Ghosts of the Civil War

by Rich Newman

  Wig-Barnwell House

  Beaufort, South Carolina

  A typical plantation in Beaufort, South Carolina.

  These days, however, the home has a new owner—one that seems appreciative of the history and style of the place—and the Wigg-Barnwell House is definitely on the upswing of things. Like most places that serviced as a hospital during the Civil War, though, some of the misery and bloodshed has stuck around. For decades people have spoken about the haunting of this place. It seems that a few of the soldiers have decided to reside there in the afterlife. Visitors say there’s ghostly footsteps heard, knocks on the walls, and items that seem to move around by themselves.

  In addition to this, there’s a darker urban legend associated with the house, too. It states that a young woman once lived there when the home was divided up into small “apartments,” and that she was murdered. The crime was unsolved and now she haunts the place until her killer is brought to justice. Her spirit is blamed for the odd female screams, moans, and cries that are heard during the night. Hopefully the new owner will offer tours of this home so we can all visit and have a look for ourselves.

  Battery Carriage House Inn

  Charleston, South Carolina

  Dating back to the early 1800s, this inn was originally a private home. It was purchased in 1843 by Samuel Stevens and would change hands a few times over the years before becoming the Battery Carriage House Hotel. The city of Charleston was hit pretty heavy during the Civil War—and the hotel was battered more than a few times by incoming fire. Knowing this, it’s quite ironic that the place would be purchased by Union Colonel Richard Lathers. He expanded the property and renovated, but he was ultimately driven out of town. After a bout as a brothel of sorts (it was known as “Pringle Court” during that period), we finally get the version of the inn we have today.

  Now known as the “most haunted place in Charleston” by investigators in the area, the Battery Carriage House Inn is a great getaway. They offer ten rooms with various levels of opulence, with several of the rooms being known for ghostly activity. You want to stay in a haunted room? Then consider Rooms 3, 8, or 10. Room 3 is known for a lot of activity, including a glowing figure that appears, faucets that turn themselves on and off, and cold spots during the night. Room 8 (perhaps the most frightening of the three) is haunted by a male entity who appears at times with no head; he often moves furniture, is heard breathing heavily, and generally likes to visit with those staying there. Room 10 is known for a “gentleman ghost” who has been seen many times. He doesn’t harass or bother, but simply appears and seems to be interested in what the guests are doing.

  John Y. Dupre House

  McClellanville, South Carolina

  It’s unclear if this particular location is open to the public or not; it was recently a bed and breakfast, but it appears that it may no longer be in service. So you may have to settle for just giving this place a passing look-see until it’s open again. But I digress … This historic farmhouse (it dates back to around 1790) was once the home of its namesake who happened to be a doctor in the area. When the Civil War kicked off, Dr. Dupre joined the Confederate Army, saw the loss of the war, and then returned to McClellanville to help the town recover.

  As for the ghosts at this site, it’s rumored there are two spirits within the home. There’s a phantom young woman and the spirit of a young girl. They are presumed to be family members of Dupre that lived in the home while he was away in the Civil War. We know that Mrs. Dupre died shortly after the war in 1865, so it’s entirely possible that the adult, female spirit is her. As for the young girl, it’s unclear who she is. Maybe you can do some investigating and figure it out. Well, once the home is open to the public again.

  Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

  Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Boone Hall dates to 1681 and one Major John Boone. He and his wife, Elizabeth, worked the plantation from the beginning—and, today, the place claims they have been “continuously growing and producing crops for over three centuries.” The main crops these days include strawberries, pumpkins, and tomatoes, and the estate offers the opportunity for people to pick their own fruits and vegetables.

  In the years leading up to the Civil War, the property was owned by John and Henry Horlbeck. The two men started a brick company (the Horlbeck Brickyard) there that supplied the building materials for much of the area—and was a prime target for the Union Army as they swept through the area, destroying anything of value that could aid the Southern cause. In addition to this, the plantation was utilizing a fair amount of slave labor, so you can imagine it was a prime target.

  The current home located on the property was actually built in 1936, but within the home is a gallery of antiques and displays that cover the entire history of the plantation. So prepare to take a grand tour, pick some fruit, and (possibly) see a ghost or two. There are, in fact, a number of stories about ghosts on this property. The most well-known of these being “Ammie” or “Annie Jenkins.”

  The legend states that the young girl rebuffed a young Native American boy in favor of a local suitor and that, on her wedding day, she was shot with an arrow through an upstairs window. She managed to stagger down to the thirteenth stair on the staircase and die. Now people say they see the blood stain on the stairs and the apparition of the girl. Other spirits on the property include the young spirits of slaves working the brickyard, the ghost of a Civil War soldier who’s been seen taking a walk, and a second phantom soldier who is said to be seen inside the home, removing a bullet from a comrade.

  Rose Hill Plantation

  Union, South Carolina

  More formally known as the Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site, this antebellum estate was home to one William H. Gist and is considered one of the finest examples of a pre-Civil War plantation. Gist was the sixty-eighth governor of the state of South Carolina, and one of the principle individuals involved with the state seceding from the Union. Interestingly, though Gist supported slave labor, Rose Hill Plantation was one of the few working plantations in the area that managed to transition to a “sharecropper” style of work arrangement after the war.

  Today, the home is owned by the state of South Carolina and is open for tours, events, and for you to visit. Perhaps you will receive a visit of your own—from the spirit of William Gist! With the family cemetery right there on the premises, most people believe that the ghostly activity within the premises is a product of the family buried nearby. Of course, William isn’t the only one buried there (he’s just the most well known). Regardless of whomever is doing it, Rose Hill is known for disembodied voices, footsteps, and whispers that sound as if they’re being spoken directly into your ear. And, on occasion, it’s said that a pale apparition will be seen in the window, as if looking out over the once proud plantation.

  Carnton Plantation

  Franklin, Tennessee

  When the Battle of Franklin (November 30, 1864) began, it became apparent rather quickly that there was going to be a lot of casualties. Due to the nature of the assault, as well as the close quarters combat, a local hospital was going to be needed. To this end, the Carnton house was appropriated and hundreds were treated there. Four generals lost their lives during the Battle of Franklin: Generals Cleburne, Granbury, Adams, and Strahl. Their bodies were laid out on the back porch of the Carnton mansion while many of the troops who perished were buried in the small family cemetery close to the house. With this knowledge alone, it should come as no surprise that the place is haunted.

  Managed by the Battle of Franklin Trust, the Carnton Plantation is currently open to visit and tour. You can learn a lot more about the often-overlooked Battle of Franklin, as well as the McGavock family who built the home in 1826. While you tour the place, you will definitely want to keep your eyes and ears open, since there has been quite a lot of ghostly incidents re
ported from the mansion. The spirit of a young girl (thought to be a servant) likes to move things around in the kitchen and downstairs area, the ghost of a soldier has been seen in one of the bedrooms (perhaps he died there while it was a hospital), and a woman dressed in white has been seen in the yard and on the back porch. But this is just the tip of the iceberg, there’s plenty more ghost stories concerning this antebellum home.

  The Carter House

  Franklin, Tennessee

  The second of our two properties governed by the Battle of Franklin Trust, the Carter House was constructed in 1830 by Fountain Branch Carter. He operated a successful farm and cotton gin in the years leading up to the Civil War. During the Battle of Franklin, Union Brigadier General Jacob D. Cox took possession of the Carter home to use as his headquarters—a bit of irony since Tod Carter was an aide to Confederate Brigadier General Thomas Benton Smith during the battle. Young Tod did not survive the clash, however. He was shot during a charge not far from his home and brought there to die in his own bed.

  Much like the Carnton house, this property is haunted by several apparitions—all of whom seem to be from the Carter family. The spirit of Annie Carter is known for playing pranks on those who visit the house (pulling on their hair or clothes, moving objects, etc.), while the ghost of a little girl has been seen on the staircase a few times. Then there’s the phantom of Tod Carter. His death cries have been heard in the bedroom where he passed away and his specter has been seen sitting on his bed. Swing through for a tour along with the Carnton Plantation. It’s a great historical and haunted double feature.

  Loretta Lynn Ranch

  Hurricane Mills, Tennessee

  This antebellum home is the centerpiece of the mini-community of Hurricane Mills. It was purchased (along with the entire town) in 1967 by the popular singer Loretta Lynn and used as her family home. She has stated quite publicly that, almost immediately, she and her family knew the home was haunted. They learned that a Civil War skirmish had been fought in the area, and soon found the graves of nineteen Confederate soldiers buried nearby. It was, in fact, the spirit of a soldier that they saw first. His spirit was standing in one of the bedrooms.

  Hurricane Mills, now a tourist destination in Tennessee, offers an RV park, campsites, museums, gift shops, etc. And, of course, there’s the plantation house. Sightings of apparitions, as well as various other paranormal activity has been experienced at the ranch regularly. The front porch is located over a “slave pit” where disobedient servants were placed for punishment and is considered a hot spot of sorts. People have felt invisible hands touching them and many have experienced a mild “electric” tingling there. The stairs inside the house also seem to be the site of a lot of happenings, too; visitors to the home have claimed to see an apparition approach and pass right through them there. Take a tour, mention you’re a haunting enthusiast, and you’ll learn a lot more about Loretta Lynn’s mysterious home.

  Belmont Mansion

  Nashville, Tennessee

  Originally known as Belle Monte, this former home of Adelicia Hayes Franklin Cheatham was finished in 1853. It was created in the style of an elaborate Italian villa and features a water tower, greenhouse, and zoo. When her husband, Joseph, perished during the Civil War, she was left to handle the family fortune, as well as the massive estate, all alone.

  She actually managed to broker a deal with both sides of the conflict, which allowed her to sell a massive amount of cotton to England—a move that secured her future. And in 1864, the Union Army would use the front lawn of Belmont to camp for the winter (some thirteen thousand soldiers).

  Today, Belmont Mansion is a unique living museum that offers tours, as well as hosts events that you can attend—and perhaps you’ll run into the ghost of Adelicia while you’re there. She was forced to sell her beloved home in 1887, and many say she has returned there in the afterlife. Her apparition, decked out in a long dress, has been seen and assorted odd happenings are usually attributed to her (motion detectors going off for no reason, objects, moved, etc.).

  Sam Davis Home

  Smyrna, Tennessee

  What’s even more wonderful than visiting a well-kept, historic home? How about one that contains over a hundred original family pieces and furniture! Moses Ridley built this awesome place around 1810, and it was renovated and expanded by Sam Davis in 1850. When the Civil War began, Sam joined the 1st Tennessee Infantry Regiment (a Confederate unit) and he fought in several key clashes, including the Battles of Shiloh, Perryville, and Stones River.

  In 1863, Sam Davis was captured by Union soldiers near the small town of Minor Hill, Tennessee. He was charged with being a courier of mails and of being a spy. When he was offered the chance to avoid the death penalty by divulging his sources of information, Sam refused. He was hung on November 27, 1863. His family home has become the living museum it is today, offering tours and a place for local events.

  As for the ghosts, there appears to be at least two. The apparition of a young man—thought by some to be Sam, thought by others to be his brother, Oscar—has been seen and heard walking the stairs and hallways of the house. There’s also the ghost of a woman who is often heard crying in the parlor; since this is where Sam was laid in state, it’s generally thought that the spirit must be a female family member who attended his wake.

  Avenel

  Bedford, Virginia

  Historically known as the William M. Burwell House, this circa 1836 home is known far and wide for its ghost hunter-friendly attitude. Indeed, many a paranormal group has cut its teeth at this location, and it’s easy to see why. The story of the “Lady in White” is one of the most well-known ghostly tales in the state and countless articles have been written about her.

  Most believe the lady in question is the spirit of the late Mary Frances Burwell, wife of William Burwell. The legend states that Mary was crushed when William was called to service during the American Civil War—and when he never returned, she lived the remainder of her life a depressed and lonely woman. Most sightings of the Lady in White involve seeing her apparition either looking from a window or waiting on the front porch. Once you get past this particular ghost, though, the stories start to vary a bit. Many of the people who have visited Avenel have claimed there are multiple entities in the home. These vary from young children to spooky shadow people, to even a ghost cat.

  Located in the historic district of Bedford, Avenel may be worth a visit—if you can track down the proper owners (at last look an independent foundation was operating the home). At least you can swing by while out on a walk. You just may catch a glimpse of the Lady in White watching from one of the windows.

  Edgewood Plantation

  Charles City, Virginia

  Located just north of the James River, this circa 1849 Gothic Revival home is the jewel of Charles City. It, along with nearby Harrison Mill, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Richard S. Rowland was the original occupant of the house and was the operator of the gristmill. On June 15, 1862, Confederate Major General J.E.B. Stuart stopped at the home en route to Virginia—and the top floor of Edgewood was used as a lookout of sorts by the Rebels several times.

  Edgewood Plantation is now a bed and breakfast, but they also offer various tours (including ghost tours). I’d recommend staying there, though, if you’re intending to spend some time looking for ghosts. What better way to do some spirit seeking than staying in a room with them? There are a number of legends concerning the old plantation, with the most well-known being the spirit of Elizabeth “Lizzie” Rowland. She supposedly died of sorrow after her love, a Civil War soldier, never returned. Her apparition has been seen in the window of the bedroom named for her.

  Other ghosts on the property include that of “Aaron Young” (a spirit who, reputedly, spoke to a pair of guests at the B&B), an entity who committed suicide on the staircase, and the spirit of a young child who has been encountered
playing in the halls. If you can manage to tear yourself away from the main house, you may want to also arrange a quick trip out to the old slave quarters. Investigators have gotten a lot of activity in that location—and the ghost of a cat has been known to make an appearance.

  Chatham Manor

  Fredericksburg, Virginia

  This Georgian style manor house was constructed in 1771 by William Fitzhugh, a popular statesman in his day. It’s one of the few places in the country that’s still standing that once hosted Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The town of Fredericksburg was a hotbed of activity during the Civil War, with several major battles happening in the area. Chatham Manor was actually used as a headquarters for the Union Army—and then as a field hospital—during the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse.

  These days, the lovely mansion is the main center for the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. So checking it out should be no problem. Catching the ghost in action may be a challenge, however, if you’re not there on the right date … It seems that the infamous “Lady in White” only appears at Chatham Manor on June 21—and only every seven years! Apparently it’s been that way since her death in 1790. Despite this, people do claim to get the odd bit of paranormal happenings now and then. It’s usually just a whiff of perfume, the odd cold spot, or odd sound heard during the night.

  By the Side of the Road Inn

  Harrisburg, Virginia

  Once the home of Mennonite leader Bishop Peter Burkholder, this home was built shortly after the Revolutionary War in 1790. During the Civil War, the home was used as a safe haven of sorts when General Philip Sheridan swept through the Shenandoah Valley burning everything in his wake. A makeshift hospital was set up inside to help the wounded and many people came to the home to simply escape the horrors that were being inflicted in the area. Thankfully the house is nothing like this today; with the historic inn to visit, as well as luxury cottages on the property, a trip to By the Side of the Road is nothing but pleasurable.