DC has no shortage of ghost stories and haunted places. But an hour and a half outside of DC just might be the most haunted town in America. There were so many documented cases of paranormal activity that Shepherdstown, West Virginia was featured on Discovery channel last year. Come find out why Shepherdstown, West Virginia is the most haunted town near DC.
Shepherdstown is the oldest town in West Virginia and it’s home to 1,700 residents. Almost all of the residents have had some paranormal experience here.
There are plenty of legends and ghost stories of Shepherdstown, partly due to its rich history. In 1862, following the Battle of Antietam, General Robert Lee and his men retreated into Shepherdstown. Thousands of wounded and dying came to the town and filled the streets and businesses.
The town was the site of the Battle of Shepherdstown. More than 100 Confederate soldiers died and were buried in Elmwood Cemetery in the town. There are 285 graves of Confederate soldiers, making it one of the most haunted places in the town. There have been reports of haunting in the cemeteries and of figures appearing near the Clock Tower at McMurran Hall, where many soldiers died after these battles.
Not far from the Church, is another haunted location, the Entler Hotel. Peyton Smith, a young man from a wealthy Virginia family, was brought to the hotel following a duel. Smith was wounded by his friend Joseph Holmes after a dispute over a card game. Smith was placed in Room 1 where he died. Centuries later, there are still reports of guests hearing Smith’s cries from the room.
There have been many reports of ghosts all throughout the town. From guests seeing ghosts in restaurants to mysterious sounds from basements and an eerie feeling throughout the town, it is no doubt that there is something happening in Shepherdstown.
Last year, Discovery aired a six episode special called the Ghosts Of Shepherdstown. The show followed paranormal investigators as they investigated the mysterious activity in the town. Experience the thrills for yourself. The town is only an hour and a half drive from DC is definitely the most haunted town near the district!
