Lizzie Borden
August 12, 2025
Lizzie Borden The Lizzie Borden House, located in Fall River, MA, brags that it is the most haunted home in the U.S. and there are
“America’s Coolest Small Town” as voted in 2014 by a team of small town experts, whatever that means, Berlin boasts charming shopping, a sweet downtown, and most importantly a close proximity to Ocean City and Assateague.
The main street of Berlin has historical significance that goes back way before the town was incorporated in 1868. It was the trail that the Assateague and Pocomoke tribes used for travel and trade. Then in 1677, the land was purchased by settlers and a village began in the 1790’s. In this village was a resting point known as the Burleigh Inn (or Burley Inn), which many believe was shortened to Berlin. This was part of a sprawling 300-acre land grant that was also home to the Burleigh Plantation.
When the railroads came to town about the 1870s is when Berlin really hit its stride as an economic and agriculture center. Resilient if nothing else, Berlin has survived several large fires and boasts some of the most well kept historic buildings and homes in the area.
Their historic claim to fame is the Hotel Atlantic, which sits majestically at the end of the shopping district (well almost at the end, kind of sandwich in there). Like most historic buildings it offers food, lodging, and a venue for weddings. It has recently been restored, according to their website, so that the furnishings are accurate to the Victorian time period.
If you’re looking for a party town, Berlin is not it. It’s cute and quaint in its own way. The downtown is brick and historic buildings are definitely worth a walk or drive around. Little kitschy shops line the streets along with some great food. The Globe is a staple and there’s been some new additions like Blacksmith in the past few years. They also boast their involvement in films such as Runaway Bride and Tuck Everlasting. During the holidays horse and buggy rides are offered if you’re into that sort of thing. They also have a lot of annual events like the Peach Festival, Ice Ice Berlin and Tree Lighting, and a Halloween experience that is sure to give you frights and anxiety. I’m bias towards the library as well that has a mini nature trail and another awesome addition to Berlin’s Halloween festivities with their Haunted Library event.
The Hotel Atlantic sits majestically at the end of the shopping district (well almost at the end, kind of sandwich in there). Like most historic buildings it offers food, lodging, and a venue for weddings. It has recently been restored, according to their website, so that the furnishings are accurate to the Victorian time period.
Hotel Atlantic opened in 1895, not as old as some of the other stops on the Eastern Shore but Berlin was not what you would call a tourist stop then. Hotel Atlantic is a hot spot for ghost hunters and haunted house enthusiasts. According to Hauntedrooms.com, Room 16 is prime for paranormal activity. I will say I have never spent the night there but I have ate and drank there and never experienced anything. I might have to sneak a peek into Room 16 next time. One tale of the room is of a manager who claimed she was summoned to a distraught customer who needed “more towels!” The manager went to get said towels and when returned the woman had vanished. Upon inspection of the books, she realized no one had checked in or out of room 16. There is also a little girl who has claimed witnesses. She doesn’t stay in Room 16 but apparently a staff member found an old picture of little girl in a dresser in the room when they were renovating.
“The Child Spirit” of Hotel Atlantic seems to be the most popular of the legends. She has been heard laughing, playing with some sort of bouncing ball, and has even been seen by guests. Mindie Burgoyne, a local pop star of the occult and ghost stories, has her own take on Hotel Atlantic. Upon her overnight visit she encountered rooms that locked on their own (Room 23 to be exact) and staff members recalling sights and sounds of the spirits. As of now I have not been able to uncover any deaths or murders taking place within the hotel that would give credence to the sightings. I will keep searching though.
Regardless of how you feel about ghosts, Hotel Atlantic is worth a visit for the time warp feeling you get eating and drinking there. The Hotel Atlantic is not the only historic building in town however, there are at least 47 structures on the National Register of Historic Places. This is even more impressive given there have been multiple fires that have devastated the town (1895, 1902 and 1904). One of these historic buildings is Burley Manor.
“We didn’t start the fire”
The Hotel Atlantic is not the only historic building in town however, there are at least 47 structures on the National Register of Historic Places. This is even more impressive given there have been multiple fires that have devastated the town (1895, 1902 and 1904). Built between 1832 and 1837, Burley Manor stands at the entrance of downtown. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church was built around 1825 and is still standing.
According to the ghost tour of Berlin, there are several spirits that just “walk around”. For some places this would seem strange, but maybe with the main street having the history of trade and commerce that it does it kind of makes sense. One is a Civil War soldier, another is of the Lady in White. She seems to be more common among stories and sightings. Not much is known about her other than she likes to hang out in front of the Calvin B. Taylor bank.
Lizzie Borden The Lizzie Borden House, located in Fall River, MA, brags that it is the most haunted home in the U.S. and there are
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