Long before Europeans settled the United States, the land upon which Ringwood Manor now stands was considered sacred ground by New Jersey’s native people. Oral traditions claim that tribes traveled from all over the East Coast to attend ceremonies here because of the many “unusual happenings.”
A scientific explanation of these happenings may be the abundance of iron ore buried in the earth, which produces a powerful magnetic force. Certainly, the iron is what brought colonists such as Robert Erskine here. Erskine built the original manor in 1762 . By 1764, a town had been built to support the iron-making business at Ringwood. It was completely self-sufficient with stores, houses for the workers, a gristmill, a saw mill, farms…and a graveyard.
During the Revolutionary War, Ringwood Manor served as headquarters for General Washington, a supply center for troops, and a main transportation route. Many soldiers died here—and all do not rest in peace. When sick and wounded French soldiers died, they were buried in unmarked graves. Today there is still an indentation in the ground where they lie, and voices, speaking in French, are often heard at night. Horse hooves have also been heard crashing toward the bridge, and sometimes the scent of horse manure floats out of the adjoining field, though no horses have been there for a century.
One of the best-known spirits to haunt Ringwood Manor is Robert Erskine. In the early 1800s, people began to see Robert sitting on top of his tomb, holding a lantern. Sometimes he held a ball of blue light, which would follow people over the bridge leading out of the cemetery. A century later, the blue light stories persisted—now following cars. Bricks and mortar on Erskine’s tomb appeared as though they have been chipped away—from the inside out. And don’t go near Sallie’s Pond… the spirit of the pond chases away visitors and has been known to steal fishing gear.
Think you’d rather go inside? Maybe not. Although the manor was completely rebuilt in 1807, ghosts from all times still congregate here. Psychics, paranormal investigators, and ghost hunters have all noted their presence. (Cameras are not allowed on the premises.) The second floor is especially active. Crying, objects falling and breaking, and thudding sounds have been frequently reported. They come from a small bedroom in which a maid was supposedly beaten to death. Footsteps, voices, and a clammy feeling all indicate spirits are present.
In any part of the house, a frigid coldness, a light floral fragrance, or even a blue aura announces the presence of Miss Eleanor Hewitt , or Miss Nellie. Miss Nellie, the last private owner of the estate, often makes her presence, and her displeasure, known. When statues are moved, papers disappear, and books appear opened to specific pages—Miss Nellie is trying to tell you something. Most people listen.
Indeed, the advice most heard from those who know Ringwood Manor is this: Leave before nightfall.
Written by — Linda J. Rienecker
RINGWOOD MANOR
SLOATSBURG ROAD
RINGWOOD, NEW JERSEY 07456
TEL: 1 (973) 962-2240
WEBSITE: www.ringwoodmanor.com
Taken from the: Encyclopedia of Haunted Places -Ghostly Locales from around the World – Compiled & Edited by Jeff Belanger – Copyright 2005 by Jeff Belanger