THE STORY
Reported Haunting
Gaines Tavern has long been associated with dark local legends involving murder, suicide, tragedy, and unexplained activity. Visitors and investigators have reported strange sounds, apparitions, unexplained footsteps, voices, and other unusual occurrences within the historic house. The property has become the subject of local ghost walks and paranormal investigations and has earned a reputation as one of northern Kentucky's better-known haunted historic sites.
Built around 1814 for Colonel Abner Gaines, the Abner Gaines House served at various times as a tavern, inn, stagecoach stop, residence, and later an antique shop. Gaines operated a stagecoach line between Cincinnati and Lexington, making the property an important stopping point along the early transportation route. Today the restored property operates as the Gaines Tavern History Center and preserves more than two centuries of Walton and Boone County history.