In the early 1860s, the population of Alexandria was 12,862. When the Civil War ended five years later, about half this number of Union soldiers, “contrabands,” and Confederate prisoners remained behind in Alexandria’s cemeteries. Hence, it is not surprising that a few restless souls remain behind as well, which means: there’s a lot of ghostly tales untold.
Alexandria, Virginia, could be a town on the river, simply south of Washington, DC. It’s familiar from its previous city, with brick sidewalks and healthy 18th- and 19th -century buildings. Alexandria is a vibrant community with 900 acres of parks, a dedicated public area, and a good neighborhood and recreation centers.
Alexandria is thought of for its previous historic city and for being the entry to Mt. Vernon along with their square measure numerous things to try to do in Alexandria, together with the thought of where you should stay whether it’s for a trip or vacation, and what to eat. In a shorter explanation, it’s an ideal tour from Washington DC in spring to flee the crowds (and the other time of the year, for that matter). However, just like any other place, it has a lot of spooky stories too.
Alexandria, Virginia, has a fascinating place in history, and especially when it comes to the paranormal activities that haunt every corner of this city, it seems. Tip-toe around cobblestoned and cobwebbed Captain’s Row, start a lantern-led ghost tour and explore some of the spine-tingling places in Alexandria that you must never forget to add to your bucket list.
- Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Gadsby’s building is located along N. Royal Street, between Kings St. and Cameron Street, which is a simple walk from William Ramsay House. It is a part that surpasses the city of Alexandria as “a museum dedicated to protecting and deciphering the social and cultural heritage of Alexandria by teaching the final public regarding the positioning and its important contributions.”
Unfortunately, others claimed the museum to be “haunted.” Based on some tittle-tattles which people have gathered over the years, the tours through the historic website don’t share one of its rooms, which is closed tight. Why? Because it’s aforementioned that a ghost resides there.
Legend has it that in 1816, a person and his unwell partner had arrived by ship. The couple rented an area at Gadsby’s tap house. However, the doctors couldn’t save her. So, she was buried close to St. Paul’s burial ground beneath the inscription.
Later on, her husband suddenly disappeared. People say that the woman’s ghosts are often seen through the windows holding a candle, on the staircase, or within the dance palace, and others saw her pacing the floors. Anyhow, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum should be on your bucket list most especially if you’re the type of person who’s into retro stuff.
2. The Carlyle House
Over the years, many people had claimed several mansion houses to be “haunted,” and one of these is the famous “Carlyle House,” located in Alexandria, Virginia. In 1749, a Scottish bourgeois, a trustee of Alexandria, John Thomas Carlyle, purchased 2 of the most influential towns in Alexandria and placed up this stunning mansion with its distinctive stone cornice and ornate woodwork.
The place stayed within the Thomas Carlyle family till 1827 and eventually served as a warfare hospital. However, its historical background sparks a specific purpose of becoming a paranormal hotspot, engaging ghost hunters to visit it. Along with that, there are several spooky and strange stories regarding the ghosts of each of those buildings.
The Thomas Carlyle House witnessed several deaths, young and recent, within the Thomas Carlyle family, whereas the building saw death throughout its years as a hospital. Others state that the currently torn-down building was “haunted,” wherein the spirits were exclusively seen within the yard of the Thomas Carlyle House
Also, based on Michael Lee Pope’s book, “Spirit of Alexandria,” all ghosts may be seen within the yard. This book tells the tales of 3 of those who reportedly fell from the hotel’s windows. Nevertheless, if you want to experience a thrilling adventure together with your friends, you must not forget to visit Carlyle House.
3. Ramsay House/ Alexandria Visiting Center
The William Ramsay House, which is currently called Alexandria’s Visitant Center, used to be an Associate in Nursing during the early 18th Century. It is a two-story home with an attic and basement, which was further reconstructed by the founder of the city’s home, William Ramsay, and an ardent employee and sure-fire man of affairs. Aside from that, it’s the excellence of being the oldest house found in Alexandria, whereas the folks of Alexandria love this link to their Colonial heritage.
Unfortunately, given its very own history, many people are asking if this place is “haunted,” and the answer to that? Yes! Several creepy occurrences and ghostly phenomena have taken place within the William Ramsay House, which the volunteers reported throughout the years.
After the reconstruction of the William Ramsay House was finished and opened as the home for the Alexandria Visitant Center in 1973, the living began to note these gentile entities as they kindly treated volunteers as their company. Furthermore, witnesses also claim to have seen apparitions in 18th-century clothing in the building’s basement.
Probably, no area unit is allowed into the William Ramsay House for an investigation because everybody is aware of what it most likely is. They don’t wish investigations to rock the boat and disturb the peace. Although they need individuals to go there and acquire information regarding Alexandria, some don’t wish paranormal experts to come back and cut down from the historical price of this structure that took goodbye and far time to renovate and reconstruct.
4. Lee-Fendall House Museum
The Lee-Fendall House was built in 1785 by the Lee family with thirty-seven members living here from its completion to 1903. These days, it’s a nationwide registered Historic Place and operates as a museum to the general public.
The museum tells an expansive associate story that explores how life has modified over the past 200 years. This story includes the first days of the republic, once the Fendall & Lee families ignited the region’s growth once the War of American Independence. It uncovers the experiences of bond and free African Americans who worked within the house throughout the nonmodern amount. Because of that, there is no doubt that the museum is home to lost spirits.
Once used as a Revolutionary War hospital, the said museum is ought haunted by the feminine apparition in a period. People claimed to see a woman and a kid who seemed to appear on the rear stairs, and therefore the sound of the associated antique phone. Aside from that, the positioning has been featured on an associated episode of TV’s Ghost Hunters.
Those are just some of the local and guests’ reports and speculations about the hauntings inside the Lee-Fendall House Museum. Suppose you want to celebrate your Halloween with a touch of Victorian mourning traditions coupled with stories of tragic deaths and mysterious occurrences. In that case, indeed, you must stop by at the Lee-Fendall House!
5. The John Douglass Brown House
Built around 1775 by St. Patrick Murray, this home was named after John Douglas Brown in 1816 and has remained in his family ever since. The simple, rustic architecture talks of an early, more modest beginning as a farmhouse, not a townhome for a wealthy trader; like the rest of the places around it, it makes it stand out compared to the other houses you can see in Alexandria. According to rumors, it was visited by George Washington one time, and many other prominent politicians.
The house itself is created entirely out of wood. The primary issue you may notice within the home is, however, the inside appears trapped in time. Vintage war relics surround you only concerning each area, and current pots and pans dangle higher than you within the room. There’s quite a little bit of history encompassing the property; however, there does not appear to be any tragic events that occurred on the premises.
Nonetheless, the house still stands nowadays as an area of an older thriving community in Alexandria. The home is private, closely-held, and isn’t receptive to any tours for wandering eyes. There is quite a bit of history surrounding the property, but it doesn’t seem like any tragic events occurred on the premises.
Passersby say that they had seen the ghosts of Revolutionary War troopers round the home, but it’s just one of their claims. A witness also learned about some ghostly tenants. “I was told there once was a ghost who haunted this house,” Martin said. “He was said to be malevolent and answered to the name of Richard. Supposedly he was removed from the house by exorcism.”