Gallows Hill Road wasn’t just a name provided by the town of Cranford, it has a deeper meaning behind it. The road itself was home to a tree used to hang numerous convicted spies during the Revolutionary War. The tree which unfortunately no longer exists grew on the intersection of Gallows Hill Road and Brookside Place. It was here that a rumored ten spies working for the British Army were executed. Among the rumored spies was James Morgan who was an american sentry convicted of killing James Caldwell, who fought in the Battle of Springfield, on November 24, 1781. The murder occurred after James refused to have a package inspected.

Gallows Hill Road Haunts

Although the intersection is now busy with constant cars driving by, it doesn’t stop numerous individuals from seeing the paranormal. Among the activity are apparitions of soldiers who stand on the side of the road when viewed from a distance. But, as the driver comes closer, the soldier(s) mysteriously disappear. Furthermore there are numerous cold spots around the area. Users claim that this is due to the numerous ghosts trying to make their presence known. Lastly, police have constantly been called to the area based on the report of yelling, yet no one is there when they arrive. Believed to be the innocent soldiers about to be hanged, these spirits are yelling out for justice.

Are their still spirits seeking revenge on the living? Were soldiers wrongly accused as spy’s and hanged? Either way its a haunting history which we cannot forget.

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Bill in Houston

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I had thought that the gallows was situated in Westfield, at the head of Gallows Hill Road and E. Broad Street? That’s what we Westfielders were taught back in the 60s.
The location is at the top of a hill AND is right next to Fairview Cemetery. Mind you, the cemetery only dates back from the post-Civil War era, but still. Coincidence?
3 weeks ago
Skye Blake

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I have lived in Cranford all my life (20+ years) and I can confirm that the tree is no longer there. Although, I have friends that live close to that intersection and I have never heard that soldier apparitions appear and then disappear as you get closer. I used to drive to school passing by that intersection and never saw anything there. As for the police being called, Brookside Pl is where an elementary school resides so yelling may have been from children playing at the school. super interesting story though!
3 years ago

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Haunted Places, Legends and Ghosts

Gallows Hill Road : Cranford, NJ

Gallows Hill Road : Cranford, NJ

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