For many years, Sprague Mansion, now the home of the Cranston Historical Society, has been reputed to be haunted. Visitors have reported hearing footsteps or seeing an astral presence. The apparition is often observed or heard descending the main staircase or is felt as a passing breath of icy air. Likely candidates are plentiful. Until several years ago, many believed that the ghost was that of John Gordon. Besides Gordon and Amasa Sprague, himself, other suggestions have included Amasa's father, William Sprague II, who died after a chicken bone lodged in his throat during a family breakfast; Kate Chase Sprague (daughter of Lincoln's Treasury Secretary, Salmon P. Chase, and wife of Amasa's son, Governor William Sprague IV), who lost her reputation and her beauty as she frittered away a fortune; and Kate's son, William Sprague V, who committed suicide in 1890.

Text © Dr. Michael Bell