So you’re watching your favorite scary movie, and you are beyond creeped out. And whether it is shown in the beginning or end credits, the chill we most get are those famous words “Inspired by a True Story.” I personally love the true ones, altho over time it seems Hollywood takes more and more liberties with the root of the factual story and spins it so badly you are left wondering what the real story actually was.
The “Exorcist” movie is a classic, and if it didn’t disturb or scare you, you may not have a pulse. Well, what’s even creepier is that it was INDEED BASED ON A TRUE STORY! The home, found in St. Louis, MO, at 8435 Roanoake Drive (For all you AMERICAN HORROR STORY FANS- the irony of this address is to funny), couldn’t look less the part. The windows have seen better days, the yard as well, but as I drove up, all I could think of what evil was in that home. How incredibly scary to not have any control over your own body and emotions, and what it must have been like for that poor 13 year old boy who resided there. There were several cars parked in front of it, and you won’t find signage or a plaque that says “EXCORCIST HOME” altho I feel they would make some good money with photo opps if they did. What’s even crazier is that it happened back in the 1940s, and the victim is still alive today and won’t talk. I don’t know if I would either.
The movie actually was birthed from the book written by William Peter Blatty, and there is some who argue that the exorcism wasn’t performed at the home, but the University next door. The exorcism, performed by several Priests, actually lasted over a month, and he was finally freed of the Devil at the psych ward in a nearby hospital. The author was able to use one of the journals the Priests kept about the details of the case to write the book. When the movie was released, it was so intense that people were throwing up in the aisles and leaving the show. Due to the fame the picture brought, the Priests had to answer to the accounts of the story – denying a lot of the happenings, but not EVER that it actually INDEED happened. The Church and Hospital are now since gone, so the only remaining piece of this scary puzzle is the home. Check it out… if you dare!! (Meniachical laugh) Want to see more spooky stuff? Check it out HERE– enjoy!
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Going from “What If? to “Why Not” is my life motto and I work hard at living that every day. I share everything from moving to Florida to live near Disney World to road trips across the States. I love the cool, quirky, and crazy stuff that I can find on my Adventures, and every dollar you donate helps support my efforts and hard work. Thank you to ALL who support me!
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Having been to Savannah and other beautiful cities, it never gets old to see the impressive architecture used back in the day. Buildings then had such personalities, each one different and unique. I don’t mind the cookie cutter homes, but there’s nothing like a home from the early 1900’s. Of course, I am sure they would love our technology today than their pretty buildings, but hey, I’ll guess I’ll have to ask them some day!
Anything with Lincoln gives me the goosebumps…to know the man walked the same steps I now took in 2020, the same pavement, the same view of this home. The home wasn’t open, due to Covid, but I was able to get a shot of the inside through the front door. To see him walk down the stairs, to know he walked and thought about where his foothold in history would be. Maybe he had no idea how he would shape us, but it’s pretty incredible to see these places and feel that amazing, historical energy. I encourage you or the family to road trip to these spots around Illinois, it’s a great learning experience and it’s important to keep the history alive. Want to see more of my Lincoln Road Trip? Check it out 
