8 Truly Terrifying Ghost Stories That Prove Gettysburg Is The Most Haunted City In Pennsylvania
History’s ghosts meander in Pennsylvania’s most haunted city and for good reason. Gettysburg played a pivotal role in the Civil War. The Battle of Gettysburg, which would become known as North America’s largest battle to date, took place during three bloody July days in 1863, resulting in more than 51,000 causalities. These eight terrifying ghost stories provide solid proof that Gettysburg is Pennsylvania’s, and perhaps America’s, most haunted city.
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Tour Devil's Den, the main stage for The Battle of Gettysburg, and you just might run into a friendly fella wearing a large, floppy hat. That young fella generally helps tourist compose the perfect shot of the battlefield, even stepping in the frame for a photograph or two. As soon as the shutter snaps, he disappears and never appears in the photos. Don't be surprised, however, if your camera or smartphone mysteriously stop working or the fully charged batteries suddenly drain, a common paranormal occurrence at Devil's Den.
Often referred to as America's scariest haunted house, the Jennie Wade House is the site of the lone civilian death during the Battle of Gettysburg. Jennie Wade, who lived in the home, was hit by a stray bullet as she stood baking in her kitchen. Wade, who died on the battle's final day, is said to still roam the house along with several children. Visitors often hear loud bangs and the innocent voice of a young child, and feel sudden rushes of cold air when on the second floor of the house. Others tell of feeling the arms of the little children holding onto their legs.
Sachs Covered Bridge, a charming reminder of the Pennsylvania of yesteryear, may be one of the most haunted spots in Gettysburg. Crossed by the retreating Confederate Army, the bridge is also said to be the site of the public hanging of three army deserters. Those who visit the bridge tell stories of seeing apparitions, smelling cigar smoke, hearing voices, and feeling a touch - when no one is there.
Several spirits continue to roam the Gettysburg Hotel, a hospital during the Civil War. Rachel, a nurse during the bloody days of the Battle of Gettysburg, has been known to wander the rooms, digging through guests' drawers and luggage and pushing carts haphazardly around the hotel. A Union solider who perished in the hospital is often seen wandering the hotel's halls.
Gettysburg College served as a field hospital for both sides during the Civil War and, as a result, has a storied history of hauntings. The most terrifying of those stories dates back to the early 20th century. Two college employees entered an elevator, pushed the button for their desired floor, and waited. But, the elevator malfunctioned, taking them straight to the basement. When the elevator doors opened, the women saw a bloody Civil War operating room with doctors working feverishly to save injured and dying soldiers. As a doctor walked toward them, the elevator began to move to another floor. The two employees, accompanied by a security guard, returned to the basement minutes later to find - nothing.
The Farnsworth House Inn housed Confederate snipers during the Civil War and is the site from which the shot that killed Jenny Wade originated. Visitors to the charming bed and breakfast tell stories of hearing strange noises emanating from the attic and singing coming from the basement.
Guests at Tillie Pierce House Inn frequently tell stories of waking up in their room after feeling a figure sitting on the edge of their bed staring at them. Others tell of hearing strange noises and footsteps from an otherwise empty attic while the apparition of soldiers have been seen wandering the halls.
Dine at the Dobbin House Tavern and you might just be served a side of the paranormal. Formerly a stop on the Underground Railroad, the Dobbin House Tavern hosts the spirits of former slaves who have been seen meandering through the building, including in former hiding places. Blood splatters, according to local lore, also mysteriously appear and disappear on the floor throughout the tavern.
So, do you dare visit Pennsylvania’s most haunted city? If you do, you’ll want to follow your trip to Gettysburg with visits to the 10 most haunted spots in Pennsylvania.
Address: 89 Steinwehr Avenue, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Address: 401 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Address: 301 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Address: 300 North Washington Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Address: 1 Lincoln Square, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Address: 548 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325
