Prince William County is home to many amazing historical sites, each with their own unique stories. Some of these stories include a ghostly nature, perfect for the Halloween season.
Here are several spooky stories from our sites along with upcoming programs for you to possibly have your own paranormal experience.
Ben Lomond Historic Site ghostly encounters
With a chilling history as a Confederate hospital in the aftermath of the Battle of First Manassas, Ben Lomond Historic Site has a long history of ghostly encounters from unexplainable sounds to unexplained shivers.
But a Halloween experience told by one Prince William County employee is by far the most chilling to have occurred at the site. During a weekend of Halloween programs at the house, the employee stayed overnight sleeping on a cot in one of the rooms upstairs.
A sudden sensation of being dragged by the leg jolted him from his sleep, and when he opened his eyes, he found he was on the floor on the far end of the bed. One might guess that an enterprising spirit mistook the slumbering employee for yet another deceased body from the battle and attempted to pull him to an awaiting grave outside.
Rippon Lodge ”is so sinisterly haunted that no one will occupy it”
At Rippon Lodge Historic Site the beautiful scenic views overlooking the Potomac River belie the creepy past that has followed the site. A 1930’s paper supposedly once reported that the house ”is so sinisterly haunted that no one will occupy it,” and a long-standing rumor has it that Route 1 was altered to avoid passing too close to the house.
In the 1700’s, Mrs. Blackburn angrily struck an unfortunate slave child who then fell against the stone fireplace and died. An inquiry found weeks later proclaimed it an “accident” and many people are convinced they can see a bloody spot where the child’s head struck the stone. Others swear they have seen a little girl running towards the woods where it is supposed she’s buried.
Shot dead at Brentsville Jail
Injustice and tragedy are sown within the fabric of many histories and historic places throughout the county, but nowhere can it be found more evident than at the sight of the Brentsville Jail at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre. It is widely considered to be one of the creepiest and most haunted locations in the county.
In 1872, a sensational trial swept Virginia in which James Clark was arrested for allegedly abducting Fannie Fawell, bringing her to Washington on promises of marriage and then leaving her. Before Clark ever received his chance to defend himself in court, Rhoda Fawell, brother of Fannie, shot him dead in his cell.
What started as an abduction trial suddenly became a murder trial in which a jury declared Fawell not guilty to thunderous applause from spectators sitting in the courthouse. If indeed it is the shadow of James Clark that haunts the jail where he was killed, few spirits have been more justified in the aftermath of such unbelievable injustice.
Prince William County Historic Preservation is offering a variety of Halloween programs where you can learn about the incredible, spooky and tragic stories at all of our sites. Check out our upcoming Halloween Programs below or call 703-792-4754 for general questions.
Spirits of Rippon Lodge: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., $10 per person, (not appropriate for young children)
On Friday, Oct. 21 and Saturday, Oct. 22, come and experience a uniquely haunted tour of the historic house and grounds by candlelight, perhaps encounter the departed spirits of notable residents and neighbors and hear their tales of sadness and triumph.
Reservations required; tours on the half hour (7, 7:30, 8, and 8:30) Call 703-499-9812 for reservations
Overnight Stay in Brentsville Jail: 8 p.m. – 8 p.m.; $125 per person, reservations are required
On the night of Friday, October 28, spend the night in the nearly 200-year-old building and learn the stories of the people who were imprisoned there, including James Clark. And keep your eyes open, you never know what you might see in the dark of the jail.
Call 703-365-7895 for reservations.
Hospital Horrors by Night: 7 – 9 p.m.; $10 per person, children under 6 free.
On Saturday, Oct. 29, come experience a unique opportunity to tour the house and grounds in the dark and hear the stories of soldiers, doctors and loved ones who were forever changed during the Civil War. Bring a flashlight.
You never know what spirits you’ll run into. Guided tours every half hour. Not recommended for children under 12. Reservations strongly recommended. Call 703-367-7872 for reservations.
Sponsored content by Prince William County Historic Preservation Division.Â
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