VIRGINIA – MATHEWS COUNTY

The Old House Woods, located near Diggs in Mathews County, Virginia, is one of the most notorious haunted sites in the state. This dense, eerie forest has been the subject of countless ghost stories and legends for over two centuries. Its reputation for paranormal activity, mysterious sightings, and unexplained phenomena has drawn attention from locals and visitors alike, with many claiming that the woods are home to a wide variety of ghostly figures and strange occurrences. From pirate ghosts to phantom ships, the Old House Woods is a place where Virginia’s colonial past, combined with its natural isolation, has given rise to a haunting legacy.

A History of Mystery and Haunting

The origin of the name Old House Woods comes from the legend of a colonial-era house that once stood in the woods but mysteriously burned down, leaving behind little trace of its existence. According to local lore, the house would sometimes reappear as a ghostly image, only to vanish when approached. Though no physical remains of the house have ever been confirmed, the legend persists, adding to the eerie atmosphere that surrounds the woods.

The woods themselves sit on the Chesapeake Bay, and many believe that the area’s haunting is tied to both colonial-era events and the region’s long history of maritime activity. Pirates, soldiers, and even treasure hunters are said to have met their fates in or near these woods, leaving behind restless spirits.

Pirates and Buried Treasure

One of the most famous legends connected to Old House Woods involves pirates who supposedly buried their treasure in the area. According to local folklore, during the 17th or 18th century, a group of pirates landed on the shores of Mathews County and, after hiding their loot in the woods, were killed before they could return to retrieve it. Since then, their spirits are said to roam the forest, guarding the treasure they never reclaimed.

Visitors to the Old House Woods have reported seeing ghostly pirate figures wandering the area, sometimes described as men in old-fashioned seafaring attire. Some of these sightings occur near the water’s edge, while others happen deeper in the woods, where the treasure is said to be buried. These apparitions are often seen carrying lanterns, as though still searching for something lost long ago.

The Phantom Ships

In addition to ghostly pirates, the Old House Woods is also known for sightings of phantom ships. Given the area’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, it’s not surprising that tales of spectral vessels have emerged from the local lore. One of the most commonly reported phenomena involves the sighting of a large, glowing ship that appears to be floating just above the treetops or over the nearby waters.

Witnesses describe the ship as an old sailing vessel, glowing faintly in the dark, and often disappearing just as quickly as it appears. Some locals believe the ship is tied to a lost crew, possibly from the pirate legends, or from the era of the Revolutionary War, when British and American forces frequently clashed along the coast. The ship is often seen at night, particularly on foggy evenings, when the veil between the present and the past is said to be thin.

The Skeleton Soldiers

Another ghostly tale associated with Old House Woods involves the sighting of skeletal soldiers who are believed to be the spirits of British troops who perished in the area during the Revolutionary War. These skeletal figures are sometimes seen marching through the woods, dressed in tattered redcoats, and carrying muskets. Witnesses claim to hear the faint sound of military drums or the clanking of weapons as the spectral soldiers move through the trees.

These apparitions are thought to be tied to a skirmish that may have taken place in or near the woods, with the soldiers unable to leave the battlefield even in death. Visitors to the woods have reported hearing unexplained noises, such as marching footsteps or distant gunfire, even when no one else is present.

Unexplained Phenomena and Strange Lights

In addition to the apparitions and ghostly figures, the Old House Woods is also known for unexplained lights and other paranormal phenomena. Visitors frequently report seeing strange, glowing orbs floating through the trees, particularly at night. These orbs are often described as green or white, and they move erratically through the woods, sometimes disappearing and reappearing without explanation.

Some believe these lights are tied to the ghostly activities in the area, possibly the spirits of lost souls or even supernatural forces guarding the woods. Others have suggested that the lights could be a natural phenomenon, such as swamp gas, though the consistency of the sightings has led many to believe that something more paranormal is at play.

The woods are also known for the sensation of being watched or followed, even when visitors are alone. Many who have ventured into the Old House Woods report feeling an overwhelming sense of unease, as though an unseen presence is observing their every move. Some have claimed to hear whispers or voices in the wind, though no source for the sounds can ever be found.

The Disappearing House

One of the most eerie legends tied to Old House Woods is that of the disappearing house. According to local folklore, there was once a colonial home in the woods that mysteriously vanished without a trace. On certain nights, it is said that the ghostly image of the house will reappear, glowing faintly in the distance, only to disappear when approached.

Some believe that the house was destroyed in an accident, possibly a fire, and that its reappearance is a residual haunting—a kind of echo of the past that lingers in the area. Though the story is largely anecdotal, it has persisted in local lore for decades, adding another layer of mystery to the haunted woods.

Conclusion

The Old House Woods of Mathews County is a place where history and mystery intertwine, creating an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. From ghostly pirates guarding their treasure to phantom ships sailing through the trees, the woods are home to some of Virginia’s most enduring ghost stories. The sightings of skeletal soldiers, strange lights, and the disappearing house add to the rich tapestry of folklore that surrounds the area. For those brave enough to venture into the Old House Woods, it remains a place where the past feels ever-present, and where the unknown lurks just beyond the trees.

Main Image:
Old House Woods by Patrick McCormick