VIRGINIA – CHARLOTTESVILLE

Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University of Virginia (UVA) is steeped in history. The stately Rotunda, the Academical Village, and the historic Pavilions are a reflection of Jefferson’s vision for higher education. But alongside this rich history lies a host of ghost stories that have endured over the centuries, turning UVA into one of Virginia’s most haunted campuses. From the ghost of Jefferson himself to spectral figures in the library and dormitories, the supernatural seems as much a part of UVA’s legacy as its academic rigor.

The Ghost of Thomas Jefferson

It’s only fitting that Thomas Jefferson, the university’s founder, is one of the most famous ghosts said to haunt the grounds. Jefferson’s spirit is reportedly seen around the Rotunda, where his love for architecture and education continues in the afterlife. Some believe that his spectral figure is drawn to the Dome Room, a space he designed and cherished. Visitors and staff have reported experiencing an eerie presence while inside the Rotunda, particularly near the Rotunda steps, where some claim to hear footsteps late at night when the building is empty. Although no direct sightings of Jefferson have been confirmed, many believe his intellectual legacy keeps him tethered to the institution he so passionately shaped.

Hauntings in Alderman Library

Perhaps the most haunted building on campus, Alderman Library, is home to some of UVA’s most well-known ghost stories. The most frequently mentioned specter is Dr. Bennett Wood Green, a Confederate surgeon whose collection of medical books was donated to UVA after his death. Dr. Green’s spirit is rumored to follow his books, especially after they were moved from the Rotunda to Alderman in the late 1930s. Staff working late into the night have heard footsteps echoing through the stacks, and others have described the sudden feeling of being watched while walking through the Garnett Room, where Green’s collection is housed.

Beyond Dr. Green, there are reports of cold drafts, whispers, and even books seemingly moving on their own. The unsettling atmosphere of the library, especially after dark, has led many to believe that unseen spirits continue to roam the shelves, perhaps protecting the knowledge they cherished in life.

Edgar Allan Poe’s Room on the West Range

No exploration of UVA’s haunted past would be complete without mentioning Edgar Allan Poe, one of America’s most famous authors, who briefly studied at the university in 1826. His former dorm room, Room 13 on the West Range, has become the focus of eerie folklore. According to legend, Poe left behind an ominous inscription on the windowpane, warning future inhabitants of the room of its dark history. While this is likely a fabrication, Poe’s connection to the macabre and his short time at UVA have created an aura of mystery around his former quarters.

Many believe that Poe’s spirit lingers, with some visitors reporting feeling cold drafts and hearing soft whispers when they step inside. While no verified ghost sightings have been linked directly to Poe, his literary reputation and love for the gothic have cemented his room’s place in UVA’s haunted lore.

Pavilion VI and the Weeping Woman

Another famous haunt is Pavilion VI—also known as the Romance Pavilion—where the spirit of a heartbroken woman is said to roam. According to legend, this ghostly figure is the daughter of a professor who fell in love with a student, much to her family’s dismay. Heartbroken after their relationship was forbidden, she is believed to have died of sorrow. Visitors to Pavilion VI have reported hearing soft weeping late at night, along with unexplained cold spots near the entrance. The spirit, said to be forever bound by her unfulfilled romance, continues to haunt the pavilion’s halls.

Cabell Hall and Other Ghostly Spots

Beyond the high-profile hauntings, the university’s Cabell Hall and surrounding buildings are also rumored to be home to lingering spirits. Late-night cleaning staff and security personnel have spoken of disembodied footsteps, doors opening and closing on their own, and the faint sound of classical music in the distance, even when the hall is silent. These stories, while less documented than those of the more famous locations, continue to contribute to UVA’s rich supernatural history.

Conclusion

The University of Virginia is a place where history and hauntings coexist, with its ghostly legends deeply intertwined with its academic legacy. From Jefferson’s spectral presence to the paranormal phenomena in the libraries and dormitories, UVA offers an intriguing blend of intellectual rigor and supernatural mysteries. For those who wander the campus, it is not only a journey through the corridors of American history but also a chilling encounter with the ghosts that seem to walk among the living.