The Nyack Haunted House

In 1991 the New York Supreme Court legally declared this Victorian home in Nyack to be haunted — the only ruling of its kind in American history. The previous owner had publicly talked up the ghosts for years; the new buyer didn't find out until after he'd already signed the papers.

Helen Ackley claimed the house was haunted by Revolutionary War-era poltergeists. She reported ghosts shaking the beds in the master bedroom every morning, footsteps in the attic, and doors opening and closing on their own. Gifts from the spirits appeared throughout the house.

After the court case made national headlines -- the ruling established that the house was "legally haunted" -- subsequent owners have reported the activity continuing. The Revolutionary War ghosts seem benign, more interested in keeping their residence than scaring anyone. The legal ruling ensured the haunting became permanently part of the property's disclosure requirements.