Gettysburg has no shortage of reported hauntings. This makes it one of the most sought-after destinations for those seeking specters and other paranormal pursuits. Some folks venture here from far and wide, leading to their need for booking overnight accommodations. For those hoping to experience ghostly encounters, the prospect of overnight lodging may amplify the experience even further. This is especially the case when you arrange an overnight stay at one of Gettysburg’s noted haunted inns.
While the pickings are plentiful, some Gettysburg inns are especially renowned for being epicenters to paranormal activity. Many have storied histories to explain the encounters that have unfolded here over the years. In this Flashback Friday Feature, I’m sharing the historical backstories behind some of Gettysburg’s most haunted inns to stay at.
Baladerry Inn
This historic inn, which was converted into a bed and breakfast in 1992, was constructed on the Bushman Farm as a tenant farmer’s home in 1812. Later additions were made in 1830.
During the Battle of Gettysburg, the farm served as a field hospital to the Army of the Potomac. It’s been reported that many grim and unpleasant situations unfolding here, including several un-anesthetized amputations, which were done directly on location in the Great Room. Is it any wonder there is so much spirited activity reported here?
Among the hauntings are at least seven Confederate soldiers who are buried under where the current tennis courts can be found. There have also been reports of a lively ladies’ man ghost named Geoffrey, who is especially fond of blondes. He likes to inhabit the Primrose Room in particular. There have also been sightings of a woman’s apparition standing at the foot of the bed in the Marigold Room.
Brafferton Inn
The antiquated history of the Brafferton Inn goes back even further than the official founding of Gettysburg. Built by Michael Hoke in 1786, it stands as the oldest deeded house in the community.
Between the mid-1800s and the 1900s, it was known as the Codori House, after the family who lived here. It did not become the Brafferton Inn until 1986 when it was converted into a bed and breakfast. The “Brafferton” in the name came from the blue paint in the house.
During the Civil War, it operated as one of many impromptu hospitals in the area. So, again, the tragic history that unfolded onsite may be to blame for all the paranormal activity that’s been continuously cited here. These accounts are largely limited to poltergeist acts specifically rather than appearances by spectral visitors from the past. Some theories denote that the home’s former conversion into a Catholic Chapel in the years after the War may explain why there aren’t any actual ghostly appearances in-house. Another theory points to the blue paint and how slaves in the South used to use “Haint Blue” paint to ward off ghost attacks.
Brickhouse Inn and Welty House
The Brickhouse Inn is a more recent construct dating back to 1898. Yet, its adjacent neighbor, the Welty House, was built in the 1830s by Solomon Welty—the son of Swedish immigrants.
The site (the Welty House and the land on which the future Brickhouse Inn would be established) was the scene of intense fighting and turmoil during the three-day Battle of Gettysburg. It was even used for sharpshooting by the Confederacy. In the aftermath of the War, it even became the temporary burial ground for 36 Union and Confederate soldiers.
This likely accounts for the many sightings of uniformed soldiers seen all over the grounds and even within the walls. Others report hearing disembodied voices, mumbling, and moaning, which are particularly more frequent at night.
Cashtown Inn
While technically outside the boundaries of Gettysburg, the massive amount of paranormal activity reported here makes the Historic Cashtown Inn one of the area’s most highly regarded haunting hotspots. Built in 1797, the Cashtown Inn originally served as a stagecoach stop for folks heading west. Peter Marck became its owner in 1815 and soon after acquired a tavern license.
Operating as a tavern and inn throughout the 19th century, it also earned a new function as the headquarters for many Confederate officers during the Gettysburg Campaign. Throughout the action, its basement was converted into a temporary field hospital.
It would be difficult to recount all the paranormal happenings documented here as there are seemingly limitless reports. Poltergeist antics and spectral appearances alike make the list of uncanny occurrences. From photographs and videos to eyewitness attestations, the Cashtown Inn has even been profiled and showcased by countless ghost hunters and paranormal investigators alike. Activity tends to be especially high between July 1 and 3—when the Battle of Gettysburg was fought.
Farnsworth House
Another highly haunted inn with a reputation is the one and only Farnsworth House. The earliest section of the house was built by John McFarlane in 1810. The brick structure was added later in 1833.
The house received its current name in honor of Brigadier General Elon John Farnsworth. Farnsworth was famous for leading a fateful charge following Pickett’s. Sadly, this resulted in him and 65 of his men losing their lives.
During the Battle, the Farnsworth House was overtaken by Confederates and used as a headquarters and hospital. But its most sinister claim to fame is being the location where the sharpshooter who shot and killed Virginia “Jennie” Wade (the only civilian to die in the Battle) happened to be hanging about.
Again, the ghost sightings and other paranormal happenings here are far too varied to list in detail. They include eyewitness reports, photographic evidence, sounds, and documented claims of poltergeist activity.
Gettysburg Academy Bed and Breakfast
The structure, now known as the Gettysburg Academy Bed and Breakfast, was established back in 1810 by the State of Pennsylvania to serve as the first public school in Adams County. The building was completed in 1813 and, throughout its tenure, served Gettysburg College and the Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary.
This building, too, was temporarily converted into a field hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg. And some pretty horrific practices took place here. You can still feel the energy and the sadness today.
Its long history as a vibrant and energetic institution of learning in addition to its sinister Civil War callouts account for countless sightings, sounds, and documented goings-on by meddling spirits. The B&B has hosted several onsite paranormal investigations over the years.
Gettysburg Battlefield Bed and Breakfast
The historic stone farmhouse now serving as the famed Battlefield Bed and Breakfast was built in 1809 as a single-family home. In 1863, it was home to area abolitionists Cornelius and Anna Houghtelin.
During the Battle of Gettysburg, the property was at the heart of the action. It was the site of a calvary charge and battle during Pickett’s Charge, and it was the headquarters and calvary camp of General Wesley Merritt. The barn was also used as a Civil War field hospital.
Among soldier specters on the land and in the home and barn, overnight guests often report hearing disembodied voices at random times. Phantom figures walking around are among the most frequently reported encounters.
Gettysburg Hotel
Once upon a time, on the site in Lincoln Square where now stands the renowned Gettysburg Hotel, an earlier structure stood. It was Scott’s Tavern, originally constructed in 1797. Rooms were added later to accommodate travelers.
During the turmoil of the Civil War, these additional guest rooms were repurposed to serve as medical rooms to treat injured and wounded soldiers. Some three decades later in the 1890s, the tavern came under new ownership and was converted into the Gettysburg Hotel.
It was during the early 20th century when the reported ghost sightings really started flooding in. Some notable specters said to inhabit the halls include a Union soldier named James Culbertson, an elegantly dressed woman dancing in the ballroom, and a Civil War-era nurse named Rachel. Poltergeist activity here includes the opening and closing of doors and drawers, rearranging of items in guest rooms, and lights turning on and off by themselves.
Inn at Herr Ridge
Established in 1815 to be a local tavern, the property was purchased by Frederick Herr in 1828, who added overnight lodging options in addition to continuing tavern operations. The site also has a storied past as one of the major regional stops along the Underground Railroad.
It was on these surrounding fields where much brutality and conflict played out during the Battle of Gettysburg. The Inn at Herr Ridge also became the site of one of the first Confederate field hospitals.
As a result of its tragic and troubled history, the energy here is high, and overnight guests frequently report various encounters of all kinds. From sightings to sounds, feelings, and having items moved and tampered with, the logged accounts are so numerous that the rooms in the original building even contain diaries filled out with documented encounters by guests.
Lightner Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast
This beautiful Federal-style house served as the private home and residency of Isaac Lightner in 1862. It was still a young house when the Battle of Gettysburg unfolded, and the home was temporarily transformed into one of several surrounding area Civil War hospitals. The entire property was used to treat wounded soldiers, resulting in a lot of turmoil and residual energy that many visitors today still claim to feel.
There have been several sightings and sounds reported here. Ghost sightings, largely those of Civil War soldiers, have been seen both on the grounds and within the six historic rooms that overnight guests may lodge in today.
Tillie Pierce House Inn
Matilda “Tillie” Pierce was just a young girl of 15 when the Civil War came to town and uprooted everyday life. But she faced the challenges of war head-on, even taking on an active role in assisting nurses and surgeons by treating wounded soldiers. Not only did she bring them food and water, but she actively helped to dress wounds, clean blood, and even perform amputations when needed.
You don’t have experiences like she had at such a young age without being haunted by the memories. So, in her case, the hauntings in her former home may be the result of what she brought back with her.
The home has been visited by countless paranormal investigators and ghost hunters through the years. The Blue Room, in particular, is said to be the most haunted room in the house. Civil War soldiers have been seen, footsteps have been heard, patrolling troops have been spotted, and ghostly children have been witnessed playing here. The hauntings are so numerous and varied. But one thing is for sure—if you’re counting on a ghostly encounter, you’re more than likely to find just what you’re looking for at the Tillie Pierce House.
I haven’t even begun to scrape the surface of haunted inns and other lodgings throughout Gettysburg. In addition to overnight stays in various haunted rooms, there are hundreds of other happy haunts to be found all over the greater vicinity. And remember, options for going on guided ghost tours or taking part in group-led paranormal investigations are readily available for all those seeking such thrills and chills.