This belief that her family was cursed and haunted by those who were killed by the Winchester rifle started even in her lifetime. She spent her fortune to build the sprawling Victorian mansion to house her vast fortune and to ward off spirits she believed were angry at her due to her family’s gun-making business. Sarah Winchester: A rich widow that spent most of her inheritance on building her strange house that has puzzled everyone since she started building it. It was said that at the time, she was considered to be one of the wealthiest women in the world. She married into an even wealthier one that made their money from the gun business. Sarah Winchester was born into a prominent and wealthy family in New England. Or so the rumors say at least, but is it really true? Uncover the secrets behind its haunted corridors and spooky stories as you explore this iconic landmark. Located in San Jose, California, the 160-room mansion was created by eccentric heiress Sarah Winchester who believed it would protect her from vengeful spirits.

The Winchester Mystery House has been an enduring American legend since its construction over a century ago. Inside lies a fascinating history of the eccentric Sarah Winchester who created it as well as a ghost story or two. Thirteen million guests have since walked through these doors.One of America’s most iconic homes is The Winchester Mystery House. 'The old Winchester place was sort of a supporting act.'īut as years went by, the home stood out as the true attraction. They had advertised dancing and there was concessions,' Magnuson said. 'He had a whole vision for this to be an incredible resort with a roller coaster and a pool. The home dates back to the 1800s when Sara Winchester began a seemingly never-ending construction project that lasted nearly four decades.īut, the mansion became a tourist attraction after Winchester died, as part of an amusement park named Winchester Park created by the homes new owner John Brown. VIDEO: Are there really ghosts at Winchester Mystery House?įROM THE ARCHIVES: Debbie, Ernie and their ghosts at Winchester Mystery House in San Jose in 1983 #TBT: ''I just felt like a hand move across my head.' Just in time for Halloween 2020, we dug through our ABC7 News archives and found out a couple used to work the overnight shift at this haunted institution back in 1983. One hundred years ago on June 30, 1923, the Winchester Mystery House officially opened its doors to the public. 'There are very few places that can serve as a time capsule of living history, that you can actually get immersed in and visit to this day.' 'I think this story resonates and there has been curiosity even in Sarah Winchester's time about why did she build this the way that she did and all of the mysteries, legends and lore,' Winchester Mystery House exec. This year it celebrates 100 years of history and mystery.

We're talking, of course, about the world famous Winchester Mystery House in San Jose.ĭespite changes over the last century in San Jose, the mansion has remained a constant. (KGO) - Imagine this: 24,000-square-feet, 160 interconnecting rooms, 2,000 doors that exit into thin air, stairways that lead to dead-end ceilings and other oddities that are loved by visitors from all over. Winchester Mystery House is celebrating 100 years of history and mystery in San Jose

Winchester haunted house story