Virginia has an extensive and vibrant history that has left its share of strange happenings behind – bedsheets twitching to shadow figures appearing above your head are only some examples. No wonder The Old Dominion boasts so many haunted places!
Elbow Road in Virginia is known for being one of the most haunted spots. Locals advise drivers not to stop on this street, which they believe to be home to an unsettled spirit.
Swannanoa Palace
Swannanoa Palace is an architectural wonder, featuring Carrara marble structures and fancy details such as elaborate door handles and Tiffany window installations. However, this beautiful mansion is also considered to be one of the most haunted places in Virginia.
St Albans has a haunting past dating back to the 1600s when people dabbled with black magic and were wrongly accused of witchcraft. Since then it has served as a plantation, school and now as a psychiatric hospital; all with its own distinct atmosphere that’s sure to leave you unsettled! The atmosphere at St Albans can be palpable and is definitely not for those easily scared off!
Sallie Dooley’s ghost may still reside at this enchanting mountaintop home. She can often be seen by guests, while her spirit can sometimes be heard whispering in the library.
The Martha Washington Inn
The Martha Washington Inn is an historic estate that is said to be haunted. Once home to one of America’s founding fathers, George Mason, as well as generals and officers who served in the American Revolutionary War; later it also served as a military hospital during the American Civil War.
As this property boasts such an illustrious past, it should come as no surprise that it is said to be haunted. Visitors have reported hearing unexplained footsteps and seeing reflections in mirrors; plus an unidentified Civil War soldier is said to haunt it after being shot while saying his goodbyes; his bloodstains appear regularly after cleaning efforts have taken place.
Elbow Road
Driving at night can be quite eerie, especially on a road like Elbow Road between Chesapeake and Virginia Beach which has become known for its haunted past. Curvy and twisty around Stumpy Lake, Elbow Road has caused numerous car accidents and deaths over time; locals claim Mrs Woble haunts this road searching for her home while another spirit walks alongside it; an unlikely pair said to be Mrs Woble searching for home as well as a girl who drowned nearby lakes is believed to roam these roads!
Visitors have reported hearing footsteps, witnessing apparitions and objects moving by themselves at this location – making it one of the most haunted places in Virginia!
The Winery at LaGrange
If spooky spirits are your cup of tea, look no further. This winery boasts an 18th century manor house complete with a huge wine bar that has seen glasses of Norton mysteriously break and shadowy figures lurk around.
This rural Surry County location embraces its unsettling reputation, hosting “History and Hauntings”, a wine tasting and dinner event from Halloween through early spring. Benedict Rust, an army soldier involved in Bacon’s Rebellion who was imprisoned in the castle’s attic before becoming upset enough to haunt it, is thought to be responsible for haunting this castle.
George Mason was one of Virginia’s founding fathers and his home is said to be haunted. Witnesses report bedsheets being tugged, as well as seeing people dressed in period attire appear.
St Albans
Virginia, with its long and rich history dating all the way back to our nation’s inception, is no doubt home to some creepy spots that will give you goosebumps this Halloween season. From haunted forests to creepy hotels, Virginia boasts haunted places that will give you chills.
Gunston Hall is one of the state’s most haunted locations and is believed to be haunted by George Mason, as visitors have reported ghostly footsteps, unexplained voices, and ghostly figures in mirrors. Once used as a plantation, ferry, tax office and post office, before becoming a mental hospital with insulin-induced comas and lobotomies on offer, this insane asylum should not be taken lightly.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Virginia is no stranger to war or death, which makes it no surprise that Virginia boasts some of the most haunted hotels in America. From bedsheets being pulled or shadow figures appearing overhead, strange happenings often occur in these haunted hotels.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum has long been believed to be haunted by a female ghost, which has been seen both by staff members and visitors. Although her identity remains unknown, some have linked her with Theodosia Burr – daughter of Aaron Burr who killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel – or George Mason (author of Virginia Declaration of Rights).