Oregon harbors numerous haunted locations, ranging from aged hotels and hospitals to caves and highways. Among these, the Shanghai Tunnels in Portland stand out as the most infamous. This network of underground passages connects various basements and buildings, initially serving legitimate purposes like transporting goods, storing supplies, and concealing illicit activities. Notoriously, the tunnels played a central role in the dark practice of “Shanghaiing” – the abduction of unsuspecting individuals for forced labor on ships. In this blog post, we delve into the history, horror, and hauntings of the Shanghai Tunnels.
The History of the Shanghai Tunnels
Constructed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Shanghai Tunnels originated in Portland’s era as a bustling port city, attracting immigrants, sailors, and adventurers. Initially utilized for lawful activities, such as facilitating the movement of goods, the tunnels quickly transformed into hubs for vice, including gambling, prostitution, opium dens, and speakeasies. The most notorious activity was Shanghaiing, involving the kidnapping of men and women for sale to sea captains in need of cheap labor. Thousands fell victim to Shanghaiing between the 1850s and the 1940s, marking Portland as one of the world’s most perilous ports.
The Horror of the Shanghai Tunnels
The Shanghai Tunnels epitomize horror and suffering, where countless lives were lost and freedom stripped away. With deplorable conditions – poor ventilation, sanitation, and lighting – victims faced starvation, abuse, and torture. The tunnels housed vermin, and the dead were left unceremoniously, either tossed into the river or entombed within the walls. Lawlessness reigned as rival gangs and criminals vied for control. In this subterranean realm, no one was safe.
The Hauntings of the Shanghai Tunnels
The Shanghai Tunnels echo with hauntings and paranormal phenomena, preserving the spirits of the tormented. Witnesses report encounters with ghosts, apparitions, and poltergeists, including:
- The Woman in White: Believed to be Nina, a murdered prostitute, she is seen crying, screaming, or attempting to escape her killer.
- The Man in Black: Thought to be Sam, a bartender Shanghaied and deceased at sea, he’s observed serving drinks, playing cards, or warning of danger.
- The Sailor Boy: Identified as Jimmy, a Shanghaied child who succumbed to illness on a ship, he is often seen playing or searching for his mother.
- The Bandaged Man: Thought to be George, a mutilated victim of Shanghaiing, he wanders, moans, or conceals his face.
These apparitions, coupled with cold spots, strange noises, and electrical malfunctions, contribute to the Shanghai Tunnels’ reputation as one of Oregon’s most haunted sites.
Conclusion
The Shanghai Tunnels embody a blend of history, horror, and hauntings, where the echoes of a tragic past persist into the present. This subterranean realm captivates and terrifies, challenging the courage and sanity of those who dare to explore its secrets. It stands as a stark reminder of human cruelty and injustice, honoring the victims who endured and escaped the nightmare of the Shanghai Tunnels.