VIRGINIA – STAUNTON

Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, the town of Staunton, Virginia, is known for its rich history and beautifully preserved architecture. However, beneath its charming exterior lies a town filled with haunted locations, particularly in its historic inns. Staunton’s long history, intertwined with the Civil War and early American life, has made it a hotspot for ghost stories that have been passed down through generations. Several inns in Staunton are believed to be home to restless spirits—former innkeepers, Civil War soldiers, and long-dead guests who are said to wander the halls, making their presence known through strange occurrences and eerie sightings.

The haunted inns of Staunton offer more than just a place to rest your head; they come with a heavy dose of the paranormal, where ghostly footsteps and moving objects are just the beginning of the otherworldly experiences reported by both staff and guests.

The Stonewall Jackson Hotel: A Civil War Soldier’s Haunting

Perhaps the most famous of Staunton’s haunted inns is the Stonewall Jackson Hotel, a grand historic hotel that dates back to 1924. Though it was named after the Confederate General Stonewall Jackson, the hotel’s ghost stories are more tied to the Civil War soldiers who once passed through Staunton. Guests have reported seeing apparitions of soldiers walking through the hallways or standing at attention near windows, gazing out at the town as if still on watch.

In addition to these ghostly figures, many visitors have heard the sound of phantom footsteps marching down the halls, even when no one else is around. Doors open and close on their own, and strange cold drafts sweep through rooms that should otherwise be warm. The hotel staff has grown accustomed to these eerie happenings, with some longtime employees noting that certain rooms seem more active than others. Paranormal investigators have often been drawn to the Stonewall Jackson Hotel, searching for evidence of the spirits of soldiers who may have never left their post.

The Frederick House: A Historic Ghostly Encounter

The Frederick House, a charming bed-and-breakfast located in the heart of downtown Staunton, has long been rumored to be haunted. Once a family home built in the early 1800s, the Frederick House has undergone several transformations over the centuries. With such a long and varied history, it’s no surprise that strange occurrences have been reported by guests staying in the historic rooms.

Phantom footsteps are frequently heard in the hallways, particularly at night. Guests have also reported the unsettling sensation of being watched while alone in their rooms. One of the most enduring legends associated with the Frederick House involves a ghostly woman in a long, flowing gown who is occasionally spotted wandering the hallways. Some believe she may be a former innkeeper or resident, still keeping a watchful eye over the property she loved.

In one particular room, guests have awakened to find objects that had been moved during the night, including chairs that had been dragged across the floor and items that had inexplicably fallen from shelves. These disturbances are always followed by a cold draft and the sudden, unmistakable feeling of not being alone.

The Inn at Old Virginia: Restless Civil War Spirits

Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, The Inn at Old Virginia offers picturesque views and quiet charm, but it’s also rumored to harbor the spirits of Civil War soldiers. The inn, once part of a larger estate that was likely used as a Civil War hospital, has become the subject of several ghost stories tied to the soldiers who were treated—and died—on the property.

Visitors and staff alike have reported seeing shadowy figures in military uniforms, especially in the older sections of the inn. These apparitions often appear late at night, moving silently through the halls or standing near windows. Some guests have also heard the faint sounds of voices and murmurs, as if soldiers are still discussing strategy or calling for help.

In addition to these sightings, guests staying in certain rooms have reported hearing the sound of knocking on their doors late at night, only to find no one there when they open it. The inn’s owners have embraced these ghostly tales, acknowledging that the spirits seem to be tied to the land and its tragic past.

Staunton’s Paranormal Charm

The haunted inns of Staunton are a testament to the town’s long and layered history. From the Civil War to the lives of innkeepers and guests who passed through its doors, Staunton’s inns have seen countless people come and go—some of whom, it seems, never left. These spirits, whether they are soldiers still marching through time or innkeepers watching over their establishments, have made Staunton’s inns some of the most intriguing paranormal destinations in Virginia.

For guests staying in these historic inns, the experience offers more than just a night’s rest; it provides the chance to encounter the unexplained, where history and the paranormal overlap. Whether it’s the Stonewall Jackson Hotel, the Frederick House, or the Inn at Old Virginia, each of these locations offers its own unique brush with the supernatural, leaving visitors with stories to tell long after they’ve checked out.

Main Photo by Doug Kerr (CC2.0)