Ghosts of the Civil War

by Rich Newman

  With the chaos of battle happening all around, historians disagree about the events at the end of the battle. Some say the Union troops surrendered, but were still subjected to gunfire (hence the word “massacre”), some say that only part of the contingency was surrendering, while others were still firing at the Rebels. General Forrest was accused of war crimes resulting from the Battle of Fort Pillow after the war, but was acquitted by none other than Major General William T. Sherman.

  Today the park is known for far more than paranormal activity. It has some great campsites, wooded trails, and a top-notch museum. What’s great is that you can experience it all at the same time. Since most of the ghostly activity is residual in nature (sounds of gunfire, shouts, etc.), just keep an ear and eye open while you are enjoying nature.

  While visiting the park with a coinvestigator, Mike Ullmann, we were exploring some cannons perched along an earthen wall overlooking the Mississippi River. We were intending to do some EVP work, so we had an audio recorder running. After asking a few questions to any spirits that might be in the area, the unmistakable sounds of cannon fire were heard in the distance. We both stopped and looked at each other, amazed. Luckily the audio recorder captured the sounds, too. Needless to say, I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Fort Pillow.

  Fort Monroe

  Fort Monroe, Virginia

  Fort Monroe.

  The site of this particular fort has been of strategic importance since the founding of this country. It was originally Fort Algernourne (circa 1609) that stood at this location—it would be just after the War of 1812 that President James Monroe would see the need to shore up the defense of Chesapeake Bay. Once Fort Monroe was constructed, it became a mainstay in the area and played an important part during the American Civil War.

  Despite being in a Confederate state, the fort remained a Union fortress throughout the war. And thanks to a proclamation made by Major General Benjamin Butler (knows as the Fort Monroe Doctrine), escaped slaves that made it to the “Freedom Fortress” were considered contraband and could not be returned to the Southern plantations from where they had escaped. Several key battles in Virginia were also launched from Fort Monroe and, because of its location between the North and South, it served as a major postal and logistical site.

  Interestingly, Fort Monroe was only recently voted to be decommissioned in 2005, and efforts are underway to preserve as much of the fort as possible. If you visit, you can check out a lot of the grounds there and make a lap through the Casemate Museum. Of course there are also a few ghostly areas in the fort worth your time.

  Most of the ghost stories concerning Fort Monroe involve historic figures—and most take place in the building just inside the moat. The spirit of Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War, is said to be seen walking the ramparts. Davis was held as a prisoner at Fort Monroe just after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, but later released when it became clear he was not involved with the murder. Closely related to this is the ghost of his wife, who is thought to haunt a house across the way; while he was prisoner at the fort, she waited for him at the house to be released.

  Another famous spirit spotted in Fort Monroe is that of Abraham Lincoln himself. Quarters Number 1 is the spot where he has been seen, though details of these sightings are scarce. Others say that this building is haunted by the ghost of a little girl. Either way, if it’s open to the public, make it a stop during your visit. But that won’t be your last stop.

  A female apparition dubbed the “White Lady” also roams the fort. Said to be the wife of a sea captain who committed adultery (some say the captain actually caught her in the act and killed her), her spirit has been seen walking the boardwalk nearby, and she has been spotted a few times in a location that locals call “ghost alley.” So, touch base with a knowledgeable Virginian and you should have no problem getting to all the ghostly hangouts.

  Fort McAllister

  Richmond Hill, Virginia

  Fort McAllister.

  The ghost stories associated with the city of Savannah, Georgia, are well known to most people who follow the subject of hauntings. And for those who also enjoy reading about history—specifically, the American Civil War—the city of Savannah has a lot to offer as well. So it should come as no surprise that many of the Civil War sites in and around Savannah are haunted.

  Fort McAllister was built specifically for the Confederacy during the Civil War and, along with two other nearby forts (Fort Pulaski and Fort James Jackson), was tasked to defend the Southern city of Savannah from impeding Union attack. And attack they did. Over the course of the war, Fort McAllister was attacked seven times by sea and ship. It only sustained minor damage and casualties from all of these clashes, though. At least so it was until Major General William T. Sherman swept in during the final stage of his famous “March to the Sea.”

  It was December 13, 1864, when the battle began, and the fort proved no match for General Sherman and his Federal troops. With barely over 200 casualties for both sides, the stronghold fell to Northern soldiers in a mere fifteen minutes. The victory opened up the supply line necessary for General Sherman to take the city of Savannah and essentially wrap up his Southern campaign.

  Though no physical fort stands today at the Fort McAllister State Park, you can check out cannons from the era, see some of the earthworks that helped defend the area, and even take a tour of the historical spots located there. Just be sure you ask about the park’s two most famous ghosts if you take the tour: the spirits of Major John Gallie and Tom Cat.

  Major Gallie was killed during a naval bombardment in 1863, and his ghost has been seen on several occasions in the park. Strangely, at least one witness claims that the spirit appeared with no head. Major Gallie was not decapitated when he was killed, though he did suffer a head injury, so perhaps this was his ghost. As for Tom Cat …

  During the war, the post had an unofficial mascot—a cat that was dubbed “Tom Cat” by the troops of the fort. Everyone loved the animal, and when the cat was killed (also by naval bombardment), it was buried with much fanfare at the fort. It’s said that General P.G.T. Beauregard was even informed—to his dismay—of the casualty. Since the feline fatality, the apparition of a cat has been seen in the park. There’s also the odd fact that a lot stray cats seem to show up at the fort—and, usually, regarded as a pet of sorts by the staff (the current cat at the park is named “Geechee” at the time of this writing).

  It’s an interesting historic location with a couple of neat ghost stories. Go check it out for yourself.

  Fort Magruder

  Williamsburg, Virginia

  Tasked with guarding the city of Williamsburg during the American Civil War, this earthworks style fort straddled a road that led to the strategic town of Yorktown. Because of this, Fort Magruder played a key role during the Battle of Williamsburg on May 4, 1862, when Major General George B. McClellan began his famous Peninsula Campaign to take the city of Richmond.

  Confederate Brigadier General John B. Magruder (the person the fort was named for) commanded Southern troops on the peninsula—and the battle between these two forces was one to remember. There were over 3,800 casualties, and the outcome was inconclusive at best. Both sides claimed a victory, but the only real result was that Federal troops were considerably delayed with continuing their invasion of the South.

  Since Fort Magruder was essentially a temporary stronghold, there’s not much left of it today. However, a modern hotel and conference center by the name of Fort Magruder Hotel now stands on the grounds. According to the hotel’s website, many Civil War artifacts were found while the hotel was being constructed. Many of these are on display within the hotel—and, of course, there are quite a lot of historic sites around Williamsburg where you can learn more about the Civil War and the battle that took place there. All this history is rather common knowledge at the hotel (and is adve
rtised on their website), as is the information about the hotel ghosts.

  Paranormal activity on the site is varied and widespread. The spirit of a Confederate soldier is said to visit people in their rooms, unexpected voices are heard in the hallways, and the grounds outside seem to have a lot of residual activity (spectral soldiers on the move, cannon fire, etc.). The most popular hot spot in the hotel, though, would be the lobby area.

  Again, most of the activity seems to be of the tame, residual sort. The apparitions of troops move freely through the lobby regardless of the layout; spirits walk through walls, stare through windows that aren’t there, and generally ignore everyone around them. Interestingly, though, it does seem that there is at least one intelligent ghost on the property. This particular entity likes to move objects around, knock on walls and doors, and even speak in the occasional unsuspecting guest’s ear.

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  Where the Dead Lie

  It was the American Civil War that caused the creation of National Cemeteries—Edmund Burke Whitman was the man responsible for this. They were made for veterans to be buried with honors alongside their comrades and countrymen. There are 147 of these cemeteries scattered across the country, though we will only be talking about the ones that are considered haunted. Some of the graveyards listed in this book are not national cemeteries, however. These plots can be as large as hundreds of acres or as small as a few, simple plots. Either way, they are known for Civil War figures and those who now haunt them.

  Historic Rosemere Cemetery

  Opelika, Alabama

  While there is certainly a fair share of cemeteries in Alabama haunted by the spirits of Confederate soldiers (Bass Cemetery and Union Cemetery, for example), there aren’t many sporting the ghost of a Yankee. Except for this one, of course. And, what’s more, you get a wonderful story to go along with the ghost, too.

  Major General Lovell Rousseau was tasked by Major General William T. Sherman to destroy railroads within the Southern portion of the Confederacy—and he did so with brutal efficiency. Meanwhile, the small town of Opelika contained makeshift field hospitals designed to receive the wounded and dying from the many skirmishes taking place due to General Rousseau and his men. So, needless to say, the good folks of that town didn’t care much for him.

  The Federal troops hit a major snag in their mission, though, when many under Rousseau’s command fell ill. It was typhoid and it wiped out a good portion of his army. These sick soldiers were sent to several locations in Alabama for treatment, including the hospitals at Opelika. Those who perished from the disease were buried locally, and here is where we come to the ghost of Rosemere Cemetery.

  Local ghost hunters and spinners of yarns say the spirit is one William Alder. His grave is easily located in the cemetery, though it doesn’t specify much about him or what caused his death. All we know is he was a Union soldier and that an apparition has been seen in the vicinity of this particular grave for some time. Other eyewitnesses of the activity at this cemetery say a ghost light can also be seen at times bobbing about the headstones.

  Rosemere recently earned a trio of historical markers for the three sections located there, the “mini graveyards.” There’s the Old Rosemere section that dates back to the purchase of the land in 1869, New Rosemere (where the bulk of war veterans are buried), and African American Rosemere. So be sure to soak up some history while you do your stakeout for William.

  Mount Holly Cemetery

  Little Rock, Arkansas

  There’s an area in downtown Little Rock known as “Quapaw Quarter.” It’s the oldest part of the city and is known for its historic sights (over 200 different spots are listed on the National Register of Historic Places). At the beginning of the Civil War, Arkansas was a slave state—and before the vote was in to even secede from the Union, the state militia had already moved to seize the Union arsenal in Little Rock.

  After the state seceded on May 6, 1861, troops enlisted to assist with the war in the west (though the 3rd Arkansas Infantry Regiment would fight in the Eastern Campaign with General Lee). These soldiers participated in most of the largest battles on that front, to include the Battle of Wilson’s Creek and the Battle of Pea Ridge. Confederate activity in the state would take a major hit, though, in 1863 when Union forces took the city of Little Rock. After that, the bulk of the Arkansas fighters were transferred to General Braxton Bragg’s Army of Tennessee for the remainder of the war.

  A visit to the Quapaw Quarter is always a fun event. You can check out historic sites such as the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion, the Villa Marre (a home that was made famous on the television show Designing Women), and the Arkansas Art Center. There are actually a lot of ghost stories that involve this area of the city, and it’s no surprise that the cemetery there is haunted, too.

  The Tower Building of the Little Rock Arsenal is said to house a busy spirit that likes to move things, speak in the ears of visitors (it’s now a museum), and appear as a shadowy person before startled tourists. Another Quapaw attraction is the Walters-Curran-Bell House that serves as the headquarters and visitors center for the quarter. Many believe the ghost of Mary Walker haunts the old home and that she appears with the scent of perfume. And then there’s Mount Holly Cemetery.

  Often dubbed the “Westminster Abbey of Arkansas,” visitors flock to see the interred luminaries of this prestigious cemetery each year. The dead include 11 state governors, 15 state Supreme Court justices, 4 Confederate generals, 7 US senators, 2 Pulitzer Prize winners, and veterans from every major war since (and including) the American Revolution. And if that’s not enough, there are also a few ghosts known to roam the grounds.

  Eyewitness accounts of the paranormal at Mount Holly include apparitions dressed in period attire (turn of the twentieth century), sightings of ghost lights, odd sounds (including old music, disembodied voices, and whispers/moans), and “blurry shapes” that move along the ground. Visitors have taken bizarre photographs at the cemetery, and one tourist in particular had an unusual claim to make: He stated that he actually saw a statue move! It’s an odd occurrence at a beautiful and historic location. Go check it out for yourself.

  Union Cemetery

  Easton, Connecticut

  You know a cemetery has earned quite the reputation as a haunted spot when the police are forced to place a sign at the entrance reading, “Area closed from sunset to sunrise.” Since the 1940s, people have been making the trek to this graveyard to catch a glimpse of one of the most famous ghosts in the state of Connecticut: The White Lady.

  Dating back to the 1700s, this cemetery has laid to rest soldiers from every war, including the American Civil War, or at least the veterans of said wars. And at least one of these soldiers (some have described him as wearing Civil War-era attire, some say Revolutionary War) still roams the cemetery today. If that was where the story of Union Cemetery ended, it would still be just fine with all the ghost hunters who make the yearly journey to this spot. But, of course, this spirit is definitely not alone. There are at least two more.

  While the ghostly soldier has only been witnessed a few times over the years (usually near the big tree by the front gate), the White Lady has been a regular sight for decades. This particular ghost appears as a woman in a long, white gown/dress and likes to meander about the cemetery. Sometimes she’s even seen in the road. In fact, several witnesses have reported running “through” the ghost with their car, much to their dismay. And if that’s not enough, the White Lady even visits another local graveyard, Stepney Cemetery.

  The popularity of this spirit even prompted famed ghost hunting duo Ed and Lorraine Warren to investigate the cemetery several times and even write a book about their adventures there (Graveyard: True Hauntings From an Old New England Cemetery). So if you’re a believer of the Warrens, you may want to check out their book to read about a few more spirits they encountered in
this location. There’s one more spirit worth mentioning, though, that’s been seen here a few times.

  Over the past few years sightings of a third spirit have prompted some to be a bit wary of this cemetery. Known as “Red Eyes,” this entity seems to fall somewhere between the definitions of ghost, demon, and creature. Nobody agrees about the nature of this being. Since most eyewitness accounts detail a set of glowing red eyes and a black shadowy thing that’s lurking among the tombstones, it’s hard to determine what it is. One thing is for sure, though. Nobody likes encountering it. It frightens people and most say they feel like the thing is evil.

  As mentioned earlier, the cemetery specifically warns against visiting at night, so you will want to get permission if you’re planning to do some ghost hunting there. If you do get permission, keep an eye out for the big three spirits, as well as the assorted mists and ghost lights that are also seen there.

  Mount Hope Cemetery

  Dahlonega, Georgia

  While Major General William T. Sherman was making his famous March to the Sea, there were actually more Southern sympathizers behind them than you would think. In fact, Union sympathies in the South were vigorously pursued by authorities in the Confederate states—and Federal spies were always on the lookout for support from those who lived in enemy territory. And so General Sherman sent a trio of agents into Northern Georgia to gather intelligence and sway recruits to the Northern cause.

  Unfortunately, the agents didn’t last long. They were captured, tortured for information, and then executed by firing squad (interestingly, the site of the execution is now a restaurant called the Oar House). The local paper reported that the bodies of the spies were so mutilated that the spouses of the men had to identify them by the socks they were wearing.