Photo by Rich Newman
About the Author Rich Newman (Tennessee) has been investigating the paranormal for over ten years and is the founder of the group Paranormal Inc. His articles have appeared in Haunted Times and Paranormal Underground. Learn more about his investigations at http://www.paranormalincorporated.com.
Also by Rich Newman Devil in the Delta The Ghost Hunter’s Field Guide Ghost Hunting for Beginners Haunted Bridges
Exploring the Paranormal History of America’s Deadliest War
GHOSTS CIVIL WAR of the
RICH NE W M AN
Llewellyn Worldwide Woodbury, Minnesota
Ghosts of the Civil War: Exploring the Paranormal History of America’s Deadliest War © 2017 by Rich Newman. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever, including Internet usage, without written permission from Llewellyn Publications, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. First Edition First Printing, 2017 Book design by Bob Gaul Cover design by Howie Severson/Fortuitous Publishing Editing by Aaron Lawrence Interior photos by Library of Congress Llewellyn Publications is a registered trademark of Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Names: Newman, Rich, author. Title: Ghosts of the Civil War: exploring the paranormal history of America’s deadliest war / Rich Newman. Description: First Edition. | Woodbury: Llewellyn Worlwide, Ltd., 2017. | Includes bibliographical references and index. Identifiers: LCCN 2017030374 (print) | LCCN 2017032388 (ebook) | ISBN 9780738754253 (ebook) | ISBN 9780738753362 Subjects: LCSH: Haunted places—United States. | Ghosts—United States. | United States—History—Civil War, 1861–1865—Battlefields—Miscellanea. | United States—History—Civil War, 1861–1865—Miscellanea. Classification: LCC BF1472.U6 (ebook) | LCC BF1472.U6 N653 2017 (print) | DDC 133.1/2—dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017030374 Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd. does not participate in, endorse, or have any authority or responsibility concerning private business transactions between our authors and the public. All mail addressed to the author is forwarded, but the publisher cannot, unless specifically instructed by the author, give out an address or phone number. Any Internet references contained in this work are current at publication time, but the publisher cannot guarantee that a specific location will continue to be maintained. Please refer to the publisher’s website for links to authors’ websites and other sources. Llewellyn Publications A Division of Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd. 2143 Wooddale Drive Woodbury, MN 55125-2989 www.llewellyn.com Printed in the United States of America
Contents
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Introduction 1
1: Haunted Battlefields 5 2: Spooky Skirmishes 37 3: Frightening Forts 69 4: Where the Dead Lie 131 5: Historic Spirits and Structures 177 6: Antebellum Haunts 245 Appendix: Listing by State 305 Bibliography 317
For Judith You Are Still Loved
Introduction
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When Confederate troops attacked Fort Sumter, South Carolina, on April 12, 1861, it kicked off four years of bloodshed that would affect lives in the United States for the next century. With over 620,000 dead—and numerous more wounded and suffering from malnutrition and disease— it is easily the deadliest conflict in American history. The next highest war-time death toll doesn’t even come close (that distinction belongs to World War II with a little over 405,000 American soldiers dead). So it comes as little surprise that many of the battlefields and historic homes associated with the American Civil War are now considered to be haunted by the poor souls who met their demise during this affair. Tales of ghosts are, in fact, so widespread concerning these locations that this may be the single largest category of haunted places in the 1
2 Introduction
country! In order to understand why there are so many tormented souls left behind, it’s necessary to understand the particular circumstances concerning this war. Let’s just consider these points: 1. Politics of the day. While it’s easy in hindsight to simplify the war as being one of emancipation, the reality is that the economy in 1861 was very different than that of today. For generations, families had run their businesses on a specific (and reprehensible) model. In addition to this, many of the Southern states did not like the federal government dictating local policy. Tempers ran high and families were often torn internally with passionate allegiances to their respective beliefs. This anguish and emotional turmoil has often been cited as a reason for a spirit to remain behind after death. 2. Medicine of the period. Warfare certainly claimed a huge percentage of the aforementioned death toll of this war, but it’s been estimated that a staggering two thirds of the dead were a result of disease, malnutrition, and medicine of the day. Germs were considered simply a theory, so many routine wounds ended up killing people in military hospitals. Add in the fact that anesthetic of the day included ether, chloroform, and whiskey, and you can imagine the horrors involving medical
Introduction 3
treatment. Entire books have chronicled the pain and nightmarish scenes in these places—stories of amputation rooms and the limbs of soldiers being stacked as high as the ceiling. Many people took their last, painful breath in these places (oftentimes these hospitals were the homes of local families that had been absconded for use by the military), and a lot of ghost stories take place in them. 3. Mass death. Over 257,000 of the fatalities during the Civil War came from the ten bloodiest battles. That’s a lot of people to be killed on these battlefields and dying in medical tents. When that many people pass away in a single location, it should come as no surprise that a few of these poor souls would stick around. These battlefields not only have tales of the dead walking the night, but even surrounding homes, restaurants, and hotels, etc. have reported seeing odd spirits dressed in Civil War era attire. 4. Those left behind. For every single soldier who perished during the war, an entire family was left behind to grieve and cope with the loss of that individual. Many households found themselves suddenly without the means to support themselves because a father, brother, or son was killed in the field. This is why the Civil War continued to affect the country for the next century. The Southern
4 Introduction
states in particular were struck with poverty, political turmoil, and a loss of identity with the country as a whole. All of these things caused a lot of misery. Suicide rates spiked in the late 1800s, and the death tolls surrounding disease and malnutrition continued to rise. 5. Internment. If the hospitals sound like houses of horrors, then you probably don’t want to think about the conditions of the prison camps during the war. Disease, hunger, and a foul living environment were common to these locales, and it’s been estimated that more than 56,000 died in places like Andersonville in Georgia, Alton Military Prison in Illinois, and Point Lookout in Maryland. So if you survived a battle but were captured by the enemy, you still had the risk of not surviving the war while being held in detainment. When all of these things are taken into consideration, it’s easy to see why there are so many dark tales told about the Civil War. The stories become even more compelling when you understand the history behind them, too. As a lover of history and ghost stories, I have had an awesome experience writing this book. I hope reading it is just as great for you.
1 � Haunted Battlefields
As mentioned in the introduction, ten major battles account for a third of the fatalities associated with the American Civil War. Each of these conflicts have a number of ghostly tales associated with them—and most of these are spots that you can visit. So let’s take a look at these clashes and the haunted places attributed to them. Listings in this chapter are different from those in the rest of the book; while the other chapters detail haunted locations in alphabetic order by their city and state, this chapter lists the ten battles in order by casualties, starting with the deadliest battle of the war.
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Battle of Gettysburg Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
The Confederate dead at Gettysburg.
The date was July 1, 1863. General Robert E. Lee was riding high after achieving a victory at the Battle of Chancellorsville, and he was now on the march to invade the North. This was his second attempt to do this and he knew his army of 71,699 soldiers would meet more than their match with the Union force commanded by Major General George Gordon Meade.
Haunted Battlefields 7
General Lee’s headquarters at Gettysburg.
With a superior force of 93,921 men, General Meade positioned himself to block the Confederate Army from marching on Washington, DC—and, so, the location of
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Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, would now be the ground standing between these two forces. At the time, the small town of Gettysburg was home to just over 2,000 people, but the Burg was definitely on the rise. It’s unfortunate that their time of prosperity would suddenly turn into one of the bloodiest moments in United States history. The three days of fighting at Gettysburg would cost over 7,000 lives outright—and by the end of the affair, there was a total of more than 51,000 casualties. As a result of this battle (coupled with the Confederate loss at the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi), the South would essentially be defeated. President Abraham Lincoln visited the aftermath of the affair to dedicate the Gettysburg’s Soldiers National Cemetery and to deliver his famous Gettysburg Address. Today, Gettysburg is a pilgrimage for Civil War buffs and ghost hunters. In fact, it seems the perfect confluence of these two subjects. While we will be covering many of the haunted locations that surround the battlefield in later chapters of this book, it’s definitely worth noting that there are several key spots in the Gettysburg National Military Park also known for ghost sightings. There are three historic homes, which are part of the park exhibit, that are known for ghosts. The George Weikert House is said to house restless spirits that can be heard stomping throughout the home (though said spirits seem to really like the attic) and constantly opening doors. One
Haunted Battlefields 9
door is said to open so frequently that is was nailed shut to prevent frightening tourists. The second haunted home in the park is known as the Hummelbaugh House. Like most of the homes surrounding the battle, this place was used as a makeshift hospital for the wounded. It is now known for the death of Confederate Brigadier General William Barksdale. After being wounded in battle, General Barksdale was brought to the home where he howled in pain until he finally died. Visitors to this spot say that these screams of pain can still be heard. And if that’s not enough, legend says that the wife of the general visited the battlefield accompanied by a dog that belonged to him. Upon arriving at the scene, the dog began to howl in grief—and wouldn’t stop, no matter what Mrs. Barksdale did. The phantom howls of the dog are said to be heard to this day on the site of the old Hummelbaugh Farm. The final haunted estate on the battlefield is known as Rose Farm. Some of the most heated fighting happened in the vicinity of this location (including the infamous Wheatfield) so it made sense to use the spot as a massive field hospital. Countless people would undergo horrific amputations and other operations, and many would die at this location. It’s said that after the great battle, one of the daughters of George and Dorothy Rose went completely insane. Enduring the horrors of the battle, as well as the aftermath, unhinged her. She claimed to see blood on the walls of the home, hear horrific cries of pain from spirits left
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behind, and to even see glowing phantoms wandering the fields. Many of these claims are upheld by witnesses today. Some claim that the famous Culp Farm House is also haunted, but the stories sound eerily similar to those of the George Weikert House, so it’s possible that people are simply confusing the two spots. And then there’s the Cemetery Lodge where the sounds of ghostly infants are heard … It’s actually the second incarnation of this house to stand at this site (the Civil War era home was demolished in 1907), but ghost stories are quite prevalent here. In fact, the entire cemetery has its fair share of spooky tales (check out Cemetery Ridge, where music is said to be heard). In addition to the haunted farmhouses that stand within the park, there are several areas that were part of the main fighting that now have paranormal activity as well. Sachs Covered Bridge is one of the most well-known of these locations. Visitors have seen bizarre misty figures, glowing balls of light, and even the occasional apparition on this bridge. Three Confederate spies were reputedly hung on the bridge—and the apparition that’s seen most often is one of these poor souls swinging in the wind. Tales of phantom soldiers still on the march—as well as phantom horses, cannons, battles, etc.—have been reported in several historic areas throughout the park. These apparitions and images have also been accompanied by the sounds of cannon fire, cries of pain, and various noises associated with warfare of the day. These spots include the Wheatfield,
Haunted Battlefields 11
the Peach Orchard, Little Round Top, and Cemetery Ridge (where the legendary charge of General Pickett occurred). But, perhaps the hottest of hot spots in the military park would have to be the area known as Devil’s Den … Legends surrounding Devil’s Den actually predate the Battle of Gettysburg. Locals claim that a great Native American battle (dubbed “Battle of the Crows”) took place there and that the spot has always been known as a spiritual location to the local tribes. Many a brave adventurer trekked out to this spot in the 1800s to hear the mysterious calls of the ghostly Native Americans or to watch the strange, glowing balls of light that seemed to roam there. Then, of course, the great Civil War battle occurred … On day two of the Battle of Gettysburg, General Lee attempted to flank both sides of the Union Army. This led to most of the bloodiest fighting during this campaign, including the clashes at the Peach Orchard, Little Round Top, and Cemetery Ridge. As for the area known as Devil’s Den … well, it became a slaughterhouse. Reporters of the aftermath stated that bloodied bodies littered the jagged rocks of this area. Many of the bodies would lie here through harsh weather that followed the battle—and because of their decayed state were simply tossed into the crevices surrounding the boulders. Because of this, Devil’s Den is considered to be extremely haunted. Visitors to this spot have had their electronic gear (specifically cameras) malfunction, and they have heard bizarre
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cries and gunfire (including the yells of Native Americans) and seen phantoms riding horseback, as well as walking in the area. Close to the Devil’s Den is a location known as the “Triangular Area.” This spot was also involved with the heavy casualties during day two of the Battle of Gettysburg. Make sure you give this area a visit, too, if you visit the Gettysburg National Military Park. Much like Devil’s Den, ghosts have been seen and heard here, including the chilling sight of an entire phantom army marching across the field.
Battle of Chickamauga Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia After gaining ground in the Tullahoma Campaign, Union General William S. Rosecrans decided to march his troops to the city of Chattanooga in hopes of unseating the Confederate troops there under the command of Major General Braxton Bragg. The move occurred on September 18, 1863, and was successful, but General Bragg would soon be reinforced by soldiers under General John Bell Hood and Brigadier General Bushrod Johnson. Now, with the Confederate numbers considerably bolstered by the new influx of troops, they marched back toward Chattanooga—but they would be intercepted by federal soldiers along Chickamauga Creek. And so the battle began … After three days of fighting, the Confederacy claimed the victory, although they did not retake the city of Chattanooga. They did, however, manage to effectively cut off
Haunted Battlefields 13
the supply line to the Union Army. But this affair would be costly for both sides. With over 16,000 Union casualties and more than 18,000 Confederate casualties, the Battle of Chickamauga would be the second bloodiest battle of the war—and the worst death toll in the Western Theater. Considering the word “Chickamauga” means “River of Death” in Cherokee, it comes as no surprise that there have always been stories of misery, death, and spirits at this location … Today, the most well-known ghostly tale concerning Chickamauga involves a being that’s dubbed “Green Eyes.” Old Green Eyes is quite the interesting character. Those who have seen him say he appears as vaguely human-like, with glowing green eyes and some of the more bizarre descriptions, including massive fangs, leathery wings, and a reptilian-like body. Of course there are those who simply say he appears as a misty apparition with green eyes, too. Either way, the appearance of the thing is said to be quite startling. So who is Green Eyes? There seems to be two basic tales. The first says that the thing is the spirit of a soldier who was killed during the battle. This version has the ghost eternally searching the battlefield for his body parts that were lost during the war (this is usually his head, but sometimes it also includes other parts of the body). The second tale concerning Green Eyes states that he is actually a creature that has roamed the area since before the Civil War. Some even say that the thing was seen
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creeping among the dead in an area known as Snodgrass Hill immediately following the Battle of Chickamauga. Green Eyes has been regularly spotted in the military park today, with even park rangers claiming to have seen the beast. For your best chance to see the thing, try to be in the area of Snodgrass Hill when the sun is heading down. But make sure to visit other areas of the park, too, since Green Eyes isn’t the only spirit that’s said to roam here! A female spirit called the “Lady in White” by locals is also a regularly seen sight in the park. Some believe she was a nurse who tended to the wounded on the battlefield, others say she is a mournful ghost that roams the area looking for her beloved who was killed. Either way, many have seen the pale apparition floating across the fields. And she’s not alone … In addition to the aforementioned beings, claims of a headless horseman, the spirits of soldiers, and glowing balls of light are also seen here. With this much activity, it’s no wonder that paranormal enthusiasts flock to the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.
Battle of Spotsylvania Fredericksburg, Virginia When someone thinks about the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War, seldom does the name “Spotsylvania” come up. This is quite odd considering the Battle of Spotsylvania is the third most bloody incident of the war. The
Haunted Battlefields 15
battle occurred on May 8, 1864, and would last until May 21 of the same year. Following the Battle of the Wilderness, General Ulysses S. Grant decided it would be best to cut off the Confederate Army from reaching the city of Richmond, Virginia. General Robert E. Lee dispatched General J.E.B. Stuart and his cavalry to intercept and harass Grant’s army long enough to allow the Confederates to entrench near the Spotsylvania Court House at a spot known as Laurel Hill. And so the long and bloody battle would begin. Though the Northern Army would have twice as many soldiers as those from the Southern Army, the Union would suffer the heaviest casualties (including the death of Major General John Sedgwick, who was the highest-ranking Union officer killed during the entire war) and, ultimately, be forced to withdraw. The total estimated casualties from both sides are about 30,000, with the bloodiest parts of the warfare occurring in a location known as the Muleshoe Salient. Today, if you visit the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park, you can check out the locations of several key battles, including Laurel Hill and the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, the Battle of the Wilderness, the Battle of Fredericksburg, and the Battle of Chancellorsville. It contains over 8,300 acres, and it’s a lot to take in. Just keep an open eye for the haunts of this battlefield! The first stop you may want to make is the shrine and monument to the late General Thomas Jonathan Jackson.
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Known to all as “Stonewall Jackson,” he is the most wellknown Confederate general after General Robert E. Lee. He was shot by his own troops on the night of May 2, 1863, at the Battle of Chancellorsville, which would lead to the amputation of his left arm. Unfortunately for Jackson, his troubles and injuries would continue. After the surgery, the general contracted pneumonia and lapsed into a state of delirium. He then passed away in a small room of an outbuilding on Fairfield Plantation, then owned by Thomas C. Chandler. Those who now visit the Stonewall Jackson Shrine (the small building he died in) have claimed to have experienced some odd phenomena there. Electrical devices are said to go haywire, whispering voices have been heard in a couple of the rooms (including the Death Room), and at least one person has stated seeing a gaunt face peering from one of the windows. Another great hot spot at this military park is the awesome Georgian mansion known as “Chatham Manor.” Much like the home on the Chandler estate, places like Chatham Manor, Ellwood Manor, and Salem Church were transformed into field hospitals during the many battles that took place in the area here. According to eyewitness testimony, these places featured stacks of amputated limbs, rivers of blood pouring through the halls, and the constant cries of those in pain. So it’s no big surprise that Chatham Manor is now considered haunted.
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Activity in the manor seems to center around a female spirit known as the “Lady in White,” and it is quite the tale, indeed, dating back to the eighteenth century. It seems that the girl was brought to the property by her father, who wished to separate her from a lover in England. Unfortunately, the play wouldn’t work and the man followed them to America so that he and the girl could elope. When the night came for this engagement, however, the plan was thwarted by none other than General George Washington. He had caught word of what was to happen from a servant and he decided to intervene. The girl was ultimately taken back to England, but it’s said that after her death, she returned to the estate where she was taken from her love. Glimpses of the pale female apparition continue today, and some say the ghost always returns every seven years since her death on June 21, 1790, to make her famous “Ghost Watch” along a path near the home. If you don’t happen to be in the park on the anniversary of the Lady in White’s death, consider spending your ghostwatching time in the area known as the “Bloody Angle.” This is the section of the Muleshoe Salient where Confederate troops made their stand, raining bullets down upon the Union soldiers who were charging the entrenched men there. Needless to say it was a bloody affair, and this part of the battle accounts for a huge portion of the casualties accumulated here. Any time this kind of loss of life occurs there
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is a great chance for a spirit or two to stick around—and, of course, they did. Visitors have seen pale, misty figures walking through the area, heard the sounds of cries and gunshots, and even noticed bizarre cold drafts that seem to waft over the field (even in the summer). But perhaps the most well-discussed aspect of this area is the pervading sense of dread and gloom—as well as the feeling of being watched—that seems to sweep over anyone lingering for too long. It’s a sad and somber place that’s well worth your time to visit.
Battle of the Wilderness Fredericksburg, Virginia Going hand-in-hand with the previous entry of Spotsylvania, the Battle of the Wilderness happened in the days leading up to that clash (May 5–7, 1864). This affair would ultimately be a bloody battle leading up to the Union forces digging in at the Spotsylvania Court House (and Lee taking his position at Laurel Hill/Muleshoe Salient) and would claim approximately 29,800 casualties. The bloodiest part of this battle occurred when General Richard Stoddert Ewell built massive earthworks close to Saunders Field. Unfortunately for Union General Gouverneur Warren’s Fifth Corps, they would step out of the dense forest into this open field— and into a massive hail of gunfire. As already mentioned, this fight basically served as a prelude to what occurred at Spotsylvania—and the Battle of
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the Wilderness is featured as part of the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park in Virginia. And while we have already mentioned the haunted places associated with this park, it’s worth mentioning that there is one interesting spot that’s directly associated with this battle: Wilderness Tavern. Though it has long since vanished since the Civil War, a small portion of the structure is still standing (a portion of an outbuilding, actually). You can find it near the intersection of Routes 3 and 20 in Virginia on the eastbound side of Route 3. There is a small area where you can pull over to see the site and stake out any ghostly activity that may occur. The tavern was used as a makeshift field hospital to handle the seriously wounded pouring in from the Battle of the Wilderness, and many died at this spot in a short amount of time. Perhaps it’s because of this that so many people see bizarre things at this site. Ghost stories about the old tavern include phantoms slowly crossing the space leading up to the structure, moans and cries (presumably of the wounded and dying), and glowing balls of lights—known as “Ghost Lights”—roaming the region. Since this area is part of the same acreage that contains the battles of Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville, be sure to catch the wonderful historic sites surrounding this battle, as well as the haunted sites. There is a
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lot of American history wrapped up into this one massive park. And speaking of Chancellorsville …
Battle of Chancellorsville Fredericksburg, Virginia
The location where General Jackson was shot at Chancellorsville.
Though this battlefield shares the same park (Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park) as the previous two entries to this chapter, the Battle of Chancellorsville happened a year earlier. It occurred between April 30 and May 6, 1863, when the Northern Army under the
Haunted Battlefields 21
helm of Major General Joseph Hooker clashed against the Confederates led by General Lee and his abled sidekick, General Stonewall Jackson. General Hooker had been pressing to beat the Southern troops to the town of Chancellorsville but ended up being mired by the dense foliage of the wilderness close by. General Lee used this to his advantage to catch up to the area and pin Hooker’s men down while Stonewall Jackson swung around to attack Hooker from his right flank and rear. The effect was devastating to General Hooker’s Eleventh Corps. The South would win the day, but at a terrible price: The death of General Stonewall Jackson (who was shot dead by his own soldiers by mistake). The Battle of Chancellorsville resulted in more than 30,000 casualties, but it wouldn’t be the end of the fighting for this great engagement. After pushing General Hooker’s troops out of the area, General Lee learned that another Union force, under the command of Major General John Sedgwick, was pressing upon him from the rear. General Sedgwick had pressed through Fredericksburg and planned to hit the Confederates hard while recovering from the fighting at Chancellorsville. Unfortunately, the Union force was quickly met by the combined forces under Major General Jubal Early and Brigadier General William Barksdale. And if that wasn’t enough, the Southern soldiers under the command of Major General Lafayette McLaws would soon join the fray as well. It was a
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bloody mess that’s now dubbed the “Battle of Salem Church.” Thousands more fell victim to the fighting, and General Robert E. Lee emerged with yet another Virginia victory. Today, Salem Church still stands within the park along with its neighboring cemetery—and it is the source of many spooky stories. Civil War reenactors have told of seeing misty apparitions roaming the long lanes where fighting took place on Marye’s Heights and of hearing the sounds of gunfire and screams. The cemetery has also been a hot spot of activity, with several eyewitness accounts of ghost lights bobbing along through the tombstones. And if that’s not enough ghost activity for you, consider that a tour group once spotted what appeared to be a pair of pale faces peering from an upper story window of the church. It’s said they all yelled and pointed when the phantom was seen.
Battle of Shiloh Shiloh, Tennessee When forces clashed at Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, on April 6, 1862, it became the bloodiest affair in United States history—and the first real test of just how far the two sides would go during the Civil War. The battle began when Confederates under the command of General Albert Sidney Johnston fell upon Union soldiers holding the area. The Union troops were initially pushed back, but they formed a line and fiercely fought the Southern soldiers in an area now known as the “Hornet’s Nest.”
Haunted Battlefields  23
Sidney Albert Johnston.
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By the second day of fighting, the Union had gained the upper hand, however, and the Confederate force was driven into Mississippi. Perhaps the greatest blow dealt by General Ulysses S. Grant to the South, though, was the death of General Johnston. More than 23,000 casualties resulted from the conflict, and Shiloh was the first major victory for General Grant. If you manage to visit the Shiloh National Military Park, you can check out the Hornet’s Nest, as well as some of the other infamous areas known for the fighting, bloodshed, and … well … ghost stories. But let’s start with the Hornet’s Nest. As mentioned, the second day of fighting was fierce, as the North struggled to hold the line against the push of Southern troops. It’s said that so many bullets were flying through the air that the sound resembled a massive swarm of hornets. Legend says that when the Confederacy attacked, Union troops initially decided to retreat. An order was given to do so, but when the drummer boy was dispatched to sound off, he mistakenly played the drumbeat to attack. During the mad rush of troops to the battle, the boy was killed. Today the spirit of this young boy is said to be seen throughout the park, though he is most associated with the Hornet’s Nest. Another haunted area of the military park is a spot known as Duncan’s Field. J. R. Duncan was a local farmer who had his land suddenly overwhelmed with fighters as
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the battle raged on. This spot is known for glimpses of shadowy figures/spirits who are seen gliding along, seemingly looking for their fellow soldiers. Others have heard the sounds of gunfire and cannons in this area, too. The final stop for your haunted tour of Shiloh should be a small, brackish body of water known as “Bloody Pond.” This location was mostly used as a makeshift field hospital, and it’s said that so many people were treated here that the blood pouring into the pond permanently stained the water. This is, of course, untrue, as the coffee-like color is the result of vegetation in the pond. But there were certainly a lot of casualties treated there. The ghost of a young lady, presumably a local nurse who was brought in to help treat the wounded, is said to roam the shores of the small pond. She usually appears as a misty, white apparition, but at least two people have reported speaking to a “young woman” standing by the pond only to see her disappear right before their eyes.
Battle of Stones River Murfreesboro, Tennessee Fought on the outskirts of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the Battle of Stones River pitted the might of General William S. Rosecrans against Confederate General Braxton Bragg. It had been a particularly harsh winter when the two forces clashed on December 31, 1863—and it would only be after
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more than 24,000 casualties that the two sides would be able to celebrate the New Year. With locations named the “Slaughter Pen” and “Hell’s Half-Acre,” you can imagine there was some pretty rough going during this affair. Though the Union Army would emerge the victor (due to arriving reinforcements and a Southern retreat), they would suffer the highest losses—and with defeats nearby at the Battle of Fredericksburg and the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou, it seemed a shallow success at best. In reality, though, the victory raised Northern morale and caused a splinter in Confederate leadership, which wanted to oust General Bragg after his defeat. The Stones River National Battlefield is a beautiful but solemn place. Witnessing firsthand the horrible demise of the soldiers trapped in the cracks and crevices of the Slaughter Pen can be a humbling experience. The cries of the wounded and dying, as well as the sight of pale apparitions, have been reported here many times. Eerily enough, there are also those who say lingering at the Slaughter Pen will cause activity to occur; the temperature is said to suddenly drop 10 to 20 degrees (or at least feel that way), and you will then begin to feel watched. Some have even heard the footsteps of someone approaching! Paranormal activity at the nearby Hell’s Half-Acre seems to be a bit tamer. The sounds of an army marching, as well as music playing, seem to be the reports from this area. The music actually has a historic bit of truth to it, too. On the
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evening of December 30, 1863, both armies were preparing for the inevitable battle that would occur the next morning when the Union band struck up the tune “Yankee Doodle,” followed by “Hail Columbia.” The Southern soldiers, not to be outdone, immediately began playing “Dixie.” A bit later after this, the Northerners went into the song “Home Sweet Home”—and, after a moment, the Southern troops joined in. It was a bittersweet moment before a whole lot of bloodshed, and many say the music is still playing. For your final stop on the Stones River haunted tour, make sure you swing by the artillery stop on the old McFadden Farm (known also as Stop #6 on the park tour). The spirit of a soldier has been seen walking this area a few times—with at least one witness claiming to have spoken to the entity (he thought the ghost was a Civil War reenactor). It’s said the ghost looks a bit confused and just seems to be searching for something—and he’s been looking for a very long time … On September 16, 1862, General George B. McClellan engaged the Army of Northern Virginia under the command of one General Robert E. Lee. It started when Major General Joseph Hooker’s troops attacked the left flank of the Confederate force. That day would go down as the single bloodiest day in American history.
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Battle of Antietam Sharpsburg, Maryland
President Lincoln and Major General McClelland at Antietam.
The two sides attacked and counterattacked many times over three days, but ultimately it would be the Southern
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Army that would withdraw first, despite the fact that the Union had sustained more damage (the battle endured over 22,000 casualties total). History calls the affair a draw, but President Abraham Lincoln seized on the moment of this “victory” to go forward with presenting his famous Emancipation Proclamation. As for the ghosts in the Antietam National Battlefield, there seems to be several hot spots worth checking out. The first of which is the area known as the “Sunken Road,” which was later dubbed “Bloody Lane.” During the Battle of Antietam, the infamous Irish Brigade of New York assaulted the Confederates who had dug in at this spot—and it was a disastrous affair. More than 60 percent of the brigade was gunned down by the Southern soldiers. Visitors to this area say that the air hangs heavy, the air goes frigid, and faint voices can be heard on the wind saying a familiar phrase, “Faugh-a-Balaugh.” It means “clear the way,” and it was a popular battle cry of the Irish Brigade. Your second haunted stop at Antietam should probably be Burnside Bridge. It was a strategic position during the battle, and many fell trying to hold it. It seems that some of the fallen have stuck around. People say glowing balls of light dart beneath the bridge and bob along the road. Others have heard gunfire and the sounds of war drums playing. The Pry House, a small structure that is now a medical museum, was the site of a tragic death during the battle. General Israel B. Richardson succumbed to his wounds
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while being treated in this home, much to the dismay of his wife Frances. In fact, she was so devastated by his death that many say she is still in the house! People have seen the apparition of a young woman peering from an upper story window, and some have even heard light footsteps that seem to be climbing the stairs. The final place you should visit is known as the Piper Farmhouse. Located close to the Antietam National Cemetery, this historic home is said to be haunted by a pale apparition that’s been seen on the upper floor. The place was used as the headquarters for Major General James Longstreet, but the spirit is most likely simply associated with the family that lived there for many years. Antietam Battlefield is a great visit—and as you can tell, it is also a great spot to do some ghost watching. Between the days of August 28 and August 30, 1862, General John Pope of the Union Army fought to stave off various attacks by General Stonewall Jackson and General Longstreet throughout the area now known as the Manassas National Battlefield Park. It would be a strategic victory for the South, which allowed General Robert E. Lee to make his first march into Maryland (then considered to be the crossing line into the north). Over 22,000 casualties occurred over the three days of fighting, and the assault by General Longstreet is still considered the single biggest mass attack of the war.
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Battle of Second Manassas Manassas, Virginia
The Confederate fortification at Manassas.
So where are the ghosts in Manassas? Well, most of the stories seem to circulate around a place known as the “Stone House.” It’s a regular stop on the park tour, so expect to see quite a few folks there. Built by Thomas O. Carter (most likely in 1848), the old Stone House served as a field hospital during both battles at Manassas. Locals believe that the spirit in the place is a remnant of the battle who most likely perished on the surgeon’s table. And it is an active spirit, indeed!
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Legend says a park ranger once had his glasses knocked from his face, and many people have heard footsteps, moans, and cries coming from various parts of the house. If that’s not enough, at least two witnesses have seen a fullbodied apparition of a soldier walking through a room, while others have simply seen a young man peering from a window there. The other ghostly hot spot within the park is another stop on the park tour, titled the “Unfinished Railroad.” Countless reports of battle sounds come from this area, along with the occasional sighting of a shadowy figure or mist that doesn’t seem to belong. This area in general seems to be the best location within the Manassas park for experiencing something out of the ordinary. Nailing down the dates of the legendary clash at Vicksburg is a bit difficult since the ordeal was actually more of a siege than a traditional battle. In April 1863, General Ulysses S. Grant landed with his troops at Bruinsburg, Mississippi, and quickly pushed Confederate forces in the direction of Jackson, Mississippi. This gave him the breathing room necessary to then march on the city of Vicksburg and dislodge the soldiers holed up there under the command of General John Pemberton. The first attack on the stronghold city began on May 19—and another clash would occur a few days later on May 22.
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Battle of Vicksburg Vicksburg, Mississippi
The city of Vicksburg.
By this time, General Grant understood that taking Vicksburg would be a bloody feat, indeed. So he decided to lay siege to the city instead. The Confederates, as well as the citizenry of Vicksburg, would endure forty-seven days of hell under the siege before finally surrendering to the Northern force on July 4. The Union suffered almost 5,000 casualties during the affair, but the Confederates had a staggering 32,000 casualties.
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The North now held the Mississippi River and control of the western front of the war, which effectively laid the groundwork to end the American Civil War with a Union victory. And once the war was over, it would take decades for the city of Vicksburg to recover from the horrors that befell them during the siege. Today, there are many homes in Vicksburg with ghost stories (and we will cover them in a later chapter), and there are certainly a few surprises to be found within the Vicksburg National Military Park. None of the ghost stories concerning the battlefield areas are anything we haven’t heard before; in fact, there doesn’t seem to be any particular haunted tale unique to the park. Most of the paranormal encounters that occur include strange mists and misty figures that seem to float from the woods, battle sounds that emanate from thin air, and (on occasion) ghost lights that bob along the ground and disappear upon investigation. On the bright side, there are quite a few people who have reported experiencing these things, though, so the odds of having your own encounter are relatively good. Hot spots within the military park seem to be the area around the Stockade Redan attack/Graveyard Road, Fort Hill, and the Battery de Golyer/Shirley House region.
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Just make sure you bring a camera on an excursion here since most of the stories concerning the Vicksburg battlefield seem to include some kind of visual activity.
Body, Mind & Spirit / Supernatural “A haunting historic adventure . . . Well worth the read.” —Jeffery Pritchett, founder of The Church of Mabus Radio
The Civil War left behind unforgettable stories of deadly battles, brave soldiers, heartbroken families . . . and a paranormal legacy that continues to fascinate us more than 150 years after the war ended. Paranormal investigator Rich Newman presents over 160 different locations with reported supernatural activity related to the Civil War. He takes you on a spirited journey through major battlefields, small skirmishes, forts, cemeteries, homes, and historic buildings teeming with ghosts. Along the way, you’ll discover the rich history of these locations and explore why so many souls linger long after death. Through captivating, tragic, and terrifying stories, this book reveals the supernatural secrets of America’s deadliest war.
Features a detailed list of cities and states for more than 160 haunted locations Rich Newman has been investigating the paranormal for over ten years and is the founder of the group Paranormal Inc., which created the Civil War documentary Ghosts of War. His articles have appeared in Haunted Times and Paranormal Underground. Rich lives in Memphis, Tennessee. Visit him online at www.ParanormalIncorporated.com.
$15.99 US
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