Dolls have been a part of American culture for centuries, with children’s playthings evolving into art pieces, collector’s items, and even pop-culture phenomena. While there are many dolls that are beloved, there are some that inspire fear or even nightmares. Here is a list of the most famous creepy dolls in American history.
Annabelle
The story of Annabelle is perhaps the most well-known creepy doll tale. Annabelle, a vintage Raggedy Ann doll, was given to a young nurse named Donna in the early 1970s. Donna and her roommate, Angie, began experiencing strange occurrences that became more intense as time went on. They began to notice that Annabelle would move on her own and even leave messages on scraps of paper. When a medium was consulted, it was discovered that the doll was possessed by a malevolent spirit. Annabelle now resides in a glass case in the occult museum of Ed and Lorraine Warren.
Robert the Doll
Robert the Doll is a legend in Key West, Florida. The doll, which is dressed in sailor clothes, was given as a gift to a young boy named Robert Eugene Otto in the early 1900s. Strange things began to happen, with neighbors reporting seeing the doll move from window to window. The family also heard eerie laughter and footsteps coming from the room where the doll was kept. Robert is now on display at the Fort East Martello Museum, and many visitors claim to feel uneasy or even threatened by his presence.
Patty Reed’s Doll
The Donner Party is infamous for the cannibalism that took place during their expedition to California in the 1840s. One of the survivors, Patty Reed, had a doll that she kept with her throughout the ordeal. The doll, which was made from scraps of cloth and human hair, is believed to have been used as a form of comfort during the horrific journey. Today, the doll can be seen at the Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park Museum in Sacramento.
Mandy the Haunted Doll
Mandy is a doll that was once used in rituals by a witch in Ontario, Canada. The doll was discovered in the basement of the home where the witch had lived, and it was immediately clear that there was something unusual about it. The doll has reportedly caused a variety of strange occurrences, including flickering lights and cold spots. It is now housed in the Quesnel Museum in British Columbia, where it continues to intrigue and unsettle visitors.
Joliet the Haunted Doll
Joliet is a doll that is said to be possessed by the spirit of a young girl who died in a car accident. The doll was found on the side of the road in Joliet, Illinois, and when the person who found it brought it home, strange things began to happen. Doors would slam shut, and objects would move on their own. The owner finally got rid of the doll, and it is now believed to be somewhere in Texas.
Okiku’s Doll
Okiku’s Doll is a doll that is said to be possessed by the spirit of a young girl who died of illness. The doll was originally purchased in 1918 by a 17-year-old boy for his 2-year-old sister, Okiku. The girl died soon after, and the doll was put away. The family later noticed that the doll’s hair was growing, which they believed was a sign that Okiku’s spirit was inside. The doll is now kept in a temple in Hokkaido, Japan.
Harold the Haunted Doll
Harold is a doll that was found in an abandoned building in Bristol, England. The doll is said to be possessed by the spirit of a boy who died in the building. When the doll was found, it was covered in scratches and had a creepy smile on its face. When the doll was picked up, strange things began to happen, including objects moving on their own and doors slamming shut. The doll is now in the possession of a paranormal investigator in the UK.
The Island of the Dolls
The Island of the Dolls is not just home to one creepy doll, but thousands of them. Located in Xochimilco, Mexico, the island is covered with dolls in various states of disrepair. The island’s caretaker, Don Julian Santana Barrera, believed that the dolls he found in the nearby canal were possessed by the spirits of drowned girls. He began collecting the dolls, which he believed would appease the spirits. Today, the island is a popular tourist attraction, and many visitors claim to hear the dolls whispering or moving on their own.
