The Old Slave House - Crenshaw Mansion

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Note: This house is no longer a tourist attraction; tours are not operated here now as they have been in the past. Trespassers have been known to be arrested. This residence was once a place where slaves were bred illegally. The attic was made over with stalls to house the slaves. It was also part of the Reverse Underground Railroad, which caught escaped slaves and transported them back to their owners. The ghost of a slave named Big Jim has been witnessed there, as well as other paranormal activity.

If you've had a paranormal experience here, or have any additional information about this location, please let us know!



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Geographic Information

Address:
Crenshaw Lane
Equality, IL
United States

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GPS:
37.730359279167224, -88.2927718162864
County:
Gallatin County, Illinois
Nearest Towns:
Equality, IL (2.8 mi.)
Junction, IL (3.1 mi.)
Ridgway, IL (5.1 mi.)
Shawneetown, IL (5.9 mi.)
Old Shawneetown, IL (8.8 mi.)
Eldorado, IL (9.8 mi.)
Omaha, IL (11.1 mi.)
Muddy, IL (12.5 mi.)
Harrisburg, IL (13.6 mi.)
Raleigh, IL (14.7 mi.)

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Comments (6)

  1. My friend lives in Marion, KY, one day when visting she suggested that we take the ferry and go into Illinois because she knew I loved history and ghosts. She did not tell me it was reportedly haunted or I would not have agreed to go, (I had my small children with me and did not want to expose them to anything potentially harmful). Immediately upon entering the house, (We were one of the last tourist to check it out before the sale of the property to the state of Illinois), I knew I was not alone. As the tour guide showed us the first floor, I saw a young black girl in period clothing trying to get my attention, as we proceeded to the stairs of the attic, my heart began beating rapidly and I smelled and overwhelming smell of human feces and sweat, when i reached the top of the stairs everything and every one that had been there disappeared and I was seeing this girl walking in front of me, “See, how he kept us!” I looked around the room and it was full of people trying to sleep and move in the “human stalls”, that had been built to house them, then she stopped in the center of the room. In the center of the attic was a center post which seemed to support the whole house and chained to that post was a large man with bloody whip marks on his back. The girl then looked at me and said “Remember the evil done here. . . .NOW GET OUT AND LEAVE US IN PEACE!” I looked around and they were all looking at me seemingly wanting me to help them. I was overcome by emotion and felt physically sick. I looked around to see if anyone else had just experienced the same thing, but I could not breathe so down the stairs I went and as I was trying to get to the safety of her van, there was an old woman ringing the bell in the front yard, I got in her van and would not exit till we left! I didn’t tell anyone thinking it would cause my children to have nightmares. I can still recall their faces to this day. Spend the nig g t in the attic, NOT A CHANCE!

  2. I’ve never been, but have heard about it. And seen a documentary on it: The Old Slave House: Youtube. And in looking at the documentary, certain parts of it gave me goosebumps. And I descend from slaves. But I know deep down inside, that those slaves in that house or anywhere else in America, will not bother me. And if I perceived them bothering me, it would certainly be more me afraid than those spirits trying to frighten me. They know who their ancestors are. And they know who all others are as well. So when the Jean wrote her experience, I personally believe all of it. The thing I would tell her, if she already hadn’t, repent and ask for forgiveness of the sins of her forefathers. Know who those descendants of slaves are to this day. Understand why they’re still being mistreated in America and throughout the world. Because the One who created it ALL is coming. And He’s coming to deliver His children. And punishment will be served on those descendants who come from those former masters: whether they had anything to do w/ it or not. Judgement coming and is already here. RIP my brother and sisters who suffered up at the Old Slave House. RIP! One day soon, we’ll be united in Yisra’el serving our One truth Creator of heaven and earth. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

    • Awesome reply! I couldn’t have said it bettet mysrlf. I just watched the same documentary on YouTube yesterday. The Old Slave Housr is only an hour from my home. I wanted to go visit, maybe I still will. I feel the same as you, not scared but connected. But I do understand why others would be terrified. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, Lord, which art holie and true! doest not thou judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? REV 6:10

  3. Mikeybob Stiff  |  

    Hello…My name is Michael R Stiff. My family where the ones that lived there as the owners. Names?…George Sisk, Janice Stiff-Sisk George Sisk Jr. I’ve been there for many times back in the 70’s. Me and my cousin, George Sisk Jr. loved the place. Sometimes, I would sleep there with my Uncle, Aunt and cousin. Yes a few times, I had a hard time to go to asleep because, I was hearing squeeze noise. My Aunt Janice, told me that the noise was from the old house was settling down. I was able to get some sleep with no fear. But, I was the ages from 7-12 yesterday old. I didn’t know anything about the house. Until, Aunt Janice and George Jr. told me it’s history.
    I’ve never been a racist person but, my cousin, George Jr. was. I haven’t seen them for so many years. My Uncle and my Aunt, I don’t know if they are still alive. But, my cousin, George Jr., is the one that sold The Old Slave House to the state.
    To all of my memories of being there are, positive feelings. When I had a 12 yrs old birthday party was there. They used to have a swimming pool. I loved that too.
    In my opinion, I believe that The Old Slave House, should be restored. Yes, I was raised in Southern Illinois. I still miss it. But, the North of Illinois, is a whole different world. Now, I have settled down from many, many states where I have lived, I am satisfied and happy in Rochester MN. The home of the Mayo Clinic.

  4. If you want to get a hold of me, you can use Facebook or,…507 338 1413. Only text me. If anyone calls me, I will not answer my phone.
    Just text me first and let me know who you are and what you want to know.
    Peace to all of us ✨️

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