Over the years CPRI gets numerous requests from people coming to visit the Old Dominion that want to know where they can visit or lodge at that is known to be haunted. I’ve decided to finally compile a list of the haunted places in Virginia that are open to the public. Happy Ghost Hunting!
“The state of Virginia is undoubtedly one of the most historic of all of the original American thirteen colonies. It has given birth to presidents, generals and perhaps even American liberty itself. During the years of the Civil War more battles and fighting took place in Virginia than anywhere else. Perhaps this long record of historical events has given rise to the many ghost stories and haunted places of the state.”
-Troy Taylor
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Ramsay House/Alexandria Visitor’s Center, Alexandria, VA
221 King Street @ Fairfax–across from City Hall; (703)838-4200
This is the headquarters of the Alexandria Convention and Visitor’s Bureau in Old Town. It is said to be haunted by Alexandria’s founder and spirits in 1700s clothing have been seen. They offer Old Town ghost tours Mar.-Nov. at 7:30 & 9 on Fridays & Sats., and @7:30 on Sundays weather permitting. Buy your ticket by 7 for either tour and it starts from the garden. Ages 12 & up: $6, 7-12: $4 and children 6 & under, free.
https://www.visitalexandriava.com/plan/visitors-center/
Gadsby’s Tavern & Museum, Alexandria, VA
134 & 138 North Royal St.@Cameron St.; (703)838-4242; (Tavern: (703)548-1288)
A young woman in 1800s period clothing has been seen at this museum/tavern in Old Town, built in 1770 and 1792 respectively. The Tavern, one of the few remaining 18th c. taverns, is open 7 days a week for lunch, brunch & dinner. The museum’s general hours are 11-4 TuesSat., 1-4 Sun. Museum admission is $4 adults, $2 students 11-17, and free for children under11 w/a paying adult.
https://www.alexandriava.gov/GadsbysTavern
Woodlawn Plantation, Alexandria, VA
9000 Richmond Highway (Off of Rte. 1, near Mt. Vernon); (703)780-4000
This beautiful mansion (completed in 1805) was part of George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate and given as a present to his foster daughter. 18th and 19th century ghosts still roam the premises (inc. Washington himself) as well as the spirits of former owners and guests. When a well in the basement is capped, it has been documented that spirit activity there is said to dramatically increase.
http://www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org
Roundtree Park, Falls Church, VA
3220 Annandale Road
This community park is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a woman with a baby.
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/picnics/roundtree
Gunston Hall, Fairfax, VA
Mason Neck, VA, off of Rte. 1; (703)558-9220
Built between 1755-1760 for George Mason–whose ideas were influential in the development of the new U.S. government and other international constitutions–visitors to this 550-acre Georgian estate have seen who is believed to be Mr. Mason in mirrors and footsteps have been heard when there is no one present. Hours: 9:30 am-5 pm everyday, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
http://www.gunstonhall.org/
Walney Road, Chantilly, VA
This road is said to be haunted by the ghost of a lost little girl who lost her family in a fire.
http://hauntedva.blogspot.com/2010/05/walney-road-chantilly-virginia.html
Bull Run/Manassas Historic Battlefield, Manassas, VA
Spirits of Civil War soldiers have been seen in this area, inc. crossing Cobblestone Bridge.
https://www.nps.gov/mana/index.htm
Old Town Inn, Manassas, VA
9503 Main Street; (703)368-9191
A spirit named “Miss Lucy” is said to like to play pranks such as turning on faucets, messing up the beds and unplugging appliances. She haunts room 52, but roams from 50-54.
https://www.oldetowneinn.com/en-us
Old Town Hall, Manassas, VA
9025 Center Street; (703)257-8230
Built in 1914, this building is said to be haunted by the spirit of a 1930s prisoner who had committed suicide. Doors open and close/slam shut. Workers there are often locked in.
https://www.virginia.org/Listings/HistoricSites/OldTownManassas/
Arlington House/Custis-Lee Mansion & Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, VA
G.W. Parkway@Arlington Cemetery; (703)557-0613
The Custis-Lee family, many of whom were descendants of George Washington, haven’t quite left their 19th c. mansion on the grounds of the Arlington Nat’l Cemetery. You can also hear “Taps” being played in the Garden in the middle of the night. As for the cemetery itself, c’mon…it IS a cemetery after all!
http://arlingtoncemetery.org/historical_information/arlington_house/
Potomac Overlook Regional Park, Arlington VA
2845 N. Marcey Road; (703)528-5406
The spirits of Native Americans who used to live in the area can be heard swimming in the Potomac River and still go through the trails here.
https://www.novaparks.com/parks/potomac-overlook-regional-park
Weems-Botts House, Dumfries, VA
300 W. Duke Street; (703)221-3346
A 1974 restoration of this historic house seems to have stirred up some spirits. The beds don’t stay made, curtain rods don’t stay put, and a Confederate soldier has been seen there.
https://historicdumfriesva.org/
Historic Occoquan, Occoquan, VA
Off I-95, Exit 160
From a friendly ghost who leaves petals everywhere and rearranges merchandise to one who waits behind the counter at closing time, the section of this historic town (est. 1758) @ Mill & Washington Streets is home to the majority of a large number of spirits.
https://historicoccoquan.com/
Cork St. Tavern, Winchester, VA
8 W. Cork Street; (540)667-3777
The east side of this 1830s built Tavern (stop through for some food and drink) is haunted by a couple, who just might be responsible for people slipping around table L-6.
http://www.corkstreettavern.com/
CENTRAL VIRGINIA
Edgewood Planation Bed and Breakfast, Charles City, VA
4800 John Tyler Memorial Hwy, Charles City, VA (804) 829-2962
The ghost of Lizzie Rowland inhabits this eight-room inn near Williamsburg. She died of a broken heart awaiting the never-to-happen return of her lover from the Civil War.
http://www.edgewoodplantation.com/
Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, VA
412 South Cherry St. Richmond VA 23220
Hollywood cemetery has numerous ghost stories including a dog statue that comes “alive” and is the home of the infamous “Richmond Vampire”.
https://www.hollywoodcemetery.org/
Shirley Planation, Charles City, VA
It’s on the plantation row off of Rte. 5 in Charles City, VA
Founded in 1611, it is Virginia’s oldest plantation. The estate passed to the Hill family in 1660 and the title changed again in 1723 when the present house was built for the marriage of Elizabeth Hill to John Carter. The house has remained in the Carter family ever since. The home has many of its original portraits, family silver and furniture which has been handed down for generations. Its unique architecture and famous hanging stairway, as well as seven original out buildings, are still around and preserved well today. A very picky painting that hates to be moved from its original position.
http://www.shirleyplantation.com/
Wrexham Hall, Chesterfield, VA
Wrexham Hall is haunted by the infamous Lady in Red.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Performance—Event-Venue/Wrexham-Hall-276715575679693/
Sweet Briar College, Amherst, VA
There are numerous ghost stories associated with this historic Women’s College. It was founded around 1901 and is haunted by many people including a former college President, Meta Glass and the college’s founder Mrs. Indiana Fletcher. You can read about the sightings at the college’s website for ghost stories @ ghosts.sbc.edu.
http://sbc.edu/
Centre Hill Mansion, Petersburg, VA
It’s located in the downtown historic section of Petersburg, VA
There have been sounds of soldiers entering the building, running upstairs and returning out the front door every January 24th, at exactly 7:30pm. Also, the spirit of a woman has been seen staring out the window above the front entrance. The Park is owned by the City and is located at the center of town.
https://www.petersburgarea.org/attractions/centre-hill-museum
The Byrd Theatre, Richmond, VA
Cary Street (in Carytown) in Richmond, VA
The apparition of the former manager of the Byrd Theatre, Robert Colter is often seen in the balcony of this historic theatre. The ladies room on the main level also has strange things that happen such as the lights going out and doors opening and closing on their own. It is definitely worth a look because the theatre itself is beautiful and admission is cheap – check out a midnight movie on Saturday.
http://byrdtheatre.com/
EASTERN/COASTAL VIRGINIA
The Cavalier Hotel, Virginia Beach, VA
Oceanfront at 42nd Street, Virginia Beach, VA (757) 425-8555
This hotel, haunted by ghosts of the 19th century, reports a variety of strange voices, and noises. The mystery of the changing towels is when a guest first checks in and finds towels of a particular color and are later found to be another color. There is also the spirit of a cat.
http://www.cavalierhotel.com
The Boxwood Inn, Newport News, VA
10 Elmhurst Street, Lee Hall Village, Newport News, VA (757) 888-8854
The gentle spirit here is said to be one of Nannie Curtis. Harmless activity is the norm, such as doors opening and closing on their own. She is also said to enjoy knocking on doors in the morning. Sleeping in is apparently not her idea of fun for this world. There is also an elderly gentleman, holding a cane, who appears on occasion.
https://www.historicboxwoodinn.com/
The Glencoe Inn, Portsmouth, VA
222 North St, Portsmouth, VA (757) 397-8128
Built in 1890, the Glencoe reflects the charm and character of the late 19th century port of Portsmouth, Virginia. Situated in the heart of the historic downtown area of Portsmouth, the inn reflects the strong Scottish influence of the original owners. There is an older lady, said to be in her 80’s, haunting the rose gardens. She leaves a scent of roses in the main hall of the inn, especially in the winter. There is also the museum across the street, which is said to be haunted by a woman. She merely looks out of an upstairs window.
http://www.glencoeinn.com
The Page House Inn, Norfolk, VA
323 Fairfax Avenue, Norfolk, VA (757) 625-5033
The Page House Innis said to be haunted by the mother of the owner of the Inn. Every once in a while her dining room china cabinet opens.
http://www.pagehouseinn.com
WESTERN VIRGINIA
Thornrose House at Gypsy Hill, Staunton, VA
531 Thornrose Ave, Staunton, VA (540) 885-7026
Located in the city of Staunton, Thornrose House offers spacious greenery with its acre of gardens and the large Gypsy Hill Park located across the street. But there is more to beauty of today. A ghost named Caroline haunts the Inn. Very little is known about her at this time. Curtains may open, the windows may open and close, room keys would disappear and then turn up in “Caroline’s room.” History suggests that a little girl died in that room. Perhaps, just perhaps, Caroline was the child’s nurse at the tragic time.
http://www.thornrosehousebandb.com/
Patrick Henry Hotel, Roanoke, VA
617 S. Jefferson Street, Roanoke, VA (540) 345-8811
The charm of a National Historic Landmark. The convenience of a downtown location. The presence of ghostly spirits. Several spirits haunt this elegant hotel. A vision of three men may be seen walking and watching people in the ballroom. In one room, lives an old lady that had died previously in that room. Another story has a vision of a man kicking a tablecloth at a second floor table.
http://thepatrickhenry.com
By the Side of the Road B&B, Harrisonburg, VA
491 Garbers Church Rd, Harrisonburg, VA (540) 801-0430
This is the resident of ghostly activity such as opening and shutting doors, and making odd noises at all hours of the day and night. Another victim of the Civil War? This large Flemish Bondbrick structure was built shortly after the American Revolution by settlers of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Bishop Peter Burkholder, early Mennonite Bishop of Virginia, and his descendants were longtime residents. Within walking distance is the manor cemetery revealing family names of most early inhabitants of this historic structure. The house served as a Civil War hospital following General Philip Henry Sheridan’s devastating “burning of the Valley” in 1864. After three unsuccessful attempts to ignite the flame retardant locust wood foundation timbers, Union soldiers moved on. As one of the few large structures to survive the raid, the house was a natural refuge for the wounded and homeless.
https://bythesideoftheroad.com
Wayside Inn, Middleton, VA
424 E Wisconsin Ave, Middletown, VA (540) 869-1797
Guests and employees at the Wayside Inn in Middletown, Virginia, have reported seeing images of Civil War veterans in the lobby. During the Civil War, the area was occupied by soldiers from both the North and the South and the inn served as a hospital. Reports range from seeing outlined figures of soldiers in blue and gray uniforms to hearing footsteps and someone talking. These so far friendly sightings add to the inn’s historic charm and atmosphere.
http://www.alongthewayside.com
The Martha Washington Inn, Abingdon, VA
check out their website for directions
The ghost of a young woman haunts the inn believed looking for her lover. Sightings are so common/reliable that they at one time charged extra for her “favorite” room. The workers are very helpful and acknowledged the sightings. no matter how many times they put down new carpet, blood stains reappear from old soldiers who were wounded during the war.
http://www.themartha.com
MORE PLACES
Not traveling to VA? Check out other Haunted Hotels at ALLSTAYS.COM – click here more to come…do you have a place that you think should be listed? Please email Bobbie at bobbie@virginiaghosts.com.
In the meantime you can also check out the Shadowland’s vast resource for other haunted places in Virginia. Click here to visit their site.