Tower Hill Road

Rhode Island, an area rich in colonial history and deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Ballou family, is home to a site that has long intrigued ghost hunters, locals, and historians alike: Tower Hill Road. Not to be confused with the nearby Nine Men’s Misery monument, the Tower Hill area in Cumberland remains distinct for its lack of direct conflict between Native Americans and English colonists during King Philip’s War (1675–1678). While much of New England was engulfed in violence, this area saw neither formal cooperation nor open hostilities between the groups—just an unusual peace. Interestingly, local lore suggests that Native American burial sites may also be found in the area, deepening its historical significance. Though no formal records confirm these burial sites, such claims add a layer of reverence to the land, reflecting a sense of shared yet largely separate histories that quietly coexist in Tower Hill, untouched by the violent conflicts that shaped much of colonial New England.

From its connections to Revolutionary War events to chilling paranormal sightings, Tower Hill Road and its surroundings offer a tapestry of lore, history, and ghostly whispers. While exploring this road can be hazardous due to blind curves, dangerous driving, and other safety risks, the history and tales it holds are hard to ignore.

A Legacy Built on Revolutionary Roots

Some of this history may be familiar from the Elder Ballou Cemetery, which has close ties to the area. The story begins with Mathurian Ballou, who settled in Cumberland after arriving from England. His descendants, particularly James Ballou Sr., became prominent figures in the community, establishing a legacy that would shape Cumberland for generations. James’s son, Obadiah Ballou, built upon this inheritance by leasing the land’s iron deposits for mining in 1733. In 1749, he set aside a portion of the land as a burial ground, establishing the Elder Ballou Cemetery, which became a communal resting place for family, friends, and neighbors, and cemented the Ballou family’s connection to the land.

During the Revolutionary War, the Ballou family played a crucial role. They maintained a beacon at what was then called Beacon Pole Hill—now Tower Hill—one of Rhode Island’s four strategic beacons used to signal British troop movements. When Noah Ballou was called to join the fight, he entrusted his thirteen-year-old son, Eliel, to keep watch. Eliel’s vigilance and initiative, including gathering supplies for colonial forces in response to signals, left a lasting impression of the Ballous’ dedication to independence.

Though deeply historical, Elder Ballou Cemetery is also known for its reputation as a paranormal hotspot. Reports of ghostly encounters date back to the early 19th century, when Obadiah Ballou himself claimed to see a gray, human-shaped shadow in his house—a figure he believed was the ghost of someone who had died tragically on the property. Over the years, visitors have reported seeing a similar shadowy figure wandering the cemetery, as though searching for something.

Freddy Fingers: A Chilling Folktale

Over time, unsettling legends have emerged around Elder Ballou Cemetery, and few are as chilling as the tale of “Freddy Fingers.” According to local folklore, Freddy’s home was set on fire in the early 1800s, trapping his sick daughter inside. His desperate attempts to save her failed, and afterward, he disappeared for months. When the boys responsible for setting the fire turned up dead under mysterious circumstances, townsfolk began to suspect Freddy. He was eventually found in the charred cellar of his home, covered in blood, and was reportedly hanged on the spot. Though no historical records support this story, it endures as a haunting part of the area’s folklore, with some claiming to hear the scraping sounds of Freddy’s fingernails at night.

Eerie Experiences and Apparitions

For those who explore Tower Hill Road and its surroundings, strange occurrences are almost expected. There are reports of a young girl seemingly out of place, either walking a dog or pulling a small wagon. Others have witnessed what appears to be a Native American figure in traditional clothing. Even more unnerving are sightings of a large, unknown bipedal creature—a shadowy figure that defies easy explanation.

Some visitors have noted dense fog that appears suddenly, only to dissipate as quickly as it came, lending an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere to the area. There are personal stories as well: one visitor reported glancing in the rearview mirror and seeing a figure standing in the road behind them, only to look back again and find no one there.

A Dark Memory: The Abandoned House

The abandoned house on Tower Hill Road has added to the mystique of the area. Although no historical records confirm it, some locals share stories of a gruesome event from the 1880s in which a father allegedly drowned his two children, killed his wife upon her return, and ultimately took his own life. Although the house was eventually demolished, its ominous legacy continued as children, including those who grew up nearby, explored its ruins,

The Ballou Cemetery Connection

The Elder Ballou Cemetery, like Tower Hill Road itself, is shrouded in mystery. It is said to be frequented by unusual sounds, strange sightings, and inexplicable occurrences. This cemetery, linked so deeply to the Ballou family’s storied past, continues to attract those seeking both historical insight and the thrill of the supernatural.

Colonial and Agricultural Legacy of Tower Hill Road

Dating back to the 1600s, Cumberland’s colonial history is interwoven with the development of essential routes, and Tower Hill Road is one of them. In the 18th and 19th centuries, this road served as a critical artery, connecting rural communities and supporting the region’s growing agricultural base. Farmers used it to transport goods to local markets, while early settlers relied on it for communication and travel between settlements.

In Cumberland, history is alive in every stone, road, and whispered story. Today, the legacy of the Ballou family, combined with tales of apparitions and tragedies, draws curious explorers, history buffs, and paranormal enthusiasts alike. As they walk these historic grounds, they are reminded that the lines between history and myth are often blurred—especially here, where even the fog seems to have a life of its own.