Whitewater, Wisconsin, a quiet college town of about 15,000 people, hides a chilling history beneath its serene surface. Nicknamed the “Second Salem,” this small city in Walworth and Jefferson counties has earned a reputation for eerie tales, paranormal activity, and a connection to spiritualism that echoes the infamous witch trials of Salem, Massachusetts. But what exactly led to this haunting moniker? Let’s dive into the history, legends, and local lore that make Whitewater the “Second Salem.”

The Morris Pratt Institute: A Spiritualist Legacy

The roots of Whitewater’s spooky nickname trace back to the late 19th century with the establishment of the Morris Pratt Institute in 1889. Morris Pratt, a spiritualist who moved to Wisconsin from New York, built this enigmatic institution at the corner of Fremont and Center Streets. Pratt, guided by a medium’s advice, had invested in an iron ore mine that made him wealthy, enabling him to fund his “temple of science.” The institute focused on psychic research, comparative religion, and spiritualism, with weekly séances held in an all-white room on the third floor. Locals dubbed it the “Spook’s Temple,” and its mysterious practices sparked rumors of occult activity. The institute operated in Whitewater for about 60 years before moving to Milwaukee, but its legacy cemented the town’s association with the supernatural.

The Witch’s Triangle: A Haunting Geometry

Adding to Whitewater’s mystique is the so-called “Witch’s Triangle,” formed by three cemeteries—Calvary, Oak Grove, and Hillside—that create an isosceles triangle on the town’s map. Local legend claims that everything within this triangle is haunted, with spirits moving between the cemeteries. Oak Grove Cemetery is particularly notorious, as it’s the resting place of Mary Worth, a self-proclaimed witch and murderess whose apparition is said to wander among the tombstones. Another eerie tale involves a little girl’s coffin from one of the cemeteries mysteriously relocating to the nearby University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus in 1970. Whether the triangle’s shape is mere coincidence or something more sinister, it fuels the town’s haunted reputation.

The Witchtower and Tales of Witch Gatherings

At the heart of Whitewater’s paranormal lore is the Starin Park Water Tower, ominously known as the “Witchtower.” In the early 20th century, locals claimed that bands of witches gathered here to chant and perform rituals, attempting to contact spirits. The tower’s iron fence, with spikes pointing inward rather than outward, is said to be designed to trap spirits inside rather than keep intruders out. Stories persist that on Halloween Eve, strange noises emanate from the tower, adding to its eerie allure. This reputation for witch gatherings is a key reason why Whitewater earned the “Second Salem” nickname, evoking parallels to Salem’s witch trial hysteria.

Local Legends and Strange Phenomena

Whitewater’s spooky history extends beyond the institute and the Witchtower. The town is linked to regional legends like the Beast of Bray Road, a werewolf-like creature sighted in nearby Elkhorn in the 1990s, and the Wild Man of La Grange, a mysterious figure apprehended in 1929. Closer to home, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Greenhill Center of the Arts is said to be haunted, with reports of moving chairs and elevators operating on their own. There’s even a rumor of a cursed Latin hymnal locked in the basement of the town’s library, believed to be tied to the “Witches of Whitewater.” These stories, combined with tales of strange murders and unearthly creatures in Cravath Lake, create a tapestry of folklore that sets Whitewater apart.

Second Salem Brewing Company: Embracing the Lore

The town’s haunted history is so ingrained that it inspired the name of a local business, Second Salem Brewing Company, a nano-brewpub on Cravath Lake. The brewery leans into Whitewater’s nickname, naming beers after local legends like the Beast of Bray Road and Wytches’ Brew. Its website explains that the “Second Salem” moniker comes from the early 20th-century reputation for witch gatherings, strange murders, and unexplained phenomena. By celebrating this eerie past, the brewery keeps the town’s spooky legacy alive for locals and visitors alike.

A Modern-Day Second Salem

Today, Whitewater embraces its “Second Salem” identity, especially during the fall. The Whitewater Chamber of Commerce organizes Spirit Tours around Halloween, guiding brave souls through the town’s haunted sites. Visitors can explore the Witchtower, stay in reportedly haunted bed-and-breakfasts like Hamilton House, or sip paranormal-themed brews at Second Salem Brewing Company. The town’s combination of historical spiritualism, chilling legends, and a willingness to celebrate its creepy past makes it a unique destination for those fascinated by the paranormal.

Why “Second Salem”?

Whitewater’s nickname draws a direct comparison to Salem, Massachusetts, infamous for its 1692 witch trials. Like Salem, Whitewater has a history tied to spiritualism, rumored witchcraft, and unexplained events that capture the imagination. The Morris Pratt Institute laid the groundwork, the Witch’s Triangle and Witchtower amplified the mystique, and local folklore keeps the stories alive. Whether you believe in ghosts or see these tales as colorful history, Whitewater’s “Second Salem” nickname reflects a town unafraid to embrace its bewitching past.

So, next time you’re in Wisconsin, consider a trip to Whitewater—especially in October. Walk the streets at night, visit the Witchtower, or raise a glass at Second Salem Brewing. You might just feel a chill that’s more than just the autumn air.