The history of supernatural encounters in America is rich with tales that echo through time, from New England’s misty shores to the Deep South’s haunted plantations. But when did Americans first record seeing ghosts? One landmark case in 1687, in Gloucester, Massachusetts, marks the first documented ghost sighting in colonial America.

Ann Foster, a widow, reported seeing the ghost of James Sherwin, a man who had tragically died in a well the previous winter. The ghost appeared dripping wet, pointing towards an old barn. Over two weeks, five others, including a farmer and a servant girl, corroborated her account. Remarkably, the ghost’s gestures led to the discovery of hidden silver coins in the barn, which Sherwin’s widow confirmed he had stashed away. Reverend John Hale meticulously documented these events, providing invaluable insight into colonial beliefs and early approaches to the supernatural.

This case set a precedent for investigating paranormal claims in America, introducing systematic documentation and the importance of multiple witness testimonies. It also reflected the distinct character of American ghost stories, rooted in the realities of colonial life rather than European aristocratic tales. The Sherwin haunting became a cornerstone for American folklore, influencing both cultural narratives and modern paranormal research methods.

Historians and researchers today continue to find the account compelling due to its detailed documentation and alignment with contemporary paranormal investigation techniques. The Sherwin case remains a fascinating window into early American life and the origins of ghost hunting as we know it.

Charlotte Harper, the new host of American Shadows, takes listeners on a journey into one of maritime history’s most enduring enigmas: the mysterious disappearance of the Mary Celeste's crew. The episode chronicles the ship's voyage, beginning with its departure from New York in November 1872 under Captain Benjamin Briggs, accompanied by his family and crew. The ship was well-provisioned and in excellent condition for its journey to Genoa, Italy.

However, the Mary Celeste was discovered abandoned in December 1872 by the Canadian brig Dei Gratia, drifting aimlessly in the Atlantic. Despite signs of a hasty departure—missing ship papers, a lifeboat, and open hatches—the ship was seaworthy, with untouched cargo, personal belongings, and fresh provisions. Investigators found no evidence of foul play, piracy, or natural disaster severe enough to justify the crew abandoning ship.

Charlotte explores various theories about the crew's disappearance, from plausible explanations like alcohol fumes causing a temporary evacuation or natural phenomena such as a seaquake or waterspout, to more dramatic ideas involving mass hysteria or supernatural forces. Despite extensive investigations, the mystery remains unsolved, cementing the Mary Celeste as a legendary "ghost ship."

The episode reflects on the story’s lasting legacy in maritime lore and popular culture, highlighting our enduring fascination with unsolved mysteries. Harper closes with an invitation to continue exploring history's enigmatic tales on American Shadows.

The American Shadows podcast recounts the haunting disappearance of the Sodder children in 1945 Fayetteville, West Virginia. On Christmas Eve, a fire consumed the Sodder home, but no remains of five children were found. With strange occurrences like cut phone lines, missing ladders, and delayed fire response, the case spiraled into a web of mystery. Theories ranged from accidental death to mafia involvement and kidnapping. Decades of investigation, sightings, and public appeals kept the story alive, but the truth remains elusive.

Tonight, we’re journeying across continents and through time to unravel what might be the oldest solved cold case in human history. Imagine this: a murder so ancient, the evidence lay frozen for over five millennia. A victim whose story remained hidden until modern science unearthed the chilling truth.

This isn’t just any cold case—it’s literally the coldest. A 5,300-year-old mystery of betrayal, survival, and violence preserved in the icy grip of the Alps. Tonight, we uncover the haunting tale of Ötzi, the Copper Age man whose life ended abruptly and violently, only to resurface in 1991 as one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of all time.

In this episode of American Shadows, Gabriel and Grace take listeners back to 1621, to explore the first recorded crime in colonial America. Set in the Plymouth Colony, this fascinating case unveils how early settlers established justice in a new and challenging world. The story revolves around John Billington Jr., a teenager who created a dangerous gunpowder device, causing a major stir in the tight-knit community.

Listeners will learn how the colonists, without proper laws or courts, handled the incident with a combination of biblical principles, English common law, and the newly established Mayflower Compact. The trial, led by Governor William Bradford, featured testimony, physical evidence, and an unexpectedly progressive approach to sentencing for the time—emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment.

The episode examines the broader implications of this case on the development of American jurisprudence, the balance between mercy and justice, and the creation of laws governing dangerous weapons. Join Gabriel and Grace for a deep dive into this pivotal moment in American legal history, setting the stage for future generations.