Gettysburg is known as one of America’s most haunted cities. But is there any basis to its reputation? Why is Gettysburg considered America’s spookiest city?

When Did Gettysburg Become Haunted?

Many people think that Gettysburg became haunted after the famous Battle of Gettysburg, which occurred during the Civil War. Over the course of just three days, over 50,000 soldiers, from both sides, lost their lives. So, it’s no surprise that the city is haunted. On the battlefields of Gettysburg, scores of people were killed or suffered severe injuries.

However, the truth is that Gettysburg has been haunted long before that. It is allegedly the site of battles between indigenous American tribes long before Europeans set foot on the continent. There is just something about Gettysburg that makes it prone to bloodshed, pain, and suffering, and ghosts are drawn to such areas.

But where are these ghosts coming from? Who are they?

Most of these ghosts are the souls of soldiers who never came home to their families. Left to die on the battlefield, some of their souls neither ascended to heaven nor went to hell. Instead, they were left in spiritual no-man’s land, and with nowhere to turn, they haunt the sites where they and their brothers went through hell together.

Top Haunted Places in Gettysburg

Gettysburg indeed lives up to its reputation as being haunted. Let’s take a look at some of Gettysburg’s creepiest locations – locations you may visit if you go on a Gettysburg ghost tour.

The Jennie Wade House

One of the most haunted places in Gettysburg is the Jennie Wade House. Named after Jennie, the only civilian to be killed in the Battle of Gettysburg, the house features relics such as an artillery shell that was shot into the house and a floorboard that is soaked in Jennie’s blood.

Jennie was kneading dough on that fateful morning when Confederate soldiers attacked the house. They fired over 150 bullets into the house, and Jennie was hit and killed.

Devil’s Den

Devil’s Den is the site of a historic battle during the Civil War. It was one of the few battles that the Confederate army won. It was no surprise, though, considering they outnumbered Union forces in that battle by more than two to one. The souls of the soldiers who died that day still return to visit their fallen comrades.

Sachs Covered Bridge

The Sachs Covered Bridge is 100 feet (ca. 30 m) long and was used by soldiers from both sides during the Civil War. As the story goes, three Confederate soldiers who were accused of being spies were hanged by the beams of this bridge, their bodies discovered by Union soldiers. The bridge is still haunted by their ghosts, who seek revenge for their deaths.

Dobbin House Tavern

The Dobbin House Tavern is a famous tavern in Gettysburg. Open every day from 10 in the morning until 9 in the evening, this house was repurposed as a military field hospital during the war. It is named after Reverend Alexander Dobbin, as it was his home before it became haunted. Legend has it that it was a stop on the Underground Railroad north of the Mason–Dixon line, which further lends to its claim of hauntedness.

The Farnsworth Inn

If you’re really brave, venture into the attic or cellar of the Farnsworth House Inn, one of the most haunted inns in Gettysburg. This inn, formerly called the Sleepy Hollow Inn, was once marketed as an attraction due to having 135 bullet holes ridden in its side; these bullets were fired during the Battle of Gettysburg. Perhaps all of that marketing drew the attention of the ghosts of the soldiers who died in the war, because anecdotal stories of spooky ghost sightings in this inn never seem to stop.

It is still currently operating as an inn. Are you brave enough to stay there? Some guests report hearing floorboards creak at night in empty hallways, as well as the sounds of doors and windows being opened and closed.

The Brickhouse Inn

Another haunted inn in Gettysburg that is still operating is the Brickhouse Inn. The Brickhouse Inn served as a refuge for injured and tired soldiers.

While the Brickhouse Inn is the last on our list, the list of haunted Gettysburg inns, parks, and attractions goes on. Gettysburg has earned its reputation, and while not for the faint of heart, it is definitely worth a visit this Halloween.

Hopefully, you can now see why Gettysburg is known as one of the most haunted locations in the US. of course, it’s not the only haunted city. If you go to Boston, for example, make sure you go on a haunted Boston ghost tour as well. In fact, regardless of where you’re heading to, there are likely quite a few spooky spots in that city.