Paranormal Activity: The bloody battle that stained everything.
Battles are understandably fraught with emotion and can leave an energy that lingers long after the event. Gettysburg is one such example. As a paranormal author, researcher, and investigator, I have a keen interest in the hauntings associated with the area where the battle was fought.
During the American Civil War, July 1–3 1863 in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania around fifty thousand men are said to have died between Confederate and Union Soldiers. It is said to be one of the bloodiest battles in American History.
Although the battle alone would entice paranormal activity due to the volume of mass casualties, other spots in Gettysburg also attribute to rumored activity in the area.
Devil’s Den is an area of the battle which saw heavy combat on the battle’s second day. It is now rumored to be one of the most haunted areas of the battlefield. It is also said this area surpasses Gettysburg as a whole with its paranormal phenomenon.
Devil’s Den can also be known as The Valley Of Death. Devil’s Den did not get its name from the war however, it was deemed this long before. Prior to the Civil War, Devil’s Den was the location of a Native American brawl “Battle of the Crows.”
A creek running between Devil’s Den and one of its mountains is called Bloody Run. So many were slaughtered there that the creek literally ran crimson.
The battlefield phenomenon has several unexplained phenomena. Cameras, cell phones or other electronic devices are said to not turn on or refuse to work when they work just fine in other parts of the town.
A disheveled man has been spotted barefoot and poorly dressed. He has reportedly spoken to people at times or gestured and then vanished into thin air.
Other activity consists of but is not limited to the faint smell of cigars, phantom rifle discharges, batteries being drained from phones or vehicles or apparitions on the battlefield itself.
The Jennie Wade House is another haunted area of Gettysburg. It is purportedly one of America’s scariest haunted houses. Jennie Wade was the one and only civilian casualty. She was hit by a stray bullet while she baked in her kitchen. Wade died on the battle’s last day. She is said to still remain in the home roaming around with several children’s spirits. Loud unexplained noises, a voice of a young child, and sudden cold spots on the upper level of the home are a few occurrences.
Sachs Covered Bridge is another paranormal hot spot in Gettysburg. Back in the days of battle, the fleeing Confederate Army crossed it. Rumor has it that three hangings took place at this bridge of army deserters. Those who have visited the bridge have had experiences such as: Hearing unexplainable voices, being touched by something that isn’t there and smelling burning tobacco as well as spirits.
The Gettysburg Hotel, another ghostly hot spot in the area, was once a hospital during the Civil War. A nurse that tended to the wounded during the horrific days of the battle has been known to rummage through the rooms and belongings of its guests. An unknown soldier has also been spotted. Supposedly he passed away in the hospital and still wanders around the hotel spooking its patrons.
The Farnsworth House Inn, a charming bed and breakfast may be more spooky than charming on occasion. Confederate snipers were sheltered in this location during the Civil War. The fatal shot that killed Jennie Wade is said to have come from this location. Guests have heard singing originating from the basement on occasion as well as inexplicable noises coming from the attic.
Dobbin House Tavern was once a stop on the underground railroad. Partake here and you just might spot the spirits of former slaves. It is said they wander the building.
Gettysburg College also hosts some activities. During the war, it was a field hospital for both sides. A story dated back to the early 20th century is the most haunting. Two college personnel walked on an elevator and pressed the button of their chosen floor. Instead of going to where it was instructed, the elevator took them to the basement. A little on edge already from the elevator malfunctioned, they were shocked at what they saw when the elevator doors finally opened. The basement was a bloody mess with doctors working anxiously on patients. The elevator finally moved them to another floor, and they told a security guard. With a security guard in tow, they returned to the basement to find it completely unoccupied.
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