I have lived in Illinois for just under 35 years, in that time I have found this, mostly rural, state to be overflowing with well known urban legends and ghosts. It is for that reason that I have decided to sidestep (slightly) away from my normal genre of horror in movies, and test the waters, by wading into the vast pool of local legends that this state has to offer.

My goal is to get the readers involved by leaving comments below, telling of your own areas strange tales and legends. Considering the large quantity of unique stories Illinois has to offer, mine will barely amount to a drop in the bucket, so feel free to add your legends from here or for that matter anywhere in the world.

The McPike mansion was built by Henry Guest McPike in 1869, whose ancestry includes at least 2 patriots who fought side by side with George Washington During the Revolutionary War. In 1908 the house was purchased by Paul A. Laichinger who supposedly lived in the house until his death in 1930. At one time this Victorian style mansion was one of the most beautiful homes in Alton, but the years have not been kind to the McPike Mansion as it has been abandoned since the early 1950s, and has often been the victim of vandelism.

In 1994 Sharyn and George Luedke bough the house from auction, with the hopes of restoring the structure. During this time the couple, along with many others in the community have come to the conclusion that this house is indeed haunted. It had often been rumored throughout the years of being so, but since the couple has purchased the home and spent so much time there the rumors have grown to local legends.