If you've ever been captivated by the macabre and the mysterious, then Portland, Oregon's Forest Park and its infamous Witch's Castle might just be your next must-visit destination. This eerie site holds a rich history punctuated by love, betrayal, and murder—cementing its place as a staple in local lore and supernatural speculation.
A Chilling History Enfolded in Romance and Tragedy
Over a hundred years ago, the fates of three people became tragically intertwined in a story reminiscent of a Shakespearean tragedy. Mortimer Stump and Anna Balch, much like Romeo and Juliet, were forced to navigate societal pressures and familial disapproval. In the 1850s, in what was then the Oregon Territory, these young lovers hoped to build a future together, away from Anna's domineering stepfather, Danford Balch.
Anna's father, a prominent settler with sizable land holdings, disapproved of their union vehemently. Despite being only 16, Anna—a headstrong girl—escaped with Mortimer to marry in Vancouver, Washington, sidestepping the more stringent marriage laws of Oregon.
Their dreams, however, were cut brutally short.
A Shocking Murder Shakes the Community
In a drunken rage, fueled by perceived betrayal and societal status, Danford Balch committed an unspeakable act. On November 8, 1858, he tracked down the Stumps following their return to town, and in a fit of vengeful madness, shot Mortimer in the face at the Stark Street Ferry Landing with a double-barrelled shotgun.
Captured amidst the chaos, Danford fled into hiding before eventually facing trial. His confession spoke of emotional turmoil and delusions, a chilling insight into his state of mind leading up to the murder.
Condemnation and Legacy
Balch’s execution marked a somber milestone in Portland’s early history as its first legal hanging. The aftermath saw his family dealing with repercussions—personal, social, and economic. The land once deemed a valuable asset became absorbed by the city in 1897, its original structures lost to time, save for what would become known as the Witch's Castle.
The Witch's Castle: A Modern Myth
Fast forward to the 1930s, a stone ranger station was erected near the fabled site, only to be abandoned after storm damage. Over subsequent decades, it earned a reputation shrouded in mystery and graffiti—its hollow remains whispering tales of witches, portals, and hauntings.
Visitors to the ruined structure have reported ghostly phenomena: orbs appearing in photographs, supernatural whispers, and the restless spirits of Mortimer, Anna, and Danford. This folklore, along with rumors of witches performing dark rites, has transformed the Stone House into the Witch’s Castle—a moniker as darkly romantic as its ill-fated residents.
A Continued Enigma
Today, the Witch’s Castle stands as an eerie yet compelling attraction—a testament to the enduring fascination with tales of love found, lost, and eternally bound to the earthly realm.
For those intrigued by haunted homicides and the chilling echoes of history, there's no place quite like the Witch’s Castle in Forest Park—where the past never truly rests.
