I'd never actually heard of this haunted place. Some just don't get the press they deserve. After doing my research on this location, I've decided this has some of the best elements for a haunting so far.
"Hickory Hill" (also known as Old Slave House) in Junction, Illionois was built in the 1830s on a hill above the Saline River. Legend says a tunnel went from the basement to the river -- what a conduit! The owner, Crenshaw, worked in the slave trade and had very questionable practices. He kept the slaves chained up in tiny cells in his attic. He got caught stealing a freed slave and his business went downhill. Karma got him when a slave attacked him and he lost his leg.
Here's how this amazing haunted place scores:
1. The land is limestone/shale.
2. The house's foundation is stone.
3. It's close to a railroad track.
4. It's on the river.
5. It's older than 50 years.
6. It has a history of trauma.
(optional: It's near a cemetery)
Being near a cemetery, having the basement tied to the river, and emotional agony within the walls for long periods of time in a state with a good deal of limestone seems to be a perfect haunting setup.
When I'm done with my 50-place study, I hope to give the places a rating on a scale of 1-6 on how much proof of haunting over time that they have. Hopefully, that number can be compared to the number of the haunting conditions the place has, and then we can have some serious scores that hopefully line up. If we find that a place has a low proof of haunting score but high conditions, it might be time for someone to step in and seriously study the place--it really should be haunted.
Thanks for sticking with me during my research. It's great to get your feedback.