The Ultimate Terrifying Northern Virginia Road Trip Is Here…And You’ll Want To Do It
Since its establishment as a colony, Virginia has been the prime location for all things eerie. There are so many haunted places, in fact, that we had to break them down by region. We’ve decided to start with northern Virginia, creating a loop featuring nine sites that can be accomplished in less than six hours. You might plan to make it back before dark…just in case.
Built in 1749, the Weems-Botts museum in Dumfries is one of the oldest and most haunted spots in the state. The building was originally used as a church poorhouse and later continued to house the poor and sick. There are several accounts of paranormal activity here, such as doors opening on their own and the sound of horses galloping in the distance.
Fredericksburg's Kenmore was the home of Col. Fielding Lewis, who was married to George Washington's sister. Many claim that Lewis still resides here. His ghost appears at his desk, grumpily studying his financial papers.
The Civil War Exchange Hotel in Gordonsville has recorded at least 80 incidents of ghostly appearances. Throughout the course of the Civil War, this receiving building sheltered over 70,000 wounded soldiers. If ever there were a haunted place, this would be it.
The Black Horse Inn in Warrenton is another former Civil War hospital. The ghosts that dwell here seem to be good natured; incidents include a tap dancing sound, the laughter of a nurse, and one spirit who delights in knocking over the Christmas trees.
The ghost that allegedly haunts the Olde Towne Inn in Manassas has been deemed Miss Lucy. She has been known to haunt rooms 51-54 and levitate on occasion. For those that are particularly brave, this may be the perfect accommodation to end your tour.
In my opinion, this is one of the most chilling locations on the map. In the early 1900s there was an asylum deep in the woods of Clifton. Many townspeople felt uncomfortable with the proximity of the asylum. As the convicts and patients were being transferred, the driver accidentally crashed the vehicle they were in. Many passengers were able to escape into the dead of the night. One escapee in particular was given the name Bunny Man because police kept finding half-eaten rabbits in the woods. One fateful Halloween night, a group of teenagers gathered by this very bridge and were all found dead. This became a recurring incident on Halloween nights. Since no one was ever convicted of these mysterious crimes, they have been attributed to the Bunny Man.
Driving down this Chantilly road means the possibility of running into the ghost of a hitchhiker who was hit by a car years ago. As you continue your drive along, keep your eyes on the road and don't stop for any ghosts!
The house was built in 1724 by William Ramsay and is presently used as a visitor's center for the town as well as a launching point for Alexandria's ghost tour. Many claim to have seen 18th-century ghosts in the basement of the building.
The town of Occoquan was settled back in the 1730s and, having played a significant role in history, is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The town is believed to have no less than 20 haunted sites. Shopkeepers frequently report chilling paranormal activity, such as the sound of footsteps, the scent of perfume, or a face in the mirror.
You certainly don’t have to believe in ghosts or the paranormal in order to appreciate the significant role these sites have played in the history of Virginia. Be warned, though. This trip very well may change your opinion on the matter. If you’ve been to any of these places or know of any other Northern Virginia hauntings, let us know in the comments below!
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A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
