged to a local reverend named William V. Wilson and his wife who maintained the house until it was eventually added to the nation register of historic places (1974). It was at this time that the legends began to grow. Locals told us that séances were held in the home, allowing all types of spirits into the home, both good and bad. This includes the several spirits which still haunt the home today.
Woman in White
The first is the ghost of the young woman in white. Commonly associated with a tragic death, this woman’s story is unknown. Historians say she was the widow of a soldier, allowed to stay in the home with her newborn infant after the revolutionary war. It is said that she travels down from that attic, moving through the rooms tidying up the place. She is commonly seen by guests from the outside looking into the windows, watching her move from room to room before vanishing.
One of the other common spirits is that of a young boy. The young boy is said to be the child of the woman in white, who was raised in the home. It’s been said that at a young age, the boy went to play in the ocean and drowned. “He likes to play around with the locals,” said a neighbor while we were there. As the neighbor went on, she said that a young man, clearly intoxicated, was provoked by his friends to call out the spirits in the home. The friends stood in the parking lot as the man crept out of his truck and stepped closer to the home. As he got closer he stopped and yelled out to the spirits. Immediately the man was pushed and knocked back a few feet. He ran back to the car and hopped in the truck. The door slammed on its own and the radio turned on. The group of men all left in a hurry.
Seabrook-Wilson
Then there is the legend of Thomas Seabrook himself, or as some call him, Captain Tom. Thomas, being the owner of the Tavern was a very personable man. He was friendly, outgoing, and cared deeply for his neighbors. His ghost is the same way. It’s said that Thomas likes to travel and come home with those who visit him. He will follow strangers home, living with them for a few days, and then return back to the museum. Locals even report receiving phone calls from him. Thirty years back, a local woman was calling her mother in law who lives close to the home. While on the phone they were hearing strange noises and voices on the phone line. The lady yelled, “This is not a party line. Who is this?!” The voice responded, “You know who I am…this is Tom.” She and her mother were confused and asked who Tom was. He said that he was Captain Tom and that he lived across the street (the spy house). He then listed off details about her life, children, and things they did recently and years ago (both in private and public around the home). The voice followed up by saying bye and disappeared into static. Even while telling us the story, the woman was brought to tears by the power of this event.
Thomas is active and is always brought up by psychics and ghost hunters performing EVP sessions. He isn’t afraid to poke you, push you, and touch you. He also likes to make a racket, banging pots, pans, and the walls.
Pirate Ghosts
The other captain related ghost at the house is said to be that of the pirate Henry Morgan. This privateer traveled the world in search of treasure, new land and other grand adventures. It was rumored that near the end of his career, Henry visited the home and temporarily stored some of his treasure in the basement. While many say the ghost is that of Henry, a few skeptics say that it was his first mate, Roger. See, while the treasure was stored below the home, Henry’s first mate made a daring attempt to steal the gold and fame. In an attempted mutiny, Roger attacked the captain by sword, but failed. Henry in return cut off Rogers head and threw the body into a well (which has been covered up). After the incident Henry moved his treasure to other locations, much of which was found in Panama in 2012.
The Spy House and its history continue to attract thousands of visitors each year. It’s one building that will continue to stand for years to come. Even during Hurricane Sandy the house which is along the beach did not received one inch of water inside, while much of the surrounding town was flooded and destroyed.
https://www.trytoscare.me/legend/spy-house-port-monmouth-nj/