by Jane Sandwood
The city of Dearborn Michigan, is best known as the birthplace of Henry Ford. But long before his father established a farm on what is now the intersection of Ford Road and Greenfield Road. The area had been occupied for generations of First Nations tribes, especially the Potawatomi.
Dearborn Michigan Township was incorporated in 1833, named after Henry Dearborn, who was Secretary of War under President Jefferson.
With so much history attached to the area, it should come as no surprise that Dearborn is the center of several hauntings, one of which is directly associated with the motor industry that put Dearborn on the map.
Most Infamous Limo in History
In the 1960s, Henry Ford’s motoring legacy was at the height of its power. Cars from that era are design icons. Driven or shipped to classic shows or between museums across the world.
Dearborn has its own car museum, of course, but one exhibit stands out from the rest.
November 22 1963 is a day that changed history. We have all seen the footage of President Kennedy’s tragic final journey in Dallas.
What fewer people know. The 1961 Lincoln 74A Convertible in which he was assassinated remained in Presidential service for another four years.
Even after it was replaced, it was used for other duties. Until 1978, when it was retired and put on display at the Ford Museum in Dearborn Michigan.
That’s when the ghostly sightings began. Nobody is sure of the identity of the man in gray seen standing beside the car. Seen when the museum is due to close, but he is most commonly sighted on or around November 22.
Dearborn School Footsteps
At Crestwood High School, in Dearborn Heights, multiple witnesses have reported sightings of ghosts walking the halls at night. Sounds coming from classrooms that are empty and items being moved.
Students have also reported hearing voices behind them while walking around in broad daylight. Only to find they are quite alone.
The origins of the hauntings are unknown, as there are no known tragedies associated with the school.
Searching for Jack at Dunworth Pool
Located in Levagood Park to the west of Dearborn, Dunworth Pool is a popular place for a children during summer days.
At night, the park is locked, but overnight maintenance staff often hear children running around and calling for Jack.
Police have even been called on several occasions, but while nobody has ever been seen, the noises continue.
Restless Night’s Sleep Guaranteed
If you stay the night in Dearborn, there is not one but two haunted hotels you could investigate.
The Dearborn Inn is one of the top places to stay in the city, and has plenty of history attached to it. The once grandiose hotel fell into disrepair in the late 20th century, but the Marriot Group took over its management in the 1980s and invested heavily in its renovation.
Tragedy struck while the work was ongoing, when a man fell from the roof to his death, and he is said to haunt the area.
Meanwhile, if you book into the Henry Hotel in the city center, request Suite 418 if you dare.
Residents staying in this room claim to have seen doors open and close, and lights flicker on and off by themselves.
~ Jane Sandwood