Tucked away in the heart of Virginia Beach, the Ferry Plantation House stands as a testament to more than three centuries of history. Originally built in 1830, the house sits on land that has witnessed countless transformations—from its days as a Native American ferry site to its later role as a colonial courthouse and, eventually, as a private home. However, what makes Ferry Plantation House truly captivating is not just its historical significance, but its reputation as one of Virginia Beach’s most haunted locations. The house is said to be home to at least eleven distinct spirits, and its long, often tragic history has made it a magnet for paranormal activity.

A History of Tragedy and Transformation

The land on which the Ferry Plantation House stands has a history dating back to the 1600s, when it served as a site for a colonial ferry service, carrying passengers across the Lynnhaven River. In the early 1700s, the land became the site of the Princess Anne County Courthouse, where colonial-era trials were held, and even where convicted criminals were hanged on Gallows Hill nearby.

The house itself, built in 1830, was constructed by the Thoroughgood family, descendants of one of the area’s earliest settlers, Adam Thoroughgood. Over the years, the plantation changed hands and uses, serving as a schoolhouse, a private residence, and now a museum. But amidst all of these transformations, the house has held on to its haunted legacy, with reports of ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and cold spots permeating the property.

The Lady in White: Grace Sherwood

One of the most famous spirits said to haunt Ferry Plantation House is that of Grace Sherwood, known as the Witch of Pungo. In 1706, Sherwood was tried for witchcraft after her neighbors accused her of practicing black magic. Her trial famously involved a “trial by water”, where she was thrown into the river to see if she would float, a test believed to prove her guilt if she survived. Although Sherwood was later pardoned, her spirit is believed to linger at the Ferry Plantation, where she was brought for part of her trial.

Visitors to the house have reported seeing a woman in white, often identified as Grace Sherwood, wandering the grounds. Some claim to have seen her near the riverbank, where she endured the trial, while others have spotted her inside the house, dressed in colonial clothing. Sherwood’s spirit is considered more of a watchful presence than a malevolent one, as though she is guarding the property or revisiting the site where she experienced such hardship. Her story has become an integral part of the lore surrounding Ferry Plantation, tying the house to one of Virginia’s most infamous witch trials.

The Eleven Spirits of Ferry Plantation

Ferry Plantation House is not haunted by one ghost alone but is said to be home to eleven distinct spirits, each tied to different eras of the house’s history. One of the most frequently encountered ghosts is believed to be that of a former enslaved person, who worked on the plantation and whose presence is often felt near the kitchen and servant quarters. Witnesses have reported hearing disembodied footsteps and seeing shadowy figures in these areas, leading many to believe that the spirit has never left.

Another prominent figure believed to haunt the house is a young boy, who is often seen on the staircase. Guests and volunteers have reported hearing the sound of children laughing and even the sight of a small figure running up and down the stairs. Some believe that this boy may have lived in the house during its time as a schoolhouse in the 19th century, his spirit lingering long after.

There are also reports of phantom footsteps in the attic—a place where few people go but where many have claimed to feel an overwhelming sense of sadness or dread. Visitors have described feeling a sudden chill upon entering the attic, and some have reported hearing faint whispers as if someone—or something—is trying to communicate.

The Restless Spirits of Gallows Hill

One of the more chilling aspects of Ferry Plantation House’s history is its proximity to Gallows Hill, where criminals were once hanged during the colonial period. Though the exact location of the gallows is not known, it is believed to be near the plantation, and many visitors have reported a strange, oppressive energy when walking near certain areas of the property. There are also stories of dark, shadowy figures seen at night, thought to be the restless spirits of those who met their end on the gallows.

A number of visitors have also reported hearing muffled cries and unexplained noises near the boundary of the plantation’s grounds, particularly in areas thought to be close to Gallows Hill. These reports, along with the phantom sounds of chains and footsteps, have convinced many that the executed souls from Gallows Hill still haunt the area, unable to find peace.

Cold Spots and Other Paranormal Activity

One of the most common experiences reported by visitors to Ferry Plantation House is the sudden sensation of cold spots, even on the hottest summer days. These spots are often accompanied by a feeling of being watched, particularly in rooms like the parlor and the upstairs bedrooms. Paranormal investigators who have explored the house have captured EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) of faint voices, with some recordings suggesting the presence of multiple entities at once.

Some volunteers who work at the house have even claimed to see doors closing by themselves and objects moving inexplicably. One visitor reported watching a candlestick on the mantelpiece slowly rotate without anyone near it, an incident that left the room’s occupants stunned and unable to explain what they had witnessed.

Conclusion: A House Where History and Hauntings Collide

The Ferry Plantation House stands as a unique intersection of Virginia’s rich history and its haunted past. From the Witch of Pungo to the eleven spirits said to roam the halls, the house is a vivid reminder that ghosts of the past are never too far away. Whether visitors come to learn about the colonial history of Virginia Beach or to seek out a paranormal encounter, the Ferry Plantation House offers a glimpse into both the historical and the supernatural, making it one of the most intriguing—and haunted—destinations in Virginia.

Main photo by Rlevse (CC4.0)