The Story Behind This Historic House In Maryland Will Give You Goosebumps

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dr. Mudd returned home, but life wasn't never quite the same.

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.

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.

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?