Among the countless ghostly legends and spooky stories that captivate our imaginations, there’s a particularly chilling tale that has been rolling through the tracks of history for generations: the Ghost Train.

The legend of the Ghost Train has its roots in the early days of steam locomotives and railway systems, a time when the sights and sounds of these powerful machines were still novel and frightening to the general public. Although Ghost Trains have been sighted throughout the world, the United States has its fair share of legends. Here are just three:

1. The Lincoln Funeral Train

Location: Various Locations across the United States

One of the most famous Ghost Trains in American history is the Lincoln Funeral Train. After the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865, a funeral train carried his body on a 1,654-mile journey from Washington, D.C., to its final resting place in Springfield, Illinois. This train, covered in black cloth and adorned with mourning crepe, became a symbol of national mourning and unity during a dark period in American history.

The legend of the Lincoln Funeral Ghost Train arises from the belief that, on the anniversary of Lincoln’s death or other significant dates, a spectral train reenacts the funeral procession. Witnesses have claimed to see the eerie train moving silently along the tracks, drawn by a locomotive draped in black and lit only by dim lanterns. It is said to be accompanied by phantom mourners and the sound of tolling bells.

As the story of the Lincoln Funeral Ghost Train spreads through history, it reminds us of the enduring significance of Abraham Lincoln’s legacy and the mournful echoes of the past that continue to resonate through time. This elusive train, with its solemn presence and eternal journey, remains a symbol of remembrance and reverence for one of America’s greatest leaders.

2. The Phantom Express of Marshall Pass

Location: Colorado

In the rugged and remote terrain of the Rocky Mountains, there’s a haunting legend of a shadowy locomotive known as the “Phantom Express.” This Ghost Train is believed to have traversed the treacherous Marshall Pass, which was part of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. In the late 19th century, the pass was known for its dangerous conditions. Witnesses have described seeing an old-fashioned, smoke-belching locomotive thundering down the new desolate route, emitting an unsettling, otherworldly glow.

3. The Haunting Tale of the Silverpilen

Location: Stockholm, Wisconsin

While technically a Swedish legend, the Silverpilen Train has been embraced in Stockholm, WI, where the local Swedish heritage has deep roots. The Silverpilen, or “Silver Arrow,” is said to be a mystical, silver-colored passenger train that appears at midnight, stopping at an abandoned station in the area. Passengers who board this train are believed to disappear…never to return…