Ghosts of the Civil War

by Rich Newman

  St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

  This particular battle was the first to be fought in the North, and it goes down in the record books for having the single bloodiest day in American history. With over 22,000 casualties, both armies were scrambling to keep up with the wounded, and several makeshift hospitals were set up in the area. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church was one of these. The dying and wounded streamed into the church non-stop, and the bodies of those who perished on the operating table were simply taken outside and buried.

  When the smoke of the fighting cleared, the church was badly damaged. So much so that the congregation could not use it any more. That was when the current rector of the day, Reverend Henry Edwards, raised the funds necessary to rebuild the church. This incarnation of the holy place still stands today. And while those who were buried outside the church were moved to Washington Cemetery in Hagerstown, it seems that at least one of them decided to stick around.

  For decades people who have lived near the church have reported seeing and hearing (mostly hearing) strange things there. They say that on certain nights the clear sounds of screams and moans can be heard coming from the place. They are, presumably, the sounds of those dying and being operated on there during the Civil War. In addition to this, passersby have reported seeing weird lights emanating from the structure, as well as bizarre lights and mists that seem to come from the tower.

  While the sounds of screams can be quite terrifying in the middle of the night, it sounds like the haunting is simply a reenactment of a moment in time—what ghost hunters call “residual activity.” So if you make a visit to the Antietam battlefield, be sure to swing by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Even if you don’t see any ghostly action, you can check out the awesome Gothic structure, as well as the monument to fallen Captain Fanning C. Tucker, who passed away during the battle.

  Arcadia Academy

  Arcadia, Missouri

  The history of this awesome establishment is quite fascinating—as well as the ghost stories associated with the place. Dating back to 1846, this complex was originally constructed to be a Methodist high school. It was created by Reverend Jerome C. Berryman and functioned right up until the American Civil War. With the state torn apart by politics, and neighbors fighting amongst themselves for control, it became necessary for the school to become a temporary hospital.

  Once the war was over, the Ursuline Sisters, a religious order of nuns, purchased the property and turned it into a school for young women. Mother Johanna ran a strict organization—and it would continue to function in this capacity until the final graduating class of ladies exited in 1971. While the school was officially closed at that point, the sisters did remain to operate a convent until 1985.

  Today, Arcadia Academy is quite the tourist attraction. There is a fine restaurant called the Thee Abbey Kitchen, a bed and breakfast, and facilities that you can rent for any event that you may have planned. If you’re planning to visit for a bit of ghost hunting, I’d recommend staying in the B&B; the building where the rooms are located used to be the home of the head priest, and it is said to be one of the spots that’s haunted. There are several hot spots around the academy worth spending some time in, though.

  Over the years there have been various sightings and reports of ghosts on the property. The most well-known of these is the spirit of a young man named Monroe. The legend states that Monroe was related to a nun on the premises and that he was struck and killed by a passing train. The nun was quite upset and couldn’t bear to be parted from him, so he was buried in the cemetery there. The ghost of Monroe has been seen walking the grounds and in a couple of the buildings.

  Next would be the ghosts of the old classrooms. It’s unclear if this area is open to the public, but you can always ask the staff about taking a tour through them. Several different phantoms have been witnessed in them over the years, including the ghost of a Civil War soldier and (apparently) the spirits of small children. People have heard the sounds of young girls laughing, singing, and sometimes crying in the halls. But this may just be residual activity with no actual ghost present.

  Our final stop of the ghost tour takes us back to the B&B. As mentioned, this used to be the home of the resident priest. Details of the ghostly activity in the house vary. Some say the place is haunted by a nun that can be heard speaking on occasion. Others say the spirit of a priest is there. And, finally, some believe the activity is the same stuff carrying over from the other buildings. Whichever you go with, visitors and paranormal investigators have reported hearing disembodied voices, feeling cold spots, and seeing the shadowy shape of an apparition.

  Jefferson Barracks

  St. Louis, Missouri

  Even if we set aside all the ghost stories associated with this military institution (which we won’t), Jefferson Barracks is a must-see attraction in St. Louis. It is the oldest operating United States military installation west of the Mississippi River, and it is home to the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Before we get into the various hauntings of the base, lets cover some basics.

  On July 10, 1826, a small group of soldiers under the command of Brevet Major Stephen Watts Kearny arrived at the small town of Carondelet (now part of St. Louis) to set up a small post by the name of Cantonment Miller. They named it after the governor of Missouri at the time, John Miller. One year later the name was changed to Jefferson Barracks in honor of President Thomas Jefferson who had recently passed away.

  When the Black Hawk War started in 1832, the 1st US Dragoons was formed. They would be the first formal cavalry unit in America, playing a major part in all the Native American conflicts in the area. Jefferson Barracks became a major military post through the Mexican-American War, Spanish-American War, and both World Wars. And, of course, it played a major regional role during the American Civil War.

  With Missouri declaring itself a neutral state at the onset of the war, Jefferson Barracks was designated a military hospital to service the wounded from both sides of the conflict. Later, though, infighting between Missourians who supported their respective sides caused the state to shift dramatically in favor of the Union. At that point, Jefferson Barracks also became a recruitment center for those who wished to join the Union Army.

  It’s estimated that somewhere between 18,000 and 20,000 soldiers were treated at Jefferson Barracks over the course of the Civil War. In fact, it wasn’t long into the war that creating a cemetery nearby was necessary. So the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery was formed in 1863 to accommodate those who perished in the hospital. Today you can visit the cemetery along with the other historic sites located in the installation (just keep in mind that part of the post is still used by the Missouri Air National Guard).

  So, what about those ghost stories? Well, there are a few of them. The most popular haunted building in the facility is said to be Building 1, which served as the post headquarters. There is a ballroom in the building that is said to be the source of the first ever ghost sighting. According to the tale, there was a ball held in the 1920s with lots of guests making merry, when one of the ladies mentioned seeing someone in a very authentic Civil War costume. This spirit of a Confederate general has since been seen many times since then, usually in the old post commander’s office.

  Other ghosts in Jefferson Barracks include a mischievous spirit in Building 25 who likes to play with the lights, a loud spirit in Building 29 who is known for his loud footsteps and disembodied voice, and a misty figure who has been seen several times in Building 37 (thought to be a prisoner who once resided there when it was the post prison). And then there’s the old powder magazine …

  Now a museum that you can visit, the powder magazine is known for the ghost of a soldier who often appears with a gunshot wound to his head. It’s thought that the ghastly apparition was killed while on duty, standing guard over the magazine. Some claim his appearance is so frightening that anyone who sees him will flee in fear. Con
sider it a bonus attraction to the museum if you pay it a visit.

  Louisburg College

  Louisburg, North Carolina

  Louisburg College is a private Methodist university and is the culmination of two historic schools, Franklin Male Academy and Louisburg Female Academy. The men’s school dates back to 1787, the women’s to 1814. In the early 1900s, the entire campus (which included both schools) was changed to Louisburg College as it was expanded and renovated. Over the course of the more than two centuries that the school has been in operation, there have been numerous ups and downs. The Civil War would actually be both for the school.

  Before the war began, a new building was built in 1857 on the women’s campus. It was built in the Greek Revival style and was constructed with fifty rooms on four floors. It still exists today known as “Old Main.” When the bullets started flying all over the country, it was inevitable that troops eventually swung through the town of Louisburg. The good news with this is that the women’s college stayed in operation; many other schools were shut down and simply taken away from the faculty. The bad news is that Old Main was used as a military hospital.

  So where do you think the ghosts are supposed to be at Louisburg College? Yes, you guessed it. Old Main. While there does seem to be some stories of residual sights and sounds in the building that date back to the Civil War (apparitions of soldiers, cries of the wounded, etc.), the principle ghost on the property is purported to be that of a young boy. But that’s not all—a young boy with no face. He has reportedly been seen on a few different occasions, and been blamed for many of the odd happenings that occur in Old Main. Things like doors opening and closing, items being taken, and the disembodied voice of a young boy.

  In addition to the stories involving Old Main, there are also a couple other ghostly tales told around Louisburg fires. Kenan Hall is said to be haunted by an old house mum (some call her “Mrs. Kenan”) and Merritt Hall is supposedly the site of a particularly mischievous poltergeist. This noisy spirit has been blamed for the sounds of footsteps, moving various objects throughout the building, and even interfering with electronic devices like radios and televisions.

  Carlisle Barracks

  Carlisle, Pennsylvania

  Carlisle Barracks is the second oldest active military base in the United States. It dates back to 1757 when the post was constructed near the new town of Carlisle to help protect settlers and frontiersmen passing through the area. The small encampment survived the Seven Years’ War (French and Indian War), the American Revolution, and was expanded with more buildings and armaments. In 1838, the School of Cavalry Practice was established—and that would be the primary function of the base at the onset of the Civil War.

  From 1861 to 1863, the town of Carlisle—and Carlisle Barracks—was constantly on the alert for news of a Confederate attack. Word was that an attack was imminent via the Shenandoah-Cumberland Valley. It finally came on June 27, 1863, when Brigadier General Albert G. Jenkins marched approximately 1,500 Rebels into town and demanded provisions. A short time later, on July 1, Major General J.E.B. Stuart marched his Southern force into town, unaware that General Jenkins had already beaten him to the spoils. Angry, he demanded the surrender of Carlisle Barracks. The commander of the post, Major General William F. Smith, refused.

  The Battle of Carlisle was a short affair, but had a huge impact on the war. General Stuart ordered a bombardment of the post but soon learned that fighting had broken out in the town of Gettysburg. He quickly ordered that the post be burned, and he withdrew to link up with the main Confederate force under General Robert E. Lee in Gettysburg. The barracks were virtually destroyed, along with a lumberyard and gas works. But many argue the delay of General Stuart’s arrival at Gettysburg ultimately cost General Lee the battle—and, possibly, the war.

  Immediately following the war, Carlisle Barracks was rebuilt and the installation moved on. These days it’s still an active post and part of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command. Most everyone knows the illustrious history of the base, as well as the ghost stories associated with it. There are quite a few haunted places within the installation, the most well-known being the Letort View Community Center.

  With at least four ghosts that have been seen at this location, it’s easy to understand why this is the first destination for any ghost hunters on base. The spirit of Jim Thorpe (the first Native American to win an Olympic medal attended Carlisle Indian Industrial School at this location) is said to hang out in the center, and so is a ghostly woman in a gown (who has also been seen on Flower Road), an early 1900s farmer, and at least one phantom Native American. Many say there are multiple Native Americans in the building, with the basement being an almost horrific place.

  Thorpe Hall Fitness Center, a gymnasium that dates back to 1887, is also said to be haunted by its namesake, and it is also where multiple witnesses claim to have seen the ghost of a young boy and the residual sight of a turn-of-the-century basketball team playing on the court. How’s that for a different kind of haunting! But wait, we still have three other hot spots on base …

  The Hessian Guardhouse Museum is haunted by the Hessian prisoners who helped originally build it, Washington Hall is the site of a ghostly infant heard crying during the night, and Ashburn Hall is thought to be haunted by a duo of spirits that include a Confederate soldier named “Charlie” and a young Native American woman.

  Gettysburg College

  Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

  When Pennsylvania College (now Gettysburg College) was created in 1832, it was a sister institution to the Lutheran Theological Seminary, known for its stellar medical program. But in 1861, when the Civil War began, the school was forced to shut down the medical school because of the withdrawal of Southern students who wanted to return home. It seems they were footing a large portion of the tuition that the school survived on. However, the medical skills of some of the students—as well as the faculty—would shortly be put to the test.

  On July 1, 1863, when the Battle of Gettysburg began, Pennsylvania Hall (also known as Old Dorm) was transformed into a field hospital to treat the ridiculous amount of wounded rolling in from the battlefield. Unfortunately, the school was undermanned since many students were already part of a Federal unit called the 26th Pennsylvania Emergency Militia Regiment that had been involved in the war for a month.

  The medical personnel at the school performed heroically, though, and were praised after the battle. College President Henry Louis Baugher actually blessed the opening of the Gettysburg National Cemetery (also called the Soldiers National Cemetery), speaking after President Abraham Lincoln.

  With this much history—as well as misery—associated with it, there’s no real surprise that Gettysburg College would have its fair share of ghosts. Especially since it seems that almost every spot in the city of Gettysburg is said to be haunted. I managed to find five stories associated with the campus, some associated with the Civil War, some not. Here we go …

  Since Pennsylvania Hall was used during the Battle of Gettysburg as a field hospital, it seems to house the most famous ghost of the college. Known as the “Lone Sentinel,” the spirit of a Civil War-era soldier has been seen in several spots of this building. Usually it’s the cupola, but some say he likes to march the perimeter of the hall as well. He seems to be a residual haunt and will ignore those who are around, so an encounter with this ghost might be a bit less terrifying than others at the college.

  There is another interesting story about Old Dorm, too. A pair of personnel working there were making a routine trip to the basement when they had a most bizarre experience; when the elevator opened for them to step out, they both found themselves looking at an active field hospital. They reported seeing blood on the floor from operations, doctors at work, and patients stretched out on tables. Once they recovered from the initial shock, they fled.

  Our next haunted spot is Brua Hall—home of the theat
er arts department. Specifically, the ghost at this location likes to appear in Kline Theater (sometimes backstage, sometimes on the stage). Students call the specter “The General” and say he is the spirit of a Civil War officer. If you attend a show at the theater to catch a glimpse of the ghost, you may want to keep an eye peeled at the seats around you. They say he has a seat he likes to sit in during a show.

  The next two ghost stories come off as more urban legend than ghost story. Glatfelter Hall is supposed to be haunted by a girl who committed suicide by leaping from the tower (locals say her boyfriend was also going to jump but changed his mind at the last instant) and Stevens Hall is known for a spirit dubbed the “Blue Boy.” He is a young man who froze to death outside the building while hiding from the house mother.

  As for the last ghost, it’s located within one of the sorority houses on campus. Well, the former sorority house. The old Theta Chi headquarters is, reportedly, haunted by the spirit of a man who hung himself in the basement. Legend says he was the former owner of the place and, after becoming severely depressed, he killed himself. The same story reveals that anyone unlucky enough to see the horrible visage of the specter will be cursed to have something horrible happen to them.

  Old Charleston Jail

  Charleston, South Carolina

  Also known simply as the “Old Jail,” this castle-like prison functioned as the Charleston County Jail from 1802 until 1939. It has a fantastic history and, thanks to regular appearances on haunted reality shows, is well known for its ghost stories. It’s also home of the American College of the Building Arts and is an ongoing restoration project.

  During the Civil War, the jail was used to house prisoners of war captured from the Union Army; this was in addition to the criminals that were already being detained on the premises. And while there are certainly people who have claimed to have seen spirits associated with the war, most of the ghosts at this location appear to point back at the collection of famous criminals who were jailed there during the 1800s. So let’s take a look at these individuals.