While living in Bangor, Maine, Stephen King would often visit Mount Hope Cemetery for inspiration. He reportedly borrowed the names of some of his best-known characters, such as Carrie and Georgie, from headstones on the grounds.

Aside from King's fictional creations, the cemetery has a well-earned reputation for being very haunted. Many visitors have reported seeing apparitions. Unexplained shadows or ghostly figures lurking about the grounds. Some have even heard the voices of small children calling out through the darkness.