Winchester Mystery House (alleged curse and spirits)

Popular legend claims Sarah Winchester, widow of the Winchester Repeating Arms heir, believed she was cursed or haunted by the spirits of people killed by Winchester rifles and carried out continuous construction to appease or confuse them. Historical records show she purchased the property in 1886 and funded near-continuous building until her death in 1922, producing the eccentric layout now associated with the house. The idea that the house was built specifically to placate cursed spirits is a central element of public tours and lore; historians and researchers dispute the extent and specifics of these spiritualist motives.