We’ve mentioned before that Buffalo is full of spooky, seemingly haunted places. While Iron Island might take the crown for the most haunted spot, this ironclad giant is a very close second. The best way to get one-on-one contact with the ghosts onboard the ship is sleeping with them! We double-dog dare you to spend the night on this haunted Buffalo ship.
U.S.S. The Sullivans is located at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park.
Shinerunner - Wikimedia Commons You can’t miss it on Buffalo’s waterfront, but if you need help: 1 Naval Park Cove.
The ship is named after the five Sullivan brothers, who were killed in action on board the USS Juneau in 1942.
U.S. Naval Historical Center, Photo #: NH 52362 - Wikimedia Commons Four of the five Sullivan brothers died instantly when a Japanese submarine crashed into their vessel. The fifth brother, George, is rumored to have stayed alive for a few days after the incident.
The brothers were only a few of the 687 men who were killed on board the ship.
Bilestone - Wikimedia Commons According to legend, George Sullivan searched the sea until his final day, flipping over every body in search of his family. He eventually gave up on his personal mission and attempted to swim to shore, a task he never completed. He died lost at sea.
The U.S.S. The Sullivans was commissioned and served several tours of duty.
National Archives / Naval History and Heritage Command Two of which were during World War II and the Korean War. Eventually, it was donated to the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park. To say the ship has a rich history is an understatement… and part of that history is thought to remain on the vessel to this day, in the form of George Sullivan.
Several visitors aboard the ship have reported sightings or signs of George.
Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park - Facebook It is thought that George’s spirit haunts this Buffalo ship to this day, desperately seeking his four brothers. Some signs of his presence include radios working without being connected to electricity, fiery figures appearing on board, and strange noises.
Ready to pack your bags?
Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park - Facebook If you’re looking to book your stay on board the U.S.S. The Sullivans, there are a few things you should know. First, overnight encampments are currently only offered to Scout troops and U.S. Naval Sea Cadet squadrons. But hey! There’s still time to become a troop leader or chaperone for the next campout!
The accommodations aren’t exactly four-star, but the experience certainly is.
Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park - Facebook Campers on this haunted ship are instructed to bring sleeping bags and pillows, toiletries, and other personal items. An overnight stay costs $50 per person, which includes breakfast, dinner, a tour of the park, and a ride on a motion simulator.
Look, but don’t touch!
Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park - Facebook Because this naval ship was once an active destroyer, there are several spots on board that are not intended for the average person’s touch. The knobs and buttons might look tempting, but trust us - you’ll want to listen to your tour guide on this one!
Start planning now for the next encampment season.
Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park - Facebook If you’re desperate to get up close and personal with George Sullivan, you’ll want to start figuring out a way to get in on the next campout… perhaps talking the kids into becoming a Scout for valuable life lessons (and ghost encounters)? Overnight encampments are held during two seasons: in Spring (April through June) and in Autumn (September through November). Happy camping to the brave scouts out there!
While only select groups can currently stay overnight on U.S.S. The Sullivans, the Buffalo and Erie Canal Naval & Military Park is open to the public. Other historic ships housed here include the U.S.S. Little Rock and the U.S.S. Croaker. There is an outdoor exhibit area displaying other military vehicles and aircraft, including an Army M-41 Tank and Air Force F-101F Voodoo Fighter Interceptor Jet. Stop by the museum to see some truly fascinating artifacts!
Shinerunner - Wikimedia Commons
You can’t miss it on Buffalo’s waterfront, but if you need help: 1 Naval Park Cove.
U.S. Naval Historical Center, Photo #: NH 52362 - Wikimedia Commons
Four of the five Sullivan brothers died instantly when a Japanese submarine crashed into their vessel. The fifth brother, George, is rumored to have stayed alive for a few days after the incident.
Bilestone - Wikimedia Commons
According to legend, George Sullivan searched the sea until his final day, flipping over every body in search of his family. He eventually gave up on his personal mission and attempted to swim to shore, a task he never completed. He died lost at sea.
National Archives / Naval History and Heritage Command
Two of which were during World War II and the Korean War. Eventually, it was donated to the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park. To say the ship has a rich history is an understatement… and part of that history is thought to remain on the vessel to this day, in the form of George Sullivan.
Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park - Facebook
It is thought that George’s spirit haunts this Buffalo ship to this day, desperately seeking his four brothers. Some signs of his presence include radios working without being connected to electricity, fiery figures appearing on board, and strange noises.
If you’re looking to book your stay on board the U.S.S. The Sullivans, there are a few things you should know. First, overnight encampments are currently only offered to Scout troops and U.S. Naval Sea Cadet squadrons. But hey! There’s still time to become a troop leader or chaperone for the next campout!
Campers on this haunted ship are instructed to bring sleeping bags and pillows, toiletries, and other personal items. An overnight stay costs $50 per person, which includes breakfast, dinner, a tour of the park, and a ride on a motion simulator.
Because this naval ship was once an active destroyer, there are several spots on board that are not intended for the average person’s touch. The knobs and buttons might look tempting, but trust us - you’ll want to listen to your tour guide on this one!
If you’re desperate to get up close and personal with George Sullivan, you’ll want to start figuring out a way to get in on the next campout… perhaps talking the kids into becoming a Scout for valuable life lessons (and ghost encounters)? Overnight encampments are held during two seasons: in Spring (April through June) and in Autumn (September through November). Happy camping to the brave scouts out there!
Admission to the park is $12 for adults, $6 for kids, $8 for seniors, and free for active duty armed service personnel (veterans receive a 10% discount). Buffalo and Erie Canal Naval & Military Park also hosts several special events throughout the year. You can find more info on their website here.
Have you ever experienced a George sighting on board this haunted Buffalo ship? Share your ghost stories of U.S.S. The Sullivans with us in the comments below, then head here to see why Buffalo is considered the most haunted city in New York!
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