A Haunted Tour of Brazil, Indiana

When you're traveling through Indiana, you may come across a town by the odd name of Brazil. Don't wonder if you've wandered outside the US, you're still in Indiana and you're also in one of the most haunted spots in the state.

You must stop by a place in Brazil known as the 100 Step Cemetery by some and Carpenter's Cemetery to the locals. The name came about due to the large number of steps leading into the cemetery, most of which are broken or damaged. There are several stories surrounding the 100 Step Cemetery, all of which are well known to locals.

One story is that if you try to make it to the cemetery or away from the cemetery without using the steps, something will shove you and make you fall to the ground. This "something" is rumored to be the devil and it's said that afterwards you'll find a bright red handprint glowing on your body and it won't fade for several days.

Another story relating to this cemetery in Brazil involves the stairs leading inside. Supposedly you'll count 100 steps as you go into the cemetery, but only encounter 99 on the way out. However if you can count 100 steps as you make your way up and stay there until dawn, you'll see the ghost of the first caretaker. This ghost will tell you exactly how you'll die and when you'll die.

Brazil also has a haunted church, which is abandoned and neglected. Supposedly those who have visited at night have seen a strange light inside the building and someone looking out the window. The reports of the person vary significantly, leading some to believe there are multiple people haunting the old church. There is also a story about people seeing a body hanging from the broken cross on top of the steeple.

Supposedly Brazil also has a Hell's Gate or gateway to hell. This is located on a side street near a former railroad tunnel. The story claims that you must flash your headlights and drive through the tunnel. Once you're inside the tunnel you'll see blood on the walls. Someone or something will knock on your car. As if that wasn't enough, you'll also see the ghosts of two teenagers who hung themselves from a nearby tree. Obviously this story seems a little hard to believe.

Also in Brazil is a haunted Indian burial ground. Legend says an Indian warrior buried himself alive in the cemetery years ago, though no one knows quite how he could have done it. Now there are stories of people hearing someone beating a drum, a dog howling and sighting of the warrior. This only happens at midnight.

Then there's the story of Spook Light Hill. Years ago a young girl was accidentally decapitated in the area and her head was never found. Supposedly the ghost haunting the area is that of the girl's father. People claim to see a ghostly light and a car driving down the road.

Of course you can't mention Brazil, Indiana without mentioning the shadow beasts. These shadowy figures run down the road, right alongside cars and seem to be see through. Some people who have encountered these figures actually stopped and looked through the woods for signs of anything, but when they started driving again, the shadow beasts were back.

Lastly is the story of Stop Sign Mary. Supposedly there's a road in town where if you stop your car, you can see blood dripping off a stop sign. Locals are very specific about where and when this phenomena happens. As is always the case though, many who tried this out for themselves encounters absolutely nothing.

For such a small town in Indiana, Brazil seems to have more than its fair share of ghosts and haunted spots.

Sources:

http://www.angelfire.com/theforce/haunted/hauntedplacesofindiana.htm

http://theshadowlands.net/places/indiana.htm