There are quite a few haunted, historic places in Maryland (a handful of which we’ve previously listed in this article about creepy places in Maryland). But there is one place in particular with ties to one of America’s most infamous historical figures. Because of its disturbing history, many people believe that this historic house in Maryland is haunted:

This house located in Waldorf was once home to Dr. Samuel Mudd.
Preservation Maryland/Flickr
In the early hours of April 15, 1865, Dr. Mudd received a knock on his door from two men. The man claiming his name was Mr. Tyler was in distress with a leg injury he claimed was from falling off of a horse. Dr. Mudd invited them in and mended the man's leg.
Turns out, that Mr. Tyler was actually John Wilkes Booth.
Marion Doss/Flickr
His leg injury was sustained from jumping from the presidential box at Ford's Theatre immediately after assassinating Abraham Lincoln.
Booth stayed in the upstairs bedroom through the next day before leaving.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flcikr
Personal belongings of Booth were found at the Mudd house by authorities, and Dr. Samuel Mudd was charged and found guilty of conspiracy. He spent four years in prison before being pardoned by President Andrew Johnson for aiding in a yellow fever epidemic.

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Dr. Mudd returned home, but life wasn't never quite the same.
Preservation Maryland/Flickr
Reporters often hounded him and nearby residents judged his actions. He died of pneumonia at age 49. Today, the house is a museum known as The Dr. Mudd House Museum. Those who have visited claim to hear phantom footsteps, artificial candles illuminating by themselves, and spooky sightings of Civil War soldiers... among other things.
Perhaps the creepiest of all, people have spotted a human-shaped impression on the bed in the upstairs bedroom where John Wilkes Booth stayed. Faint knocks at the front door have also been heard, leading visitors to believe that it's the ghost of John Wilkes Booth.
Author Unknown/Wikimedia
Could it be that John Wilkes Booth haunts the Mudd house? Or is it Dr. Mudd himself (pictured above) whose spirit remains behind, unable to come to terms with the unfortunate events that forever changed his life?
Sadly, it wasn't until 114 years later in 1979, that President Carter declared that Dr. Mudd should be considered innocent.
Author Unknown/Wikimedia
Perhaps if the spirit of Dr. Mudd knew this, he could finally rest in peace. No matter what you believe, there's no denying that this place holds a special place in Maryland history.

The Dr. Mudd House is open to visitors. If you’re interested in taking a tour, visit the Mudd House website. Keep in mind that tours are seasonal, so make sure to check out the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Do you believe the Mudd House is one of the most haunted and historic places in Maryland? And if so, who do you believe haunts this place?

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Historic Places in Maryland

Tori Jane | December 02, 2021

Where are some of the most haunted places in Maryland?  

The most haunted places in Maryland are:


Maryland is home to plenty of beauty and fascinating history, but it’s also home to something else – something only certain kinds of folks (folks like us, if we’re being honest here) find intriguing: haunted places, and places with dark, terrifying histories. Some places tend to stick out above others in terms of just “how” haunted they are, but there’s a formidable list, nonetheless. Among the places considered to be the most haunted places in Maryland are places like the eerie and beautiful Point Lookout Lighthouse, in Scotland, Maryland, which has been host to many a dark day and disaster. They say that, should you encounter one of the lighthouse’s spirits, it’s most likely to be that of a man in old, Civil-War-era clothes who appears to be in bad shape. In Glenn Dale, there’s the notorious Glenn Dale Hospital, which originally opened in the 1930s and used less than wonderful treatment techniques (as many medical establishments did at that time). One can only imagine that the suffering that went on here contributed to its being haunted later on; one thing is for sure: this place gives us the creepy. If you’re feeling brave, you might want to try doing this epic haunted road trip to some of the creepiest places in the state.  

Are there any local ghost stories in Maryland?  

The most famous ghost stories in Maryland are:


Of course! Every place has its legends, and Maryland is no different. For example, local legend has it that in Bowie, Maryland, the road known as Fletchertown Road is home to all sorts of creepy goings-on. You see, supposedly, around there, sightings of the Goat Man run rampant after dark. It’s whispered that he has a body count, as he once roamed the road murdering passers-by with a hatchet. We’ve never seen him ourselves, but we’re also not about to wait around and see if he shows up. He’s half-man, half-goat, and all horrifying. The Goat Man is Maryland’s most-loved (and probably most infamous) ghost story.  

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3725 Dr Samuel Mudd Rd, Waldorf, MD 20601, USA