YOUR ULTIMATE PARANORMAL GUIDE TO THE GHOSTS OF GETTYSBURG
The 51,116 casualties suffered through the Battle of Gettysburg are a testament to the destruction these hollowed grounds faced. There isn’t a deadlier battle in the Civil War. With so much death, it’s no wonder many have reported paranormal activity taking place in the area. The ghosts of Gettysburg have long haunted the battlefield and continue to intrigue visitors to this day.
Where to Find the Ghosts of Gettysburg
It’s not a matter of finding places where the ghosts of Gettysburg still roam, but rather, pointing out individual hotspots.The fact is, the three days of carnage have produced plenty of ghost stories. This is partly because many dead fighters were hastily buried in the area—some remains were never recovered.Locals and visitors alike have reported the ghost Soldiers of Gettysburg among many other supernatural events and hauntings.Some claim to have captured ghostly images of Gettysburg on camera. Some certain locations, such as Devil’s Den, are known for damaging photography equipment due to unexplainable activity.Here are some of the most popular places to find the ghosts of Gettysburg:
Sachs Covered Bridge
The spirits of three hanged Confederate deserters are said to haunt the Sachs Covered Bridge. Visitors describe it as one of the most haunted locations on the battlefield.Depending on who you ask, you may smell cigars being smoked. Or, you may get taps on your shoulder with no one around. You may even hear the sound of cannons firing in the distance. Regardless, it’s one of the more unsettling places on the battlefield.
Devil’s Den
This well-known rock formation has been the site of numerous ghost sightings since shortly after the conflict. It also served as a Confederate sniper’s nest during the battle. Thus, dim spectral troops are frequently spotted among the boulders.If you’re looking to snap a photo of these Gettysburg ghosts, do so at your own risk.While there have been some who claim to have captured images of troops, some have said that the images are messed up and figures will disappear once leaving the area.Other photographers have even claimed to have their equipment damaged either on a permanent or semi-permanent basis.Unexplained battle sounds can be heard all around. Other claims of supernatural activity only add to the mystique surrounding one of the gruesome battles within the battle itself.
1863 Inn of Gettysburg
If you’re looking for a place to stay, the 1863 Inn of Gettysburg is a spooky suggestion anyone interested in the supernatural should consider.Unlike some of the other ghosts of Gettysburg, you can expect potentially creepy but ultimately harmless pranks being pulled by the inn’s resident specter, George.Up on the 5th floor, George has been known to mess with the lights. He has also caused TVs to only play static, moves around items and furniture when no one is looking, and other typical ghostly hijinks.
Jennie Wade House
This property has a haunting reputation that is so well known, that it has attracted the likes of both Ghost Lab and Ghost Adventures, who have filmed their TV shows at the location.Mary Virginia "Jennie" Wade was in her kitchen but sadly was struck in the heart by a stray bullet as the Battle of Gettysburg raged on.The 20-year-old was the only civilian casualty of the battle and is believed to have never found peace.Now, strange noises, unexplained movements, and the moaning of spirits can be found throughout the home.
The Tillie Pierce House Inn
The Tillie Pierce House Girl is a young spirit that continues to haunt the inn, which was her home during the Battle of Gettysburg. Listen closely, and you’ll hear the pitter-patter of footsteps along with ghostly laughs as a reminder of her spirit.
The Phantom Regiment
Who the Phantom Regiment is continues to add mystery. However, these ghosts of Gettysburg are often thought to be a Confederate unit that continues to linger throughout the battlefield.Various paranormal activities have been reported, including the sounds of drums, guns firing, and footsteps at night, along with reports of seeing troops marching in formation wearing tattered uniforms.If you’re looking for these spirits, you’ll find them most often around the gravestones in the Gettysburg National Cemetery.
National Soldier’s Orphanage
The National Soldier’s Orphanage may have never been as haunted as it now is reported to be if not for the cruelty of a woman, tasked with a role that required the utmost loving care one can offer.What was originally a private home, became a hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg, with its cellar filled with wounded and dying troops.However, it’s not the Union and Confederate fighters that have made the property a haunted wonder but rather its life after the conflict.Following the battle, there were plenty of people dead and a lot of orphans needing care, which is why the property became the National Soldier’s Orphanage Homestead.Sadly, when headmistress Rosa J. Carmichael took over, rumors of abuse and torture of the children in a secret dungeon have long been linked to the property, which is where the ghosts come in.Paranormal activity is often reported as many believe the spirits of the children who allegedly suffered under her care have never found peace in this life or the next.
Gettysburg College
Gettysburg College has a rich history and was once called Pennsylvania College. During the Battle of Gettysburg, the campus was in the middle of the fighting and was used as a Confederate field hospital.Many Battle of Gettysburg ghosts have been reported on campus, including troops pacing throughout buildings and even Confederate fighters spotted in the tower.There have even been claims of mysterious elevator activity leading to a Civil War-era operating room filled with wounded troops.
The Lady in White
You can’t mention the ghosts of Gettysburg and not think of the Lady in White. A sad, infamous spirit known to wear a glowing white dress as she wanders the battlefield and town lost.Many believe she is a woman who lost her lover in the war. She now searches for him on the battlefield and among the graves.
Iverson’s Pits
Brig. Gen. Alfred Iverson's North Carolina Brigade was ambushed by the Union. Within minutes, more than 900 men were dead.It was a massacre even by Civil War standards. This caused Iverson to have a breakdown and never return to combat after being relieved of command.Known as "Iverson's Pits," there were many bodies hastily buried. This is why the area is believed to be haunted, featuring ghostly figures and unexplained lights.However, while reports of floating orbs, strange mists, and shadowy figures are all odd, the weirdest part about everything is that the bodies have long been moved to the South for a proper burial.Farmers have reported that while it’s not a great place to be at night, the area seems to always grow the tallest crops out of the fields in the area.
The Dobbin House
The Historic Dobbin House is one of the more interesting properties involved with the Battle of Gettysburg, which was part of the Underground Railroad and features hiding places you can still view to this day.However, the spirits of slaves escaping to freedom as well as ghosts of troops lost on the battlefield are still reported—as are unexplainable, disappearing bloodstains that show up on the floorboards from time to time.Furthermore, you may even find the ghost of the home’s owner, Alexander Dobbin, still lingering about.
Private Residences
In addition to the actual battlefield, many former private residences are said to be haunted. This is after serving as field hospitals during the conflict:
- The George Weikert House has reported doors opening after being shut and footsteps with no explanation heard in the attic.
- At the Hummelbaugh House, the ghost of Confederate General William Barksdale, along with his hound, is believed to roam asking for water. His hunting dog howls on the anniversary of his death.
- The Rose Farm has had reports of blood flowing from its walls. Used as a field hospital and burial ground, a glowing figure near the graves adds to the creepy events found throughout the property.
Ghosts of Gettysburg Tours
Exploring the unexplainable in a place like Gettysburg is an exciting experience. However, it’s also a good idea to find a guide so that you get the most out of your trip. Here are a few notable options, offering ghastly tours:
- Sleepy Hollow of Gettysburg Candlelight Ghost Tours
- Mark Nesbitt's Ghosts of Gettysburg
- The Echoes of War Ghost Tour
Beyond all of the ghost puns and alluring lore, the battlefield and its surrounding area is still a humbling place where a lot of unfortunate violence took place during the American Civil War.Whether you believe in the ghosts of Gettysburg or not, it makes a lot of sense that spirits would continue to linger in the area, never fully resting after coming to such unfortunate ends while here on Earth. Image Source: PinterestSuggested reads: