Spirits of Gettysburg: A Haunted History of the Battlefield Town

Nestled in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, Gettysburg is a town steeped in history. Known primarily for the pivotal Civil War battle that took place there in 1863, it’s also become somewhat renowned for its various supposedly-haunted locations, attracting paranormal investigators as well as the spiritually curious. The turbulent events that unfolded on these grounds have left an indelible mark, and many believe the spirits of those who perished continue to roam the area, creating an eerie atmosphere that beckons to those fascinated by the supernatural. Join us as we explore the haunted history of Gettysburg, where ghostly tales abound at every corner.

The Haunted Gettysburg Orphanage

Among the most haunted places in Gettysburg is said to be the Gettysburg Orphanage. Originally a private home, it was converted into a makeshift hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg. Its cellar, filled with the bodies of the dead and dying, remains a focal point for paranormal activity. Some believe that the souls of those soldiers never found closure and are trapped there, haunting the area.

Following the battle, the facility became an orphanage for children who lost their parents during the war. The fate of this orphanage took a dark turn under the headmistress Rosa J. Carmichael. Locals whisper that Carmichael tortured and chained the orphaned children in a dungeon she created in the cellar. Her monstrous deeds in life are said to have kept her spirit bound to the building, manifesting itself onto unsuspecting visitors.

Tour the Haunted Orphanage and experience the chilling atmosphere for yourself.

The Jennie Wade House

Not far from the Gettysburg Orphanage stands the Jennie Wade House, preserved as a shrine to Mary Virginia “Jennie” Wade. She holds the tragic distinction of being the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. On the morning of July 3, 1863, Jennie was struck by a stray bullet while standing in her house, killing her instantly in front of her mother.

Jennie was engaged to Cpl. Johnston “Jack” Skelly, who sadly never learned of her death, as he died in captivity soon after. Visitors to the house report hearing strange movements, disembodied voices, and moaning, believed to be the spirits of Jennie and others disturbed by the war. Some speculate that moving Jennie’s grave to be beside Skelly’s may have disturbed her spirit, dooming it to linger in Gettysburg.

Tour the Jennie Wade House to uncover the stories behind these spectral encounters.

The Dobbin House Inn

The Dobbin House Inn, a historic stone house, was once a crucial stop on the Underground Railroad. Slaves seeking freedom hid in secret spaces beneath the floor and within the walls of the inn. Today, these hiding places can still be viewed by visitors.

The ghost of the inn’s founder, Alexander Dobbin, is said to appear throughout the inn, always smoking a cigar. It’s believed that some of the slaves who sought refuge here, or those who perished before reaching this sanctuary, continue to haunt the building. Visitors have reported seeing spectral manifestations of slaves and soldiers, along with inexplicable bloodstains on the floorboards that vanish in daylight.

Visit the Dobbin House and witness the remnants of its haunted past.

Sachs Covered Bridge

Sachs Covered Bridge, a picturesque structure on Waterworks Road, played a significant role during the Civil War. Both Union and Confederate troops used it until the Confederate Army retreated through the bridge after the Battle of Gettysburg. Legend has it that three Confederate deserters were captured and hanged from the bridge, their spirits now haunting the area.

Visitors to Sachs Covered Bridge have recounted bizarre occurrences, such as the smell of phantom cigar smoke, the sound of ghostly cannons, and the eerie sensation of being tapped on the shoulder by unseen forces.

Visit Sachs Covered Bridge to experience the lingering spirits of the past.

Farnsworth House Inn

The Farnsworth House Inn is another of Gettysburg’s most haunted buildings. It was one of 400 structures in the town during the battle and provided shelter for local families in its cellar. Today, it’s claimed to be haunted by 16 distinct spirits, including an eight-year-old boy, several Civil War soldiers, and a former midwife. Disembodied breathing, voices, the sound of a jaw harp, and the scent of cigars have all been reported by guests.

Multiple photographs have captured spiritual manifestations through the window of a certain haunted guest room, adding to the inn’s eerie reputation.

Gettysburg College

Gettysburg College is another reputedly haunted location where numerous unexplained events have occurred. Reports include sightings of a spectral Confederate sentry in a cupola and an elevator in Pennsylvania Hall bypassing the first floor to reveal ghostly Civil War surgeries in the basement.

Visit Gettysburg College and step into its haunted history.

Haunted Battlefield Sites

Park rangers in Gettysburg National Military Park have experienced strange phenomena in old battlefield buildings, including crying babies, mysterious footsteps, and the smell of tobacco smoke. Despite official denials from the park service, the battlefield itself is rife with tales of spectral soldiers, groaning cries, and battle sounds resonating through time.

Famous haunted areas include Spangler Farm, Valley of Death, Devil’s Den, and Iverson’s Pits, where visitors have reported seeing apparitions of soldiers still fighting the battle.

Ghost seekers have shared countless stories of strange encounters, from phantom soldiers marching in formation to spectral horsemen. These apparitions haunt Pickett’s Charge fields, Little Round Top, the Peach Orchard, Wheatfield, and other famous sites. In the Valley of Death, soldier ghosts have been seen, while in the Triangular Field, electronic equipment has been shown to malfunction mysteriously.

The Phantom Regiment

One of Gettysburg’s most famous ghostly manifestations is the “Phantom Regiment.” This Confederate unit’s spirits are said to still haunt the battlefield, their drums and footsteps echoing through the night. Visitors have reported seeing these soldiers in tattered uniforms, marching in formation at odd hours, and hearing phantom musket fire.

The Lady in White

The “Lady in White” is another iconic Gettysburg presence, known for her otherworldly presence and grief-stricken demeanor. She has been seen countless times since the battle, and appears floating, then bending down, apparently searching for someone. Some speculate she is one of the many nuns who came from a nearby convent to tend to the wounded right after the battle. Others believe her to be the ghost of a woman who lost her beloved during the Civil War, she roams the battlefield and town, searching for him among the graves and battle sites. Witnesses describe her as lost and mournful, her white dress glowing in the moonlight.

Gettysburg’s haunted history is a testament to the enduring impact and historical significance of the Civil War, and its powerful effect on our nation’s social consciousness for the past century and a half. These stories of restless spirits and spectral sightings, no matter their scientific provability, continue to offer a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past, the lingering echoes of its turbulent history, and the effect it continues to have on residents and visitors. For history enthusiasts, paranormal investigators, and curious tourists, Gettysburg offers a unique blend of historical significance with more than a hint of supernatural intrigue.

Book a tour with Gettysburg Battlefield Tours to explore these haunted sites and experience the spirits of Gettysburg firsthand!

Visit Gettysburg in Person

Plan your next excursion with us! Our bus tours of the historic Gettysburg Battlefield are active and ready to show you the sites of the historical battleground. Reservations can be made by calling our toll-free number at 877-680-8687. You can also purchase bus tour tickets online.  Tours depart from the Gettysburg Tour Center located at 778 Baltimore St., Gettysburg