VIRGINIA – FREDERICKSBURG

Downtown Fredericksburg is a blend of preserved historic charm and modern-day activity, but beneath its picturesque streets and 18th- and 19th-century architecture lies a rich history filled with stories of hauntings and ghostly encounters. As a crossroads during the Civil War, many of the homes, taverns, and shops in downtown Fredericksburg served as hospitals, headquarters, and shelter during times of conflict. Today, these old buildings are said to be haunted by the spirits of those who lived, fought, and died here. Reports of doors slamming, furniture moving on its own, and ghostly figures seen in windows have turned downtown Fredericksburg into one of the most haunted areas of the city.

Haunted Taverns and Inns

One of the most famous haunted locations in downtown Fredericksburg is the Rising Sun Tavern, originally built in 1760 by Charles Washington, the younger brother of George Washington. The tavern was a popular meeting spot during colonial times and later served as a gathering place for soldiers during the Civil War. Over the years, visitors and staff have reported experiencing unexplained events, including doors opening and closing on their own, the sound of footsteps on the upper floors, and objects moving without any apparent cause.

Some have claimed to see ghostly figures peering out from the tavern’s windows, particularly in the upstairs rooms, where guests once stayed. These apparitions are often described as fleeting and vanish when approached. The staff at the tavern have also reported feeling a cold, unsettling presence in certain rooms, especially after dark.

In addition to the Rising Sun Tavern, other historic inns and taverns in the area have similar reports of paranormal activity. Guests staying in downtown bed-and-breakfasts or visiting old restaurants have reported encountering cold spots and unexplained noises, with some even claiming to have seen the figures of soldiers or civilians from the past appearing in hallways or standing at windows.

The Mary Washington House

The Mary Washington House, once the home of George Washington’s mother, Mary Ball Washington, is another site in downtown Fredericksburg with a reputation for paranormal activity. The house, built in the 18th century, is now a museum, but many believe that the spirit of Mary Washington herself still lingers there. Visitors and staff have reported strange occurrences, such as doors closing on their own and the sound of footsteps echoing through the house when no one is present.

Some guests have claimed to see the apparition of an elderly woman walking through the house, particularly near the garden, where Mary Washington is said to have spent much of her time. This figure, often believed to be Mary herself, is usually described as peaceful and serene, but her presence adds an eerie atmosphere to the home, especially in the quieter moments.

The Ghosts of Civil War Hospitals

Many buildings in downtown Fredericksburg were used as makeshift hospitals during the Civil War, treating the overwhelming number of wounded soldiers during the Battle of Fredericksburg and other nearby conflicts. The horrors witnessed in these impromptu hospitals—where amputations and other life-saving measures were carried out under grim conditions—have left a lasting imprint, with reports of ghostly activity frequently tied to these former hospitals.

One such building is the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, which was used as a field hospital during the war. Visitors have reported hearing the sound of groaning or crying, as though wounded soldiers are still trapped in the building. Others have described feeling a sudden sense of coldness or sadness, particularly in the areas where the wounded were treated. Some have even seen shadowy figures in the apothecary, believed to be the spirits of soldiers who did not survive their injuries.

Several homes in downtown Fredericksburg that served as hospitals during the war are also reported to be haunted. Residents and visitors alike have experienced doors slamming without cause, furniture moving on its own, and the faint sound of voices or whispers late at night. These hauntings are often attributed to the traumatic events that unfolded in these buildings, with the spirits of soldiers and civilians seemingly unable to leave.

Ghostly Figures in Windows

One of the more unsettling aspects of downtown Fredericksburg’s haunted reputation is the frequent sightings of ghostly figures appearing in windows. Several buildings, particularly those that line Caroline Street and Princess Anne Street, have had reports of phantom faces or shadowy figures seen from the street, only to disappear when someone enters the building.

These figures are often described as soldiers in uniform or civilians dressed in 19th-century clothing, peering out as if watching the comings and goings of modern-day Fredericksburg. Some believe these apparitions are the spirits of those who lived and worked in these buildings during the Civil War, trapped in time and unaware that the world has moved on. Others speculate that these sightings may be the result of residual hauntings, where the energy of past events has become imprinted on the buildings themselves.

Unexplained Noises and Moving Objects

In addition to ghostly apparitions, many downtown Fredericksburg residents and business owners have reported unexplained noises and moving objects. Common reports include the sound of furniture scraping across the floor, heavy footsteps walking through empty rooms, and the clinking of glasses or cutlery in restaurants after closing hours. These occurrences are typically heard late at night or in the early morning when the streets are quiet and the buildings are empty.

Some businesses in downtown Fredericksburg have embraced their haunted reputations, offering ghost tours and sharing the stories of unexplained activity with visitors. However, the unsettling nature of these events—particularly when objects move on their own or strange noises fill the air—continues to fascinate and disturb those who live and work in the historic district.

Conclusion

Downtown Fredericksburg is a place where history and the paranormal intertwine, with the ghosts of the past seemingly lingering in the old buildings, taverns, and homes that define the area. From the Rising Sun Tavern to the former Civil War hospitals, reports of phantom soldiers, ghostly figures in windows, and unexplained noises have made downtown Fredericksburg a hub for those seeking to experience the eerie side of history. Whether it’s the spirits of soldiers or civilians, the presence of the past remains palpable in this haunted city.