haunted house near staunton va

Haunted Places in Staunton, Virginia

Mary Baldwin College

Staunton, virginia.

Mary Baldwin College is a four-year liberal arts women's college based in Staunton, VA. It was founded in 1842, and was originally called the Augusta Female Seminary. There are several reported ghosts at the college: A ghost known as "Richard" haunts the several areas, including the Administration Building, Wenger Hall and ...

Belle Grae Inn - Ubon Thai Victorian Inn

This inn is haunted by Mrs. Bagsby, a spirit who has resided here since the 1800s. Mrs. Bagsby unlocks doors and plays other tricks; it is said that she has been known to cause the inn's hot water supply to bypass the room of a guest that she doesn't like. ...

Thornrose House

This historic home now operates as a bed and breakfast called "Thornrose House". The B&B has a room called "Caroline's Room" which allegedly has been a hot-spot for ghostly apparitions. The bed and breakfast is under new management as of Spring 2014.

Western State Hospital - Dejarnette Building

Western State Hospital, a fancy resort-style asylum called Western State Lunatic Asylum in its early years, was originally built in the 1820s. In 1905 it was taken over by Dr. Joseph Dejarnette, under whose authority patients were tortured. When the hospital moved in the 1970s the building became the Staunton ...

Bridgewater College

Bridgewater, virginia.

Cole Hall at the est.-1880 Bridgewater College is rumored to be haunted by its namesake, Dr. Charles Knox Cole. Built in 1929 by Cole's daughter, Mrs. Virginia Garber Cole Strickler, the hall is an auditorium, and Mr. Cole's ghost is said to attend the plays shown there. The ghost sits ...

By the Side of the Road Bed and Breakfast

Harrisonburg, virginia.

This historic b&b was built just a bit after the American Revolution, and it was used a Civil War hospital in 1864. It is said that when the area was burned by Union soldiers, the flame-retardant building just wouldn't catch fire, so it became a sort of haven during the ...

Virginia Quilt Museum

This 1856 antebellum home was formerly known as the Warren-Sip House, and during the Civil War, it served as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Visitors to the current museum have reported sighting the apparition of a Confederate soldier on the second floor of the building. (Submitted by Callum Swift)

Virginia Military Institute

Lexington, virginia.

Virginia Military Institute, which originally opened in 1839 and has boasted famous professors of the likes of Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, is said to be haunted by many ghosts, including an apparition of a hanged man. Jackson’s possessions and the skeleton of his horse are displayed in the chapel. Students have ...

Southern Virginia University

Buena vista, virginia.

The former Southern Virginia College, now Southern Virginia University, is said to be haunted by a young boy who rides his bicycle up and down the hallway of the fourth floor od a woman's dormitory carrying a red balloon. Some also say his mother's ghost haunts the third floor, looking ...

Charlottesville, Virginia

People believe that Jefferson has never left his beloved Monticello and they claim to see Jefferson's ghost wandering the grounds and also to hear whistling, something that Jefferson was prone to doing as he toured the property.

Winton Country Club

Amherst, virginia.

Winton Country Club, constructed in 1769, was the home of Sarah Winston Syme Henry, mother of patriot Patrick Henry. Legend has it that when Patrick Henry visited during the American Revolution, he had to secrete himself from the enemy in a pile of hay here. Rumors also say that Sarah ...

The Lafayette Inn

Stanardsville, virginia.

Rumor has it that a phantom bloodstain in the foyer returns daily from a Confederate soldier who long ago committed suicide after the stress of learning his wife had been unfaithful with a Yankee soldier. The soldier's ghost is said to wander the halls at night with a pistol, still ...

Sweet Briar College

Sweet Briar College was founded in 1901, and since then has accumulated several ghosts. The college was founded by Indiana Fletcher Williams in memory of her daughter Daisy, who died in 1884 at age 16. "Miss Indie" died in 1900, but her ghost is said to make itself known throughout ...

Castle Hill Manor

Keswick, virginia.

Castle Hill Manor is a privately owned historic mansion said to be haunted by a female ghost who wears perfume and sometimes appears in a room known as the pink bedroom. Former owner Amelie Rives is suspected to linger here in spirit as well.

The Natural Bridge Hotel

Natural bridge, virginia.

Legend has it that a former owner went mad and killed his wife and children in the hotel. Some say the apparitions of various members of the family have been seen around the grounds in the night.

Civil War Museum - Exchange Hotel

Gordonsville, virginia.

The Civil War Museum at the Exchange Hotel is rumored to house some residents who died over a century ago. The hotel became a hospital in 1862, and was considered America’s first triage hospital. One of the ghosts here is believed to be a Union corporal who was the last ...

Randolph College

Lynchburg, virginia.

Randolph College, founded in 1891 as Randolph-Macon's Woman's College, is said to be haunted. One haunted spot is Mary's Garden, named after Mary Stokes. Student legend says if you stray from the path and cross the garden, you will never graduate or never marry. Another story tells of a student ...

Bremo Plantation

Bremo bluff, virginia.

One house here is said to be haunted by Anne Blaws Barraud Cocke, wife of John Hartwell Cocke, War of 1812 brigadier general and the builder of the plantation estate.

The Inn At Willow Grove

Orange, virginia.

Strange things are afoot at the Inn at Willow Grove. Folks have reported hearing noises from vacant rooms and mysterious footsteps. The apparitions of Confederate soldiers also have been witnessed sitting under a large tree in front of the inn.

Mayhurst Inn

At this 1859 inn, folks have reported some strange happenings. There is a general feeling of being watched, and in the Madison Room, some have found the windows to open by themselves.

Conyers House

Sperryville, virginia.

A man named Sim Wright lived here from 1924 to 1964, with his wife Martha. It is said that he still haunts the inn to this day.

Avenel Plantation

Bedford, virginia.

Built around 1838 by William M. Burwell and his wife Frances Steptoe, the historic home eventually, in 1985, was purchased by the Avenel Foundation, a non-profit organization known to restore and preserve historic Avenel. A ghostly Lady in White has been seen walking on the grounds and in the halls, ...

Hutton House Bed and Breakfast

Huttonsville, west virginia.

Built in 1898 by Eugene Elihu Hutton, the Queen Anne-style Victorian home is now an inn, and is believed to be haunted. Folks say that at 5 a.m. the unexplained smell of baking bread wafts through the inn, although the kitchen is closed and the ovens are cold.

Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park

Staunton, west virginia.

The Droop Mountain Battlefield was the site of an 1863 battle. Folks have reported soldiers' apparitions, some headless, in the fog that comes rolling over the mountain.

Graceland Inn and Conference Center

Elkins, west virginia.

This inn, restaurant and conference center is said to be haunted by several entities: a ghost named Grace, senator Henry Davis, and a former servant named Katie.

Longwood University

Farmville, virginia.

A spooky story surrounds the statue of the Confederate Hero, dedicated Oct. 11, 1900, on High Street. Legend has it that when you can see the statue’s shadow on the wall of the camupus' East Ruffner Building, all is well. When you cannot, the soldier's ghost is out protecting the ...

Jeters Chapel of the Brethren Cemetery

Vinton, virginia.

Jeters Chapel of the Brethren Cemetery, according to reports, is haunted by a man in a white robe who floats near the center of the cemetery.

Belle Grove Plantation

Middletown, virginia.

Belle Grove Plantation, built between 1794 and 1797, was once the home of Revolutionary War veteran Major Isaac Hite, Jr. (President James Madison’s brother-in-law) and was the headquarters of General Philip Sheridan during the Battle of Cedar Creek. It is believed to be haunted by an apparition of a woman ...

Wayside Theatre

Wayside Theatre is believed to be the forever home to a ghost of a former caretaker who perished in a fire. His activity centers on the back-porch costume storage, the basement, and the balcony. Seat CC1 is often found to be mysteriously lowered.

Wayside Inn

Wayside Inn is reported to be the oldest inn in the U.S. that is still in operation. Room 14 is rumored to be haunted and is the source of the most unusual happenings in the inn. However, witnesses have seen and heard strange things all over the inn.

Haw Branch Plantation

Amelia court house, virginia.

The circa-1735 Haw Branch Plantation, first settled by Colonel Thomas Tabb and wife Rebecca Booker, is the site of many strange occurrences such as footsteps, nighttime sounds of heavy objects falling, and an unexplained rose perfume scent. A loud scream regularly comes from the attic, at about 6-month intervals, and ...

The Patrick Henry Hotel

Roanoke, virginia.

At this 1925 hotel, not only living guests can be found. Three ghostly men are said to stand around in the ballroom, keeping an eye on things. On the second floor, there is a man's apparition who smokes a pipe and sits at one of the tables. Those with sharp ...

Historic General Lewis Inn

Lewisburg, west virginia.

The 1929 inn is said to be haunted by at least three ghosts. The most well known is a Lady in White who haunts Room 208. Her identity is unknown, a portrait of her hangs in the room. Also residing here is the ghost of a slave named Reuben, rumored ...

Amelia Wildlife Management Area

A ghostly "charred lady" is said to roam the wildlife reserve, but she has company, as other apparitions have been seen here as well. The spot has been a dumping place for murder victims as well as a party spot for teens.

Black Horse Inn

Warrenton, virginia.

A variety of ghost stories surround this former Civil War hospital. From a laughing nurse, to a ghostly tapping that people say sounds like dancing, to a possible humbug of a ghost who delights in toppling Christmas trees; the Black Horse Inn has more than it's share of ...

Mills House

Beaverdam, virginia.

Mysterious fires broke out at the Mills House in January 2014, destroying it. The place was a historic home to bachelor farmer Buster Mills, the last of the Mills family who lived there; he died after a stroke in 1989. Locals remember Buster talking about "haints" in the home's front ...

Old Hampshire County Jail

Romney, west virginia.

Built in the late 1700s, the old jail has a legend attached. It seems that in the late 1800s a sheriff was shot to death by a gang of bandits on the staircase leading between the jail and the attached brick building, which was the jailer's family home. He was ...

The Grey Horse Inn

The plains, virginia.

The Grey Horse Inn is no longer in operation; the owners of the historic inn retired and sold the property to private owners in 2011. Reports say that on the property a ghostly scene replays of a Confederate soldier being killed.

Abram's Delight

Winchester, virginia.

Abram's Delight was the residence of five generations of the Hollingsworth family, beginning with Abraham Hollingsworth in the mid-1700s. It is now a historic museum complex and is rumored to be haunted by Mary, the daughter of David Hollingsworth, and perhaps one other gentleman ghost. The gentleman appears as a ...

Cork Street Tavern

The restaurant building here dates back to 1827, and Cork Street Tavern by name to 1985. Two ghosts are said to reside here, John and Emily. John Mann's spirit wears a long black frock coat, and Emily's voice is often heard calling John's name. The ghosts play tricks by moving ...

Tuckahoe Plantation

Henrico, virginia.

Thomas Randolph and son William Randolph III built the plantation in the 1700s, and it is reported to still be privately owned. Rumor has it that it's haunted by a female ghost who, in life, was forced to marry against her will. Believed to have died of a broken heart ...

TWA Flight 514 Crash Site

Bluemont, virginia.

Paranormal investigators were called to the forested area by passer-by's who reported hearing screams and seeing glowing apparitions moving around the forest at the crash site. Visitors have reported weird activity associated with a large limestone rock located at the site, and people have reported been pushed by unseen entities. (Submitted ...

Tribble Farm

Blackstone, virginia.

This old farm house is currently the home of both female and male spirits including a child who likes to peek around corners at you. There have been photos of a lady dressed in turn of the century (1800's) clothing as well as a man dressed in military clothing. ...

Hickory Grove Chapel

Haymarket, virginia.

There are a lot of stories about this little white building that has been left to rot for the past 4-5 decades on Logmill Road in Haymarket, Virginia. Some call it the "Old White Chapel," others the "Hickory Grove Chapel". At least one person says it was never ...

Lyric Theatre

Blacksburg, virginia.

The historic theater opened in 1930, and at least some the weird occurrences here, some say, may stem from a workman who was killed during its construction. Employees have described footsteps on stairways, phantom muttering, cold breezes, and a woman shrieking, sometimes saying over and over "Let me out!"

Kingwood Public Library

Kingwood, west virginia.

The circa-1966 library is said to be haunted. Witnesses report noises and footsteps, objects that move on their own, doors that open and close by themselves, and books that jump off the shelves. A jail that once stood on the site is believed by some to be the source of ...

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

Weston, west virginia.

Once the Weston State Hospital, the asylum is said to be haunted by former patients who passed away there. The plentitude of paranormal phenomena heard, seen, and felt here has prompted its appearance on TV shows such as Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures.

Holiday Inn - University / Blacksburg

This hotel lies on the site of a former plantation called Jacob's Lantern. At Attitudes, the hotel bar and nightclub, laughter and voices can be heard after hours when the place is closed and empty. Guests often ask the hotel manager to turn the music down when no music is ...

Oatlands Plantation

Leesburg, virginia.

Oatlands Plantation was once a 3,500-acre wheat and wool producer with over seven dozen slaves. Now a historic site of only 260 acres, the 1804 manor house museum is rumored to be home to a few spirits. Doors are said to randomly lock on their own, and witnesses and paranormalists ...

Poor House Farm Park

Martinsburg, west virginia.

The original stone house in the historic park is believed to be haunted. Witnesses say they have felt a heavy presence inside, during which it is difficult to breathe. Also, a soldier's apparition has been spotted on the park grounds.

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Seasonal & Holidays

Haunted houses 2023: where to find the best thrills around northern va, halloween season means it's time for scream-inducing haunted houses in and around northern virginia. here's where to find some of the best..

Emily Leayman , Patch Staff

VIRGINIA — The peak of Halloween season in October will get your heart racing with the opening of various haunted attractions. Northern Virginia has its share of haunted houses to visit this season.

We've put together a guide to haunted houses open throughout Northern Virginia beyond in 2023. Did we miss any? Email [email protected] or leave a comment below.

Fields of Fear at Cox Farms : Friday and Saturday nights plus Sunday, Oct. 8 from Sept. 22 to Nov. 4

Find out what's happening in Greater Alexandria with free, real-time updates from Patch.

Cox Farms, 15621 Braddock Rd, Centreville, VA 20120

Cox Farms transforms into a haunted farm on select nights during its fall festival season. Enjoy three attractions — Cornightmare, The Forest: Back 40, and Dark Side Hayride along with food and other limited entertainment.

Haunt: Game Over at Workhouse Arts Center : Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 6-31

Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA 22079

This 10th annual Haunted Trail at Workhouse Arts Center is a walk-through with screepy characters bringing the scares in multiple scenes. Visitors will brave the trail next to abandoned, historic buildings.

Scream Loco: The Funhouse at Dulles Town Center : Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 6-Nov. 4 plus Oct. 30-31

21100 Dulles Town Cir, Dulles, VA 20166

Enter the funhouse if you dare, as you'll encounter mirrors, creepy clown and illusions. Buy your tickets early before they sell out.

Clifton Haunted Trail : Saturday, Oct. 28

Clifton Town 8-Acre Park, Clifton, VA, 20124

This tradition since 2000 is a nod to Clifton's urban legends of the Bunny Man and historic homes and commercial buildings said to be haunted. You'll brave the location of the Bunny Man bridge at this one-night event if you dare.

The Death Trail : Select weekends dates from Oct. 13 to 29

16120 Dumfries Rd, Dumfries, VA 22025

The Death Trail dates back to 2009, providing a 30 to 40 minute walkthrough. Two escape rooms are also options for $5 more. At the end, guests are provided with a message of hope through Christian faith.

Madhunter's Madhouse : Select dates, Oct. 6-30

37658 Legard Farm Rd, Purcellville, VA 20132

This haunted attraction has been named Virginia's top haunt several times by frightfind.com . The Madhunter behind the attraction used to run attractions on the West Coast before making a terrifying debut in the DC region in 2011, operating at various locations since then.

Buckland Haunted Farm : Friday and Saturday nights starting Sept. 29 through Halloween season, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

4484 Lee Highway, Warrenton, VA 20187

This family-run farm market turns into a Haunted Farm for the Halloween season. Check with the business on Facebook for updates on hours.

Haunted Hollow : Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 6-28

8275 Maple Tree Lane, Warrenton, VA 20188

This haunted attraction located around the barns of an abandoned haunted farm isn't for the faint of heart.

Haunted Nightmares : Select dates Sept. 29-Oct. 31

933 Barley Lane, Winchester, VA 22602

This attraction provides variety with a haunted house, escape rooms, nighttime hay rides and corn mazes.

Haunt at King's Dominion : Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 22-Oct. 29

16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047

Experience the theme park beyond the traditional rides. If you dare, enter haunted mazes and scare zones while enjoying spooky live shows and thrill rides.

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The 5 Scariest Haunted Houses and Trails in Northern Virginia

From corn mazes to historic manors, make plans to visit these top-notch frights this Halloween season.

By Kate Oczypok October 5, 2022

If you love being scared, you’ll want to mark your calendar for these five haunts around Virginia. From haunted hayrides to corn mazes and haunted houses, you’ll want to bring a friend or two along for strength in numbers during these eerie, creepy, and fun houses and trails. Happy Halloween! 

Cox Farms’ Fields of Fear  

The Cox Farms’ Fields of Fear is a terrifyingly fun experience with lots to do — instead of a corn maze, there’s a corn nightmare. They take their haunted hayride to the next level: it’s called a “Dark Side Hayride” with a Lost Circus theme. The “abandoned circus” was left in the 1900s and comes to life when living humans approach. All that scariness makes you hungry and Fields of Fear doesn’t disappoint. They’ve got all your favorite fall foods like kettle corn, apple cider donuts , and cinnamon roasted almonds.  15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville

Clifton Haunted Trail  

After a three-year hiatus due to COVID, the Clifton Haunted Trail is back and better than ever. On Saturday, October 29, 7-10 p.m, haunt seekers will be able to explore the haunted woods — which is set to be full of jump scares and petrifying costumes and perfect for anyone who wants to get into the Halloween spirit. The reopened trail is guaranteed to be one of the spookiest yet.  Clifton Town 8-Acre Park, Clifton

Haunted Nightmares at High Hill Farm  

One of the top-rated haunts in Virginia, High Hill Farm’s “Haunted Nightmares” serves up some hair-raising scares. In addition to the usual corn maze and hayrides, there is a haunted house on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-5 p.m. with a less intense show (and a reduced price!) for younger ages. Once the clock strikes 6 p.m., the haunted house is startling and spine-chilling; perfect for those who love to be spooked. Also at High Hill Farm are quick-escape rooms with just 15 minutes to solve how to get out. These family-friendly rooms are not as scary, as no actors are involved.  933 Barley Ln., Winchester

Scream at Graydon Manor  

The premise of Scream at Graydon Manor is pretty darn frightening: to escape the horrors of a world ravaged by a toxic post-apocalyptic wasteland, humanity sought safety underground. One of the underground facilities lost contact and something “disastrous” occurred. Attendees are asked to venture into the world of the lost facility and discover the mystery of what happened. You are warned, though — once you’re inside, no one can hear you scream!  40834 Graydon Manor Ln., Leesburg

Madhaunter’s Madhouse  

Chosen as 2018’s No. 1 must-see haunt in Virginia on thescarefactor.com , Madhaunter’s Madhouse plays into lots of fun pop culture fears like 2017’s It (You’ll float too!) and 2008’s The Dark Knight (Joker anyone?). The haunted attraction is in Purcellville and open on Fridays and Saturdays, 7-11 p.m., in October, as well as Oct. 23, 30, and 31, 7-10 p.m.  37658 Legard Farm Rd., Purcellville

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Haunted Houses 2023: Where To Find The Best Thrills Around Northern VA

VIRGINIA — The peak of Halloween season in October will get your heart racing with the opening of various haunted attractions. Northern Virginia has its share of haunted houses to visit this season.

We've put together a guide to haunted houses open throughout Northern Virginia beyond in 2023. Did we miss any? Email [email protected] or leave a comment below.

Fields of Fear at Cox Farms : Friday and Saturday nights plus Sunday, Oct. 8 from Sept. 22 to Nov. 4

Cox Farms, 15621 Braddock Rd, Centreville, VA 20120

Cox Farms transforms into a haunted farm on select nights during its fall festival season. Enjoy three attractions — Cornightmare, The Forest: Back 40, and Dark Side Hayride along with food and other limited entertainment.

Haunt: Game Over at Workhouse Arts Center : Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 6-31

Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA 22079

This 10th annual Haunted Trail at Workhouse Arts Center is a walk-through with screepy characters bringing the scares in multiple scenes. Visitors will brave the trail next to abandoned, historic buildings.

Scream Loco: The Funhouse at Dulles Town Center : Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 6-Nov. 4 plus Oct. 30-31

21100 Dulles Town Cir, Dulles, VA 20166

Enter the funhouse if you dare, as you'll encounter mirrors, creepy clown and illusions. Buy your tickets early before they sell out.

Clifton Haunted Trail : Saturday, Oct. 28

Clifton Town 8-Acre Park, Clifton, VA, 20124

This tradition since 2000 is a nod to Clifton's urban legends of the Bunny Man and historic homes and commercial buildings said to be haunted. You'll brave the location of the Bunny Man bridge at this one-night event if you dare.

The Death Trail : Select weekends dates from Oct. 13 to 29

16120 Dumfries Rd, Dumfries, VA 22025

The Death Trail dates back to 2009, providing a 30 to 40 minute walkthrough. Two escape rooms are also options for $5 more. At the end, guests are provided with a message of hope through Christian faith.

Madhunter's Madhouse : Select dates, Oct. 6-30

37658 Legard Farm Rd, Purcellville, VA 20132

This haunted attraction has been named Virginia's top haunt several times by frightfind.com . The Madhunter behind the attraction used to run attractions on the West Coast before making a terrifying debut in the DC region in 2011, operating at various locations since then.

Buckland Haunted Farm : Friday and Saturday nights starting Sept. 29 through Halloween season, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

4484 Lee Highway, Warrenton, VA 20187

This family-run farm market turns into a Haunted Farm for the Halloween season. Check with the business on Facebook for updates on hours.

Haunted Hollow : Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 6-28

8275 Maple Tree Lane, Warrenton, VA 20188

This haunted attraction located around the barns of an abandoned haunted farm isn't for the faint of heart.

Haunted Nightmares : Select dates Sept. 29-Oct. 31

933 Barley Lane, Winchester, VA 22602

This attraction provides variety with a haunted house, escape rooms, nighttime hay rides and corn mazes.

Haunt at King's Dominion : Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 22-Oct. 29

16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047

Experience the theme park beyond the traditional rides. If you dare, enter haunted mazes and scare zones while enjoying spooky live shows and thrill rides.

The article Haunted Houses 2023: Where To Find The Best Thrills Around Northern VA appeared first on Greater Alexandria Patch .

The Selma Ghosts: history

In the years following the Civil War, the place to which you wanted to receive an invitation was Selma, a dazzling Greek Revival mansion northwest of the Staunton city limits. The 20-room mansion, built in 1850, was opulent, the food of the highest quality and the entertainments always engaging. Yes, you wanted to be invited to stay at Selma.

Soon, though, no one wanted to remain in the house overnight.

In 1872, one of Selma’s guests – a puzzled look on her face – approached her hosts.

“Who was the gentleman entering the room as I went out?” she asked.

“Why, no one has come in,” replied the host.

“But I saw someone come in the room,” insisted the guest. “He was a soldier in uniform, and passed by me as I came in.”

There is no record of what the hosts of the evening told their guest. Did they tell her the truth? That the “soldier in uniform” had been dead since the latter days of the Civil War? That his ghost haunted the beautiful mansion?

The story is a tragic one. In the waning days of the war, when Union incursions into the area were frequent, a woman and her son – a Confederate soldier – were staying at Selma as guests. One day, without warning, a Union soldier appeared on the property, spied the young Confederate, and chased him into the house.

The Confederate ran into the dining room, and it was by the elaborate hearth in that room that the Union soldier caught up with him. A shot rang out, and the Confederate soldier fell, spilling his blood onto the floor. He was taken upstairs to a bedroom where, some time later, he died.

In the years that followed, servants in the house nervously mentioned that they had seen a young soldier in a gray uniform on the stairs, entering the dining room or standing by the blood-stained floor by the hearth “as if he were a member of the family circle.” His presence was so clear that, once, a new servant asked if she should set a place at the table for the “gentleman.”

“What gentleman?” she was asked.

“Why, the soldier gentleman,” replied the servant.

The nameless Confederate’s presence was only haphazard at first, but in the 1870s he began to make himself more and more noticeable to those still in the land of the living. One guest wrote later that he was “polite, attentive, as though listening to the conversation of the family, but not taking part.”

His form, noticed one writer, was “so clear and distinct that he was often mistaken for a living man, his manner was so calm and casual, his presence so convincing, that residents often accepted him.”

But guests staying overnight did not so readily accept this ghostly Confederate. He reportedly appeared regularly in the bedroom in which he had died, scaring the daylights out of people staying there. Soon, no one wanted to lodge overnight in Selma.

The Selma ghost became widely famous after being described in a number of articles and books. He received perhaps the most attention after his story was told in “Virginia Ghosts,” by Marguerite Dupont Lee.

The mansion’s nearly 900 acres were incrementally sold off for housing developments, and the mansion itself was divided into apartments. None of it, apparently, had any effect on the ghost of the Confederate soldier. He lived on in the mansion where he had died a violent death.

In 1982, a “release” ceremony was held in an effort to get the Confederate to move on to a proper afterlife. The woman performing the ceremony found the ghost lingering in the attic – not neatly attired in his gray uniform, but appearing as a series of “blotches” hanging in mid-air.

“I’d never seen anything like it,” she said years later. “This was a soul that literally was dissipating. All the other energy forms I’d dealt with stayed true to their own coherent structures. This one was breaking up.”

She struggled with the spirit of the young Confederate, who didn’t want to leave. By force of will, she got him to “move toward the light.” With a “sigh of resignation,” the long-dead soldier moved on to the afterlife that had been denied it for nearly 120 years. At that moment, a clock in the house struck midnight.

Since that eerie night in 1982, there have been no further sightings of Selma’s unhappy young Confederate.

But there may have been more than one ghost haunting Selma. The house had been purchased in 1856 by Col. Hierome L. Opie. He was grievously wounded in 1862 and lost a leg; he would die of his wound at Selma. According to Marguerite Dupont Lee, his ghost wandered the house searching for his missing leg. His ghost is also suspected of titling mirrors and picture frames.

Since no formal “release” ceremony was ever known to be held for Col. Opie, perhaps his ghost yet haunts the elegant old mansion, which still stands.

Contact Charles Culbertson at [email protected].

Ghost Tours, Haunted Houses, and Fall Family Fun in the Shenandoah Valley

Halloween is a time when imaginations run wild. There are ghost tours to join, pumpkins to pick, haunted houses to scream through, and tall tales aplenty. The Shenandoah Valley is ripe for all the above plus fall family fun if you know where to look.

Ghost Tours

Who doesn’t love a good-natured fright near Halloween? Take a walking tour through some of the Shenandoah Valley’s towns to hear the shadier bits of history … the parts that will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.

Haunting Tales: Lexington’s Ghost Tour is led by artist and entertainer Mark Cline most nights. Costumed and carrying a lantern, Cline meanders through downtown Lexington telling historic tales. Lexington, VA was established in 1778 and is the final resting place of two Virginia governors, two Confederate generals, and many soldiers. The stories practically jump out of the bricks in Lexington, so check those out, too.

Ghosts of Staunton , VA offers a variety of spooky tours. Choose from Staunton’s Haunted History, Dark Tales and Haunts of the Queen City, Haunted American Hotel, Haunted Depot, or a special Halloween Haunted Depot Spirit Box Tour. With this many options, you may want to line up more than one outing.

Haunted History Ghost Tours of Old Town Winchester , VA is available October 29 and 30 at 6 p.m. The tours will highlight “the mysterious history of Winchester” as you learn about the “restless spirits from the Colonial and Civil War eras.” Indeed, the Shenandoah Valley is a treasure trove of ghost stories.

If you’re not into blood-thirsty “zombies” on parade, you’ll want to avoid the 9 th Annual Front Royal Zombie Walk . They’ll ramble out of Bing Crosby Stadium in Front Royal, VA at 6 p.m. on October 23 to make their way to the Virginia Beer Museum. Thankfully, it’s just a fundraiser for the Humane Society of Warren County and there will be not-so-scary fun, food, and live music to close out the event. Whew.

Haunted Houses

Entirely indoors, American Fright Night at Shenandoah Caverns in Quicksburg, VA is the Shenandoah Valley’s largest haunted house at 40,000 square feet. Wind your way through American Celebration on Parade in a totally different way: in the dark, with the creep factor turned up to 100.

DarkWood Manor is one of the Valley’s best haunted house attractions, and you’ll find it in downtown Luray, VA. Each year offers a different storyline and new characters. This attraction is not advised for children under the age of 10 or those with certain medical conditions. Be sure to read the warning and disclaimer before planning your trip.

Buried Treasure

What does buried treasure have to do with Halloween? Plenty. Ghosts protect their treasure, right? Let’s find some in the Shenandoah Valley.

Beale’s Gold | Bedford, VA In Bedford, immense amounts of gold and silver have been rumored to exist. It’s said that Thomas Beale discovered a mine out west in the 1800s and brought as much as he could carry to Virginia. Amateur and professional treasure hunters have sought the buried treasure with no luck, but we think a pint of Beale’s Gold Helles Lager may be the gold you’re really searching for. It’s known location is Beale’s Beer ; enjoy!

Treasure of Signal Knob | Strasburg, VA Is there gold and silver buried on Signal Knob near Fort Valley? Legend says there is, pointing to Lord William Powell as the burier or such treasure. Stories vary as to where the goods originated – some say he robbed a stagecoach while others suggest the precious metals were discovered with the help of Native Americans in the area. Some even suggest Powell was a counterfeiter and perhaps the gold and silver weren’t real or pure anyway. Hike the Loop Trail

Corn Mazes & Pumpkin Patches

Take a break for family fun this fall with an adventure through a corn maze or a hunt for the perfect pumpkin.

Back Home on the Farm is a working farm in Harrisonburg, VA. The pumpkin patch, corn maze, cow train, and carousel are always a hit. There are many free activities for the kids, including photo props (like a LOVEwork), barnyard minigolf, climbing walls, and more.

Old McDonald’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze in Inwood, WV has giant slides, TWO five-acre corn mazes, hiking trails, a playground, and much more.

Mulberry Hills Farm in Mount Crawford, VA offers a selection of pre-picked pumpkins or you can scour the field for your own. Be sure to take photos at the photo-op spots as well as pet the farm animals. Look for their LOVEwork, too!

The Pumpkin Patch at Hill High Farm in Winchester, VA is a full-day delight with hayrides, a corn maze, and more free fun for the kiddos, too. Venture out to the pumpkin patch to choose your very own to take home.

Orr’s Pumpkin Patch in Martinsburg, WV is a great place for the kids to not only choose their own pumpkin but to also see Spookley the Square Pumpkin, a beloved character from children’s books in which Spookley is shunned by the typical round pumpkins due to his shape. Orr’s Farm Market embraces Spookley the Square Pumpkin as part of National Bullying Prevention Month (October). Spookley will be incorporated throughout the month with a Spookley-Themed Pumpkin Patch, special storybook times, and even a smaller Spookley maze for little ones.

Whichever way you go with your Halloween and October adventures, we hope you have a great time and make fantastic memories.

Header Image Courtesy Back Home on the Farm.

Getting To the Valley – Train

Amtrak  – You can reach the Valley directly by train by traveling to the Amtrak station in Staunton, or indirectly by traveling to stations in short driving distance in Charlottesville, Lynchburg, the Washington, D.C. area, and in Harpers Ferry and Martinsburg, West Virginia.  Also see  Amtrak Virginia .

Getting To the Valley – Plane

Airports within the Shenandoah Valley

If you are travelling by air, you can skip the rental car and schedule a private car service with Shenandoah Shores Management Group (SSMG). Our experienced drivers will pick you up from the airport and drop you off at your destination. And they can safely drive you to any other locations in the area.

Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport  Weyer’s Cave, VA (SHD) Roanoke Regional Airport   Roanoke, VA (ROA)

Airports a short driving distance from the Shenandoah Valley Baltimore Washington International Airport  (take I-70 west to I-81, then go south) Ronald Reagan National Airport  (Arlington) (take US-50, Va-7, or I-66 west to the Valley) Washington Dulles Airport  (take US-50, Va-7, or I-66 west to the Valley) Richmond International Airport  (take I-64 west to the Valley) Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport  (take I-64 west to the Valley) Blue Ridge Regional Airport  (Martinsville, Virginia)

Getting To the Valley – Car

Interstate 81 is the main north-south route to and through the Shenandoah Valley.

From the Northeast take Interstate 76 or Interstate 78 west to Interstate 81 south.

From the Northwest take Interstate 76 east to Interstate 70. At Hagerstown, MD take Interstate 81 south into the Shenandoah Valley.

To reach the Valley from the east, the main highways are Interstate 66, which brings you directly from the Washington, D.C. area and connects with I-81 near Strasburg, VA.

Interstate 64, which brings you directly from Richmond and connects with I-81 near Staunton. From the west, I-64 is again the most direct route, coming from West Virginia and linking to I-81 near Lexington, VA.

Cities, Towns, and Counties

Martinsburg | Berkeley County

Jefferson County Almost Heaven

Charles Town | Jefferson County

Winchester | Frederick County

Clarke County

Town of Strasburg

Town of Edinburg

Shenandoah County

Town of New Marke t

Front Royal | Warren County

Luray | Page County

Page Valley

Town of Shenandoah

Harrisonburg | Rockingham County

Highland County

Bath County

Augusta County

Staunton | Augusta County

Waynesboro | Augusta County

Alleghany County

Lexington | Buena Vista | Rockbridge County

Bedford County

Charlottesville-Albemarle County

Meetings & Travel Trade

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Film Industry

International Visitors

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This Abandoned Virginia Hospital Is Thought To Be One Of The Most Haunted Places On Earth

A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.

More by this Author

Virginia has an extensive history, and it’s no surprise that many of its historic buildings have quite a haunted reputation. That’s certainly true of the abandoned DeJarnette Center in Staunton. Founded in 1932, it served as a mental hospital for decades before it was abandoned altogether. Today, all that remains are the ruins of this building and its troubled history. Here’s more on why DeJarnette Sanitarium , an abandoned Virginia hospital, is among the most haunted places on earth.

Please note that the DeJarnette Center is permanently closed and cannot be visited. 

Have you ever heard about the abandoned DeJarnette Sanitarium in Staunton? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! For related content, check out our list of abandoned places in Virginia that are sure to send a chill up your spine. And, if you’re eager to explore more of what the area has to offer, be sure to check out these unique Staunton vacation rentals .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

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Dejarnette sanitarium.

Is DeJarnette Sanitarium the only haunted sanitarium in Virginia?

Another haunted sanitarium in Virginia is the Public Hospital in Colonial Williamsburg.

While DeJarnette Sanitarium is the most notoriously haunted sanitarium in Virginia, there are many, many more abandoned asylums and hospitals in the Old Dominion. The Public Hospital in Colonial Williamsburg is the oldest psychiatric hospital in the nation and the first hospital specifically proposed for treatment of the mentally ill. Founded in 1773, the Public Hospital was built at a time when mental illness was not diagnosed by a doctor, but rather by a jury-like group of 12 citizens who gave a verdict of "criminal, lunatic, or idiot." As with many early asylums, conditions were barbaric and patients lived in small cells outfitted with only a straw mattress and chamber pot. When John Minson Galt II took over the hospital in 1841, conditions improved as "moral management" began being used for treatment, emphasizing self-control, work therapy, and leisure activities. Patients were given beds and other "luxuries," while activities like lectures, concerts, and visits to town were provided along with a library and workshops for sewing, carpentry, and shoemaking to teach practical skills. Given all of this, it's no surprise that this former hospital is now the home to many a lore and legend, and some of the most hair-raising ghost stories in Virginia .

What are some abandoned places in Virginia?

The old Renaissance Faire is one of the most abandoned places in Virginia.

There's something about old, abandoned places that causes the mind to wander. Virginia Renaissance Faire in Fredericksburg has since been forsaken by the unkind passage of time. Off Kings Highway, these once-riotous festival grounds now sit abandoned , the Tudor-style structures slowly being consumed by the wild woodlands of Virginia. This Renaissance Faire was built in the 1990s as a permanent home for the Virginia festival, but attendance never met expectations, and after a few unsuccessful seasons, the property faced foreclosure. Today, the Virginia Renaissance Faire is a shadow of its former self, an ironic reminder of a bygone time, and one of the most curious haunted sites in the state.

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Haunted Houses & Halloween Attractions in Virginia

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• St Albans Sanatorium Unhinged

Located in Radford 540-260-3111--> Next open 10/13/23

In 2011 we entered the Asylum. In 2012 there was Reign of Terrors and Carnival of Cadavers. In 2013 our Fairytales became Nightmares. In 2014 we descended into Havoc! Walk these haunted halls and experience the House of Havoc!!! Lots of twists and turns, chills and thrills, and screaming for all!!! Get the fright of your life while supporting this historical and haunted landmark!! For t... Read More

• Richmond Ghosts

Located in Richmond (757) 532-8805 --> Next open 10/9/23

Richmond Ghost Tour - Unearthing Echoes of Eternity Peel back the layers of time and uncover tales of murder, mayhem, and tragedy, all while immersing yourself in the secret histories concealed in Richmond's shadows. From the Powhatan Confederacy to contemporary grim accounts, authoritative guides recount events that forged this cherished River City, giving birth to the very real Richmond Gh... Read More

• Colonial Ghosts

Located in Williamsburg 757.598.1805--> Next open 10/9/23

Colonial Ghosts Tour - Williamsburg: Where Whispers and Wonders Converge Step into the enigmatic world of Williamsburg, VA, where history's echoes intertwine with haunted secrets, crafting a tapestry of tales both captivating and haunting. Welcome to the Colonial Ghosts Tour—an expedition through the haunted past of this historic town. Our enchanting array of spine-tingling narrativ... Read More

• The Warehouse

Located in Weber City --> Next open 10/13/23

The Warehouse presents, "Psychosis" Where ones thoughts and emotions are so affected by their surroundings that all contact is lost with reality. Anyone looking to have a psychological breakdown? This is where we encourage all forms of delusions, sadistic hallucinations, and overly intense ideas of what reality actually entails...... Read More

• The Death Trail

Located in Dumfries 703-763-9448--> Next open 10/13/23

The only haunted attraction in Prince William County, the Death Trail offers the best scream around. Experience the dark woods filled with demented clowns, terrifying zombies, the insane and much more. Voted one of the top attractions in Virginia. Read More

• Blue Ridge Nightmares

Located in Roanoke (540) 342-5700--> Next open 10/13/23

Prepare to be scared! Center in the Square is bringing Hollywood level quality in Halloween-themed entertainment to Roanoke with their own haunted attraction, “Blue Ridge Nightmares Utilizing a massive warehouse space at the Roanoke Industrial Center just outside of Downtown Roanoke at 1910 9th Street. The facility has been transformed into its own city filled with its own story, charac... Read More

• Norfolk Haunted Temple

Located in Norfolk 757-423-8866--> Next open 10/12/23

The Norfolk haunted temple is celebrating its 13th year as the most horrifying place in Hampton Roads! To commemorate our midnight anniversary, all of the dials will be turned up to twelve! Tickets will be limited this year, so be sure to get yours when they go on sale at midnight, on October 1st !!! Read More

• Terror Woods

Located in Chesapeake 757-971-3413--> Next open 10/13/23

Our Haunted walk thru lasts 13-14 Minutes of Terror Woods trail filled with actors and actomotronics. Very scary and spooky. Our Pumpkin patch is all day family affair for everybody. We have pumpkins and related fall items. We have Straw tunnels, inflatables, slides and Hayrides. Read More

• Terror Manor

Located in Roanoke 540-400-7111--> Next open 10/12/23

Terror manor is Roanoke’s first ADA Commercial Haunted House featuring Over 40+rooms of pure terror! Terror Manor is a full immersion haunt featuring high props, animatronics, scent canisters, sound and water. Read More

• Lake Hickory Haunts

Located in Hickory 828-212-1442--> Next open 10/13/23

Voted the best haunt in the Carolina's, Lake Hickory Haunts is a one of a kind haunted house attraction; featuring a large body of water, surrounded by 13 unique haunted attractions. Within these attractions, you will discover awe-inspiring immersive environments, multi-dimensional special FX, and breathtaking scares. Inside the haunt, you will experience Nightmare Factory, Lair of the Undead, V... Read More

• Hexed Haunted Attraction

Located in Elliston 540-998-3327--> Next open 10/13/23

Come Visit Hexed, If You Dare UNHINGED… UNFILTERED… AND IT CANNOT BE UNSEEN. COME EXPERIENCE THE TWISTED SIGHTS AND LIVING NIGHTMARES OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA’S MOST EXCITING HAUNTED ATTRACTION. ONLY 15 MINUTES FROM BLACKSBURG, ROANOKE, VIRGINIA TECH, AND RADFORD UNIVERSITY. SCREAM THROUGH 4 BONE CHILLING ATTRACTIONS, ALL FOR 1 PRICE. WHEN THE PHANTOMS AND FIENDS OF THE NEW RIVER VALLEY CRAWL ... Read More

• Woods of Terror

Located in Greensboro 336-643-3558--> Next open 10/13/23

• Haunted Nightmares

Located in Winchester 540-667-7377--> Next open 10/22/23

Haunted Nightmares is an intense, high energy haunted attraction that uses the latest technology available to the haunt industry. With over 4600 square feet, trained actors, professional makeup and highly detailed sets, our haunt is not one you will soon forget. Read More

• Charlottesville Ghosts

Located in Charlottesville 844-757-5657--> Next open 10/9/23

Charlottesville Ghosts Embark on an otherworldly adventure with Charlottesville Ghosts and uncover the spine-tingling hauntings that the Blue Ridge Mountains conceal. Venture into the eerie history of a town touched by Revolutionary and Civil War perils, haunted plantations, and the shadowy secrets of Virginia's founding fathers. Join us on a ghostly journey through the heart of thi... Read More

Featured 2023 Halloween Events

• Granville Haunt Farm
• American Fright Night
• Landstown Horror
• Neptune Ghosts
• Workhouse Haunt - Game Over
• Hartman's Haunted Corn Maze & Zombie Paintball Hunting
• Haunted Woods of Hoover Ridge
• Haunted Hunt Club Farm
• Miller's Nightmare Haunted Farm
• Lynchburg Ghosts

Virginia Halloween Events

Halloween event list including haunted houses, corn mazes, hayrides, spookwalks, home haunts, and more.

• Drive-Through (1)
• Haunted Houses (23)
• Haunted Hay Rides (9)
• Zombie Hunts & Shootouts (3)
• Haunted Mazes / Haunted Corn Mazes (10)
• Haunted Trails (18)
• Pumpkin Patches (40)
• Home Haunts (5)
• Paranormal Events (3)
• Theaters & Plays (1)
• Halloween Festivals & Parades (14)
• Ghost Tours (13)
• Halloween Parties & Nightlife (7)
• Escape Games (13)
• Scream Parks (7)
• Hay Rides (Kid Friendly) (31)
• Not-So-Scary Haunted Houses (Kid Friendly) (6)
• Kids Parties (12)
• Safe Trick or Treating (4)
• Pub Crawls (6)
• Mazes / Corn Mazes (Kid Friendly) (22)
• Other Events (31)
• Haunted River Tours (1)

• Nightmare On Church Street
• Haunted Hill Haunted Trail and Hayride
• Creepy Hollow Scream Park
• Spooky Acres Haunted House
• Warrenton Ghost Tours
• Terror on the Farm
• Fun on the Farm at Hanover Vegetable Farm
• The Haunting at Chuckatuck
• Madame Redrum's (ReOpening 2024)
• Halls of Hysteria

• Lloyd Family Farms Pumpkin Patch

• Zombie Apocalypse
• Zombie Escape at Dominion Raceway

• Corn Maze at Bridgemont Farm

• Shadows of Shockoe
• The Dark Woods Haunted Trail
• Monet Haunt

• Dine-In-Movie-Night: A Charlie Brown Double Feature
• Halloween Costume Party at American Legion Post 364

Virginia Real Haunted Places

Check out Virginia's Real Haunts, where ghosts, ghouls, and apparitions make their home year round! Across Virginia, there are tons of houses, cemeteries, and places that are truly haunted - get all the gory details about Virginia's Real Haunts right here!

• Real Haunted Houses (53)
• Real Haunted Lakes & Waterways (1)
• Real Haunted Hotels & Lodging (26)
• Real Haunted Cemeteries (9)
• Real Haunted Bridges & Overpasses (1)
• Real Haunted Places (23)
• Real Haunted Army Posts / Battle Grounds (9)
• Real Haunted Hospitals & Asylums (3)
• Real Haunted Colleges (12)
• Real Haunted Theaters (5)
• Real Haunted Museums (16)

Ghosts of Staunton

Ghosts of Staunton Tours has been educating the community for 15 years. Not only will you learn the best places for sightings in this “hub for paranormal activity,” you’ll get a healthy dose of history as well. This should please even skeptical audience members!

Staunton, VA 24401

540-448-2743

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The 10 Most Haunted Places in Virginia to Visit

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial & privacy policies .

Most Haunted Places in Virginia Guide

• The Boxwood Inn  (Newport News VA)
• Glencoe Inn  (Portsmouth VA)
• The Natural Bridge Hotel  (Natural Bridge VA)
• First Landing State Park  (Virginia Beach VA)
• Old House Woods  (Diggs VA)
• Ferry Plantation House  (Virginia Beach VA)
• George Wythe House  (Williamsburg VA)
• Ball’s Bluff Battlefield  (Leesburg VA)
• Cold Harbor Battlefield  (Mechanicsville VA)
• Clifton Haunted Trail  (Clifton VA)

READ MORE: The 15 Most Haunted Places in Tennessee to Visit

Haunted Hotels in Virginia

1. The Boxwood Inn 

Official Website

Staying at this stunningly luxurious bed and breakfast in Newport News VA will transport you back to the late 1800s, when this classic southern mansion was built.

Simon Curtis and his wife Nannie were the first owners of this house , but Nannie is said to be the benevolent specter at the center of our story. 

This haunted house  in Virginia was on the brink of demolition before the Lucas family bought it in 1995.

During its restoration, Mrs. Lucas broke a nail and exclaimed that she needed an emery board. When she turned around, there was a nail file right there ready for her to use.

To test her luck, she exclaimed that she needed $100. Almost immediately she felt as if she’d stepped on something, and found a gold tooth stuck to her shoe. When she took it to a local pawn shop, she was given $100 dollars for it. 

These kind acts were thought to be Nannie’s way of thanking the new owners for rescuing the haunted house . But Nannie is reportedly not the only spirit hanging around the place!

The subject of several reported hauntings in Virginia , the home has created claims of new batteries draining too fast, doors being knocked on in the mornings, and an elderly gentleman with a cane wandering the halls. 

READ MORE:  10 Best Virginia Mountain Towns to Visit

2. Glencoe Inn 

If you visit Portsmouth VA, you can stay the night at this delightful Victorian-era B&B/ Inn , which was built in 1890 and overlooks the Elizabeth River. 

The Glencoe Inn has a beautiful rose garden that is allegedly still tended by the spirit of an elderly lady.

It has been said that when this lady enters the house, she brings with her an overwhelming scent of roses that fills the main hall.

This has reportedly happened even in the depths of winter , when the scent of rose is very much out of season!

Recent guests of the Inn have also reported seeing the apparitions of other Virginia ghosts around the hotel .

READ MORE:  10 Great Romantic Getaways in Virginia for Couples

3. The Natural Bridge Hotel

Located about 14 miles south of Lexington VA , the Natural Bridge is a 215-foot tall stone bridge in a picturesque limestone gorge that was carved out over countless centuries by Cedar Creek.

Now protected as Natural Bridge State Park , the 157-acre parcel of land was originally purchased by Thomas Jefferson in 1774. The bridge itself is said to have a “GW” carved into its base by George Washington. 

Jefferson built a 2-room log cabin to be used as his personal getaway , and in 1833 the subsequent owner built the Forest Inn to keep up with the area’s growing demand for lodging. 

By the 1880s there was a resort on the property, which was eventually expanded into what is now the Natural Bridge Hotel. 

But local legends suggest the previous hotel owner went insane and murdered his wife and children there. Ever since then, visitors have reported seeing apparitions of the man and his family wandering the hotel’s halls. 

READ MORE:  The 15 Best Things to Do in Lexington VA & Natural Bridge VA

Haunted Forests in Virginia

4. First Landing State Park

Located in Virginia Beach, First Landing State Park is the site where the first English colonists arrived in the New World in 1607.

It’s hardly surprising that this is the most visited Virginia State Park , with its 20 miles of hiking trails and 1.5 miles of Chesapeake Bay beachfront. 

The park also has its fair share of scary folklore , and some locals claim its maritime forest is one of the most haunted places in Virginia Beach.  

Famous pirate Blackbeard and his shipmates are said to have hidden out here, burying their treasure along the beach before fleeing into the state of North Carolina .

But their treasure has never been unearthed, and some say that Blackbeard’s spirit (which sometimes appears headless ) now roams the park, guarding his hidden treasure. 

READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Staunton VA

5. Old House Woods 

Deemed by no less an authority than the Virginia Department of Forestry to be one of the most haunted places in VA, Old House Woods is steeped in spooky stories and terrifying legends . 

The forest along the Chesapeake Bay is dense, with barely a peek of the sky visible from deep within it. It is said that these haunting woods have seen their share of robberies and murders through the centuries. 

It’s called Old House Woods because there was an old house  right at the heart of the forest back in the late 1700s.

After being abandoned, the house allegedly caught fire spontaneously, then extinguished itself just as quickly.  Years later, the house finally burned to the ground, leaving behind its ghostly inhabitants. 

Visitors to the area have claimed to see everything from British Revolutionary War soldiers mining for gold  and ghost ships floating in the distance to a headless cow!

READ MORE:  The 10 Best Caves and Caverns in Virginia

Haunted Houses in Virginia

6. Ferry Plantation House 

In 1642, the Ferry Plantation was named for the Ferry Boat Service that ran across the Lynnhaven River. The house that stands there now was built in 1828 by George and Elizabeth MacIntosh, using bricks from the original manor house. 

It stands on land that was cleared by indigenous people back in the 1500s. Since then, the property has seen a tumultuous history that included  witch trials, the enslavement of African people, shipwrecks, and other tragedies. 

So it’s hardly surprising to learn that this is thought to be one of VA’s most haunted sites, with a reported ghost count that currently stands at 11.

There’s Sally Rebecca Walke, an enslaved African woman, who lost her fiancé to war. She planted a magnolia tree in his memory and is still reportedly seen wandering the gardens in mourning. 

Then there’s ghost of Henry, an enslaved man, whose spirit has been seen coming up from the house’s basement and kneeling on the kitchen floor as if he was doing some kind of chore. 

Other reported hauntings include the ghosts of shipwrecked souls, an artist painting at the top of the stairs, and the spirits of many children who lost their lives too early.

The Ferry Plantation House offers one of the best haunted tours in Virginia, and spooky sleepovers are also available!

READ MORE:  The 10 Best Virginia Wineries to Visit for Wine Tastings & Tours

7. George Wythe House 

If you ever find yourself in Colonial Williamsburg, don’t miss a chance to visit the George Wythe House.

Built in the 1750s, this National Historic Landmark  was the home of George Wythe, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. 

On guided tours of this haunted Williamsburg VA building, visitors can get a sense of what 18th century life in America was like for both free and enslaved people. Those hoping for a more paranormal experience won’t be disappointed, either. 

George Wythe was murdered with arsenic at the age of 79 by his scheming grand-nephew, George Sweeney , and some visitors say that he still haunts the building.

Others are more convinced by the apparition of Lady Ann Skipwith. She fled for the Wythe House one night after having a row with her husband, but she broke and lost her shoe along the way.

When she got to the house, she fell on the steps, and is said to have died there from her injuries. She has since been seen admiring herself in a mirror and searching for lost shoe. 

There are plenty of other ghoulish Williamsburg stories to keep ghost-hunters busy and spookily satisfied!

READ MORE: The 10 Best National Parks in Virginia

Haunted Battlefields in Virginia

8. Ball’s Bluff Battlefield 

On October 20, 1861, a Civil War battle at Ball’s Bluff ended in a lopsided victory for the Confederate Army.

There were over 1,000 Union casualties to just 155 Confederate ones. 

Although there is plenty here to occupy history lovers and those seeking hiking trails or a great spot for  camping , there’s also rumored to be plenty of supernatural activity to watch and listen out for 

There are 54 soldiers buried at the National Cemetery, and not all of them are believed to be resting in peace.

Visitors have reported startling sights of uniformed Civil War specters wandering the park at night.

So unless ghastly ghosts are your idea of a good time, you might want to rethink that Ball’s Bluff camping experience!

READ MORE:  The 10 Best Campgrounds in Virginia

9. Cold Harbor Battlefield 

The Battle of Cold Harbor (which lasted from May 31 to June 12, 1864) saw another win for the Confederates, with over 12,000 Union casualties and around 4,000 Confederate casualties. 

If you’re searching for haunted places in Richmond VA, the Cold Harbor Battlefield should be #1 on your itinerary, but keep in mind that the park closes as darkness falls.

This park encompasses 50 acres that include a network of hiking trails , Civil War trenches, rifle pits, and a National Cemetery.

Cold Harbor Battlefield is widely considered one of the most haunted battlefields in the country. Of all the haunted attractions in Virginia, this has to be one of the most creepy sites.

It is said that a mysterious fog encircles the Civil War battlefield , often rising and dissipating just as quickly.

The ghost of a little girl supposedly haunts the cemetery and Garthright House, which is right across the road. 

READ MORE:  The 10 Best Civil War Battlefields in Virginia to Visit

Haunted Trails in Virginia

10. Clifton Haunted Trail

Official Website  

Located 10 miles east of Manassas, Clifton VA is a Civil War-era Virginia town that saw many bloody battles.

A number of the small town’s buildings and residences are said to be haunted, but the weirdest thing to come out of Clifton is the legend of “ The Bunny Man .”

This creepy figure is said to haunt a  Virginia bridge  called the Colchester Overpass, which was used by the Southern Railway . 

There are myriad versions of the story, with variations on the Bunny Man’s name, motives, weapons, victims, etc. But he’s generally believed to be responsible for the deaths of two children, as well as the mutilations of a number of animals. 

Two reports about the Bunny Man were made to Fairfax County Police in 1970, but both investigations were eventually closed for lack of evidence.

Today, the Clifton Haunted Trail is visited by thousands of people every Halloween, and the Bunny Man (or at least someone who looks like him) is virtually guaranteed to make an appearance.   -by Emma Gallagher

We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about the  Leave No Trace   principles of responsible environmental stewardship. 

Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. 

Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie.

When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic!

Emma Gallagher

Born in Britain, writer/photographer Emma Gallagher lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC on a permaculture homestead with her husband, Jonathon. While traveling the world for 13 years, she fell in love with the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge region when she lived at an artist retreat in Burnsville NC before moving to Brevard. Today Emma lives near Stone Mountain State Park and Doughton Park volunteers at the Surry County Fiddlers Convention, and cares for the gardens at the Reeves Downtown School of Music in Elkin. She's also a volunteer for the Elkin Valley Trails Association, which maintains segment 6 of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

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Find the best and scariest haunted house in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Haunted Hunt Club Farm.  Hauntworld.com rates and reviews one of the best haunted houses in Virginia. Haunted Hunt Club Farm is the complete attraction!  Click here and read all the details about one of the Virginia Beach, Virginia area's biggest and scariest haunted attractions.

Virginia biggest and best haunted house is Darkwood Manor located in Luray Virgina not far from Washington DC area is the scariest haunted house attraction in Virginia read the full review at www.HauntWorld.com

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The Haunted Town of Staunton Virginia

When you think of haunted places, you probably think of older dilapidated buildings. But it is rare to hear of a whole haunted town. However, Staunton, Virginia (pronounced STAN ton) is such a town. Dubbed the most haunted town in Virginia, some even claim it is the most haunted town in the eastern United States. And it has a pretty dark history to make it so.

Steeped in Civil War lore and one of the earliest settled towns in the Shenandoah Valley, it is known as the Queen City of the Valley. But despite its regal claim, it exudes small-town charm. Home to approximately 25,000 people, Staunton is also home to a haunted hotel, a haunted town hall, a haunted sanatarium, a haunted train depot, a haunted restaurant and pub, a haunted church, a haunted college, a haunted inn, and even a haunted creek. In fact, there isn’t much that isn’t haunted here.

Some say even a walk down its quaint southern streets provokes ghostly responses from beyond the grave. So, it’s easy to see why Staunton is one of Virginia’s five most haunted places. That said, there are so many haunted places within the town that we can cover only a few extensively here. Others will simply be mentioned. 

A Brief Look at Staunton’s History

Staunton was settled in 1732, served as the county seat for the largest territory of its time, and boasted having more land mass than either Germany or France. It became the capital of the Northwest Territory from 1738-1770 and was quickly transformed into a transportation hub for the south when the Virginia Central Railroad arrived in 1854. 

Many of the buildings here date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Although it is rich in Civil War history, it’s one of the few towns that escaped destruction, leaving many buildings from that era intact, thus preserving the paranormal energies within them. 

The Clocktower Restaurant and Bar

Peering down West Beverley Street, you’ll see Staunton’s town clock towering above the other buildings. Built-in 1890 by S.W. Foulke, it was first designed to house the YMCA. The tower was remodeled in 1916 in the Queen Anne style with four-bayed arch windows, then finished with brickwork and ornamental turrets.

Since then, the Clocktower has had a few more incarnations. The last renovation changed the building from a department store into apartments on the upper levels with retail space, including the restaurant, on the ground floor—Staunton’s signature clock, manufactured by E. Howard Clock Company of Massachusetts , from which the restaurant derives its name, has continued to tick away faithfully for the last 130 years. 

Known as the most haunted restaurant in the Shenandoah Valley, The Clocktower Restaurant has been a paranormal destination for decades. Both patrons and employees have noticed activity, and investigators have documented this activity using digital voice recorders , video, spirit boxes , flashlights, and thermal cameras . 

The present owners have witnessed glasses breaking for no apparent reason and wine glasses wobbling in mid-air, then coming out of their cases and breaking. 

The most profound observation occurred during a supplier delivery. While unloading inside the walk-in cooler, the delivery man noticed a large soup ladle dangling in mid-air, unattached to anything. He became so frightened he ran out of the cooler and refused to deliver to the restaurant anymore. 

Another disturbing experience witnessed by both owners and employees concerned the decorative pictures hanging on the restaurant’s walls. When the owners and staff came in in the morning, the images would be sitting on the floor amidst shards of broken glass as if someone had thrown them to the floor. This ghostly misbehavior continued until the owners decided to hang the pictures without the glass and solved the issue. 

According to a local paranormal group, the basement of The Clocktower is the paranormal hot spot in the restaurant. Documented activity here includes lights turning off and on, orbs, and the report of a man chased by a floating spirit lady. 

Thermal imaging was used here to detect ghostly activity. In addition, numerous spirits use spirit boxes to communicate with investigators, while others have been reported to use flashlights to answer binary questions.

The amount and intensity of the paranormal activity at this establishment easily thrust Staunton into Virginia’s top five haunted places. 

The Staunton Train Depot

Throughout this train depot’s 150-year history, it has suffered the ravages of war, been swallowed up in flames, and smashed by derailed trains. There’s evidence the victims of these fires, wars, and crashes still haunt the depot.

A local paranormal group that has researched the depot for the past seven years has gathered EVP’s through spirit boxes and seen strange lights and shadows.

Around eight different ghosts of victims have been contacted here via investigative equipment. For example, the apparition of the young opera singer Myrtle Ruth Knox , who bled to death after her lege were severed when her train crashed into the depot, has been seen here wandering around the station’s platform. D.C. McLewry, who was reportedly drunk, was struck and killed by the train in 1861. Some have witnessed his ghost still drunkenly stumbling along the tracks. 

The American Hotel

Built in 1855, the American Hotel was one of the most luxurious hotels in Virginia. Then, during the Civil War, it was commandeered by Confederate troops and used as a hospital and quickly filled up with sick and wounded soldiers. Then in a twist of fate, Union soldiers took over the town and hotel, throwing the Confederate soldiers out and replacing them with their own sick and wounded. Amputations and surgeries were performed here without anesthesia, and broken bones were reset without anything to dull the pain but strong liquor. Many soldiers died. It was a place of agony. 

Paranormal activity has been reported here by both employees and guests. Shadow figures can be seen upstairs, computers refuse to work, and footsteps can be heard when no one is in the building. 

A local paranormal investigative team has confirmed the basement to be the most active location in the hotel. Once used as a morgue when the hotel was a hospital during the Civil War, children’s voices can be heard here. Spirit boxes have been used to communicate with a number of reportedly male ghosts at this location.

Other Haunted Points of Interest in Staunton Virginia

There are many points of interest in Staunton with documented paranormal activity including the following locations:

• Western State Hospital 
• Lewis Creek
• Augusta County Courthouse
• Trinity Church
• Belle Grae Inn
• Mary Baldwin College  

Paranormal investigators have long said that the combination of limestone and water creates an environment where the limestone can absorb and release electromagnetic energies and is the reason for increased paranormal activity in certain areas. Timothy Yohe has made a convincing scientific case for this theory in his book,  Limestone and Its Paranormal Properties: A Comprehensive Approach to the Possibilities . 

Since Staunton, Virginia, is built upon limestone with a river running underneath, this undoubtedly accounts for the extraordinary amount of paranormal activity experienced here and why a whole town is among the five most haunted places in Virginia .

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Thanks for sharing this information ! Much appreciated.

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Most Haunted Places in Virginia

Given how old Virginia actually is, it is hardly surprising that it has collected its fair share of ghosts along the way. There is a rich history here in The Old Dominion and that has created the perfect breeding ground for some pretty spooky goings on!

Let’s take a look at some of the most haunted places in Virginia:

10. Ferry Plantation House, Virginia Beach

The Ferry Plantation House was built during the 1830s, but the history of the land can be traced back further to the 1600s when it served as a Ferry Service taking passengers to the Lynnhaven River.

The building that now stands there has served many purposes including not only the plantation, but also a school, a post office, and a courthouse.

It is one of the most haunted houses in Virginia with no less than eleven ghosts known to haunt the house and its grounds.

One of the most well-known spirits is a male ghost who is described as being very talkative and who appears fairly regularly.

The guides also love to tell visitors all about The Witch of Pungo who was one of the only people convicted of witchcraft in Virginia.

She is said to have been tried nearby and has been seen on the grounds.

9. Fort Magruder Hotel, Williamsburg BOOK NOW

There is an area of Williamsburg which is known as ‘The Bloody Ravine’ which was part of the battlefield and the Fort Magruder Hotel happens to be built there.

Is it any wonder then that it is considered to be one of the most haunted hotels in Virginia? Probably not! Guests and staff alike are encountering Civil War spirits on a pretty regular basis in the hotel.

In fact, it is so haunted that an annual science fiction convention which is held at the hotel almost always has a ghost hunt as part of their activities.

8. Cold Harbour Battlefield Park, Richmond

Aside from Gettysburg, Cold Harbor is said to be one of the most haunted battlefields in the United States.

It was here that General Lee celebrated one of his last victories over Grant and his forces.

The area is now part of a National Park and so protected by rangers, but that doesn’t stop people from spotting some of the many ghosts that are said to remain to haunt the trenches.

Visitors also report hearing the distant sounds of a brutal battle going on.

7. Boxwood Inn B&B, Newport

Newport’s Boxwood Inn bed and breakfast was originally built in 1897 when it was known as the Simon Reid Curtis House.

Over the years it has served a variety of different purposes including a time as a family residence, a general store, a post office, a tax office and a hall of records.

It is now known to be one of the most haunted buildings in Virginia thanks to a spirit who is said to reside in the house’s attic.

It is a popular place for paranormal investigators to visit and it is a great spot for recording EVP evidence since the ghost seems to be relatively chatty!

6. Major Graham's Mansion, Wythe County

Major Graham’s Mansion is kind of the stereotypical haunted house!

It is sitting in the middle of nowhere close to Fort Chiswell and the long drive to get to it takes you through various back roads that will leave you feeling lost and disorientated before you even managed to find the house!

The oldest parts of the building date back to the 1830s, but it is said that the event which has made this one of the most haunted places in Virginia actually happened in 1786.

It was at this time that two slaves killed their master and were hung from a tree on the property.

They are the spirits that are said to be to blame for all of the strange things that happen in the mansion.

The house has even made appearances on a number of paranormal television shows.

5. Swannanoa Palace, Afton

One of the unique things about Swannanoa Palace is that it took about 8 years to complete the building work.

It was officially completed in 1912 and was originally owned by a prominent Virginia family called The Dooleys. When the family died, the house was transformed into a county club.

Unfortunately, during the Great Depression and World War II, the house was more or less abandoned. From 1949 and 1998 the mansion was rented by the University of Science and Philosophy, but it now lies empty in a terrible state of disrepair.

It is sad to see it decaying, but the good news is that the current owners do have plans to restore it to its former glory.

The paranormal activity only really started to gain attention in the last couple of years, but in that time a number of different paranormal investigators have managed to pick up some very compelling EVP evidence.

They believe that it is the Dooley family who is haunting their former home.

4. Paxton Manor, Leesburg

In its early years, Paxton Manor was better known as Carlheim. The mansion was built in 1872 and some say that the reason why it has become one of the most haunted mansions in Virginia is that it has a natural subterranean body of water flowing underneath the house.

The manor now functions partly as an education center for disabled young people and partly as a haunted house attraction.

What makes the haunt even spookier is that the building is actually haunted!

Investigators who have been allowed to explore the building say that the Paxton family may never have left!

3. Staunton Train Depot, Staunton

Staunton Train Depot has only really started to garner a spooky reputation fairly recently. However, it has quickly become one of the most haunted locations in Virginia.

If you visit by day all you will see is a charming and fairly welcoming train station. However, by night things are very different.

It is not really that surprising that there are ghosts here considering the fact that there have been several tragic events at the station. In 1864, it was burned down by Union soldiers and several people perished.

There was also a mental hospital close by which had awful living conditions for patients and some say that the ghosts from there have wandered into the station on occasion.

There have been a wide variety of ghosts reported here over the past few years.

Among them, there has been a little girl killed in a train accident, a Confederate soldier, several older mental patients and a number of people believed to have died when the station was destroyed by a train derailment in 1890.

2. Edgewood Plantation, Charles City STAY HERE

Edgewood Plantation was built back in 1850 when it was known as Berkeley Plantation. It is now a charming bed & breakfast, but it is also said to be full of restless spirits.

The main spirit who seems to be sighted most frequently is a lady who is said to be the fiancée of a Civil War soldier who never returned from battle.

It is said that the lady is still roaming the halls of the plantation house lost and broken-hearted.

1. St Albans Sanatorium, Radford

There is very little doubt that St Albans Sanatorium is one of the most haunted places in the state.

It is a popular spot for paranormal investigations and it has been said that this abandoned mental institution has the highest rate of paranormal activity on the entire East Coast!

St Albans started out as a boys school in 1892 before it was converted into a hospital for the mentally ill.

The ghosts who haunt here include former patients, former staff, and a few children.

It is said that one spirit in particular who haunts the building is a former staff member who keeps to the lower level and behaves aggressively towards females who visit.

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