Herman Melville's Arrowhead

A Brief History: Herman Melville’s Arrowhead is located at 780 Holmes Road. Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The house was built in 1785 by Captain David Bush and was originally used as an inn and farmhouse until 1850 when Herman Melville purchased the house. Herman Melville is best known for an American novelist during the American renaissance and completed such works as Moby-Dick (which he finished writing inside the house), White-Jacket, Pierre: or The Ambiguities, and much more. His uncle owned the property next to the home and after just a few visits Herman Melville grew a strong attachment to the location. In 1832 his family went to stay with his uncle from New York City to avoid the cholera epidemic, which only made his love for the area grow more. In 1837 while his uncle was away on business he was put in charge of his uncle’s farm. In 1850 he received news that his uncle had sold the farm. He was heartbroken at this however during a social gathering at Monument Mountain later that year he met Nathaniel Hawthorne and resolved himself to stay in the area. He purchased the home on impulse from doctor John Brewster and lived in the house for the next twelve years writing and farming in the home. Today the home is owned by the Berkshire County Historical Society and has been restored as a museum.  

Haunted History: There are claims of disembodied footsteps as well as voices heard throughout the house. Some say they have seen a shadow figure that is believed to be Herman Melville in almost all spots of the house. There are also reports of hearing strange music being played in the house.