The ghostly presence of a child found in the coffin of Charles Eisenbice adds to the intrigue surrounding Manresa Castle.
Manresa Castle's current owners embrace its ghostly reputation, making it a fascinating destination for those seeking a supernatural experience.
Deep dives
The Mystery of the Child in Charles Eisenbice's Vault
In 2006, the tomb of Charles Eisenbice and his first wife Elizabeth in Laurel Grove Cemetery, Washington, was found cracked and open. Inside, the coffin of a child was discovered, a child that had not been there when Charles was buried in 1902. The child's identity remains a mystery. At Manresa Castle, built by Eisenbice, sightings of a ghostly child have been reported, adding to the intrigue surrounding this unknown presence.
The Rise and Fall of Charles Eisenbice
Charles Eisenbice, a prominent figure in Port Townsend, Washington, was a successful businessman who prospered in baking, brickmaking, lumber milling, brewing, and banking. He built Manresa Castle, a grand residence, but his fortunes declined when the railroad did not reach Port Townsend and a depression hit the region in 1893. Charles faced personal tragedies, including the mysterious coffin found in his vault and the death of his son. Despite these setbacks, his legacy and the castle remain intact.
The Hauntings of Manresa Castle
Manresa Castle is known for its paranormal activity. Guests and staff have reported experiencing a range of phenomena, including disembodied voices, footsteps, doors opening and closing on their own, and the rearrangement of belongings. Room 306, where the innkeeper's wife allegedly jumped out of the window, is often associated with crying and the sound of a baby crying. Another spirit, believed to be a little girl around 9 to 10 years old, is seen and heard running and giggling through the hallways.
The Spirit-Friendly Environment of Manresa Castle
Despite the hauntings, the current owners of Manresa Castle are open and welcoming to paranormal enthusiasts. They encourage visitors to explore the castle, especially during the quieter off-season periods, and many paranormal investigations have taken place there. According to staff and guests, the spirits seem to be more active and eager to interact when the castle is less crowded. Alongside preserving the historical charm of the castle, the owners embrace its ghostly reputation, making it a fascinating destination for those seeking a supernatural experience.
Manresa Castle in Port Townsend, Washington has had many incarnations. It is undoubtably haunted, but almost none of the lore and stories passed down through out the years have been historically substantiated. But, the truth of who is haunting the castle, might be much stranger than fiction.
Special guest: Amberdawn Bolding
Visit strange-escapes.com if you’d like to vacation at haunted locations around the world, and catch new episodes of Kindred Spirits airing now on Travel Channel and Discovery+
