Lurking in the limestone: Ghost Stories of Lemont Downtown

Photography by Molly Hebda Photography

With Halloween creeping around the corner, now is the time to dive into Lemont's spookiest spots—and trust us, this town has some stories! From ghostly apparitions along Archer Avenue to the mysterious legends surrounding the local quarries, there's enough paranormal activity here to keep you up every night.

Pat Camalliere, local author and storyteller, previously shared these stories on her blog. We had to share them with our community here for all of your spooky storytelling this season. 

Let’s take a walk down memory lane and explore some of Lemont’s most haunted histories, including the eerie "Ghosts of Sag Bridge" and the quarries, where the spirits of the past may still lurk.  

The Haunting Power of Lemont's Limestone

You’ve heard of haunted houses but what about haunted stones? In Lemont, the quarries are more than just a historical source of building materials—they might actually be recording paranormal events.

Have you ever heard of the “Stone Tape Theory”? It suggests that limestone can capture intense emotions from the past and “replay” them like an old VHS tape. With Lemont sitting on a bed of dolomite limestone, it’s no wonder people have reported ghost sightings and strange sounds for generations. 

The Irish-American workers who built the I&M Canal in the 1800s faced dangerous conditions, disease, and violence, with many meeting untimely ends. Some were buried at the nearby St. James Church, while others were cremated and their ashes scattered over the quarries. If you believe in the theory, this stone might explain why Lemont’s quarry regions are hotspots for paranormal activity.

Ghostly Sightings at St. James at Sag Bridge

Speaking of, one of Lemont's most famous haunts is St. James Church at Sag Bridge. This eerie church sits atop a hill surrounded by a cemetery dating back to the 1800s. The area was once a Native American village and burial ground, which might explain why people have seen phantom riders on horseback galloping through the night.

In 1897, the unearthing of nine Native American skeletons near the Sag Bridge area caused quite a stir—and a wave of ghost sightings followed. Villagers claimed they saw ghostly monks and glowing coffins, while others said the cemetery ground seemed to breathe underfoot. Many blamed the disturbances on the skeletons being removed and demanded they be reburied. Some were returned to the earth, but others ended up at the Field Museum in Chicago, leaving the spirits restless.

One of the most famous ghosts at St. James is a woman in white who appears alongside a horse and wagon, disappearing into thin air as she gallops past the church. And with the church itself being made from limestone, the stories of hauntings seem connected.

A Haunted Village Hall

Village Hall, located at 418 Main Street, is one of Lemont’s oldest buildings. Filled with village staff and officials who make sure that everything runs smoothly, when working late hours, many have noted hearing other ghostly voices reporting for their civic duty.

A source that would like to remain anonynmous reports: “I was working late at night on something. I called my husband to tell him I’d be home around 9p and then went back to my office to complete something. The building was completely empty. After a few minutes, I heard what sounded like a group of people loudly chatting in the hallway. I peaked out to find no one there and even walked around a bit. There was no radio, no tv, no speaker system, and no confirmed public meetings. I went back to what I was doing and again, the same voices started. I called my husband back at 9:15 and quickly went home.”

Why You Should Visit Lemont’s Haunted History

Lemont might be known for its charming downtown and beautiful scenery, but its spooky side adds an extra layer of intrigue. From the mysterious spirits of Sag Bridge to the lurkers in the limestone, this town has stories that’ll chill you to the bone. 

Next time you're in the area, take a little detour—just be prepared for what (or who) you might find!

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These creepy tales come from Pat Camalliere’s fantastic story, The Ghosts of Sag Bridge. For even more local lore, check out her work!