Missouri is home to some pretty spooky places, but this ghost story in Columbia tends to top them all. It has everything you’d seek in a thrilling tale: romance, war and ultimately, death.

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It all started in 1862. The Civil War was waging on and the ghost story that is to follow took place shortly after the defeat of Sterling Price’s Confederate forces at Pea Ridge, Arkansas.
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General Henry Halleck and the Union forces moved into Columbia. His arrival disrupted the town, but especially the all-woman's college, Columbia Baptist Female College, which is now known as Stephens College.

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One evening, a Confederate soldier stumbled into one of the student's rooms. Sarah June Wheeler almost screamed for help, until the soldier covered her mouth and plead her to not. The soldier introduced himself as Corporal Isaac Johnson and told her how he had escaped from a prison camp. Sarah took pity on him and agreed to protect him by hiding him in her room. It wasn't long until the couple began to fall in love.
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Unfortunately, as fate would have it, word got around to General Henry Halleck that a Confederate soldier was hiding at the all-women's college. Johnson was caught and since he was wearing civilians clothes, he was captured as a spy and lost any soldier's rights. Because of this, he was sentenced to death.
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Heartbroken by the news, Sarah took her own life in hopes to be reunited with Johnson. Many people believe she still roams the halls of Senior Hall at Stephen's College today.

Have you heard this story before? It’s heartbreaking, but pretty spooky all at the same time. Do you think the spirit of Sarah still really roams the halls? Either way, you may want to visit Senior Hall at Stephen’s College to see for yourself.

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