VIRGINIA – ABINGDON

Located in Abingdon, Virginia, the Martha Washington Inn is one of the region’s most prestigious and historic hotels. Originally built in 1832 as a private residence for General Francis Preston, the estate has a long, storied history. Over the years, it has served many roles, including a women’s college and a Civil War hospital, before becoming the grand inn it is today. But with such a rich past comes stories of paranormal activity that have woven their way into local legend. Of all the spirits said to haunt the Martha Washington Inn, none is more famous than the ghost of a Civil War-era nurse who continues to watch over the inn’s guests.

This spectral nurse is believed to have stayed behind after her death, eternally tending to soldiers and protecting those who stay within the inn’s walls. The combination of tragedy and loss during the war, alongside the inn’s layered history, makes it a place where the past is still very much alive—manifesting in chilling, otherworldly ways.

The Nurse Who Never Left

The most famous ghostly resident of the Martha Washington Inn is said to be the spirit of a nurse who cared for wounded soldiers during the Civil War. The inn was transformed into a hospital during the conflict, and it was here that this nurse, believed to be named Beth, devoted herself to treating soldiers, many of whom were Confederate. According to legend, Beth fell deeply in love with a young soldier who was gravely injured. As she watched over him, she sang him gentle lullabies, attempting to ease his suffering in his final moments. When the soldier passed away, heartbroken and grief-stricken, Beth herself died shortly thereafter, unable to bear the loss.

Visitors to the inn claim that Beth’s spirit never left. Her ghostly presence has been reported in several areas of the inn, particularly near the rooms where wounded soldiers once lay. Guests have experienced a calming sensation, often accompanied by the soft humming of what they describe as a female voice, presumed to be Beth’s spectral lullaby. Some say that they feel her presence in the form of a gentle touch, as if she is still carrying out her role as a caregiver.

A Protective Spirit

Far from being a malevolent presence, Beth’s ghost is thought to be a benevolent force, watching over both the inn’s staff and guests. Stories of her protecting those staying at the Martha Washington Inn have persisted for years. Several visitors have reported waking up in the middle of the night to find an unseen force tucking them in, as though ensuring their safety while they sleep. Others have shared experiences of feeling a sudden cool breeze pass through their rooms, bringing with it an overwhelming sense of peace.

In addition to these protective encounters, Beth is also said to have intervened during moments of danger. One famous account involves a guest who fell ill during the night. In a state of delirium, they reported feeling the presence of someone sitting beside them, calming them until help could arrive. The guest believed this mysterious visitor to be Beth, tending to the sick as she did during her time at the hospital. The inn’s staff later confirmed that no one had entered the room during the night, further cementing the belief that Beth continues her duties as a guardian spirit.

Unexplained Happenings and Cold Spots

Though Beth is the most famous of the inn’s ghosts, there are other reports of unexplained phenomena throughout the Martha Washington Inn. Guests and staff alike have reported hearing phantom footsteps in the hallways, doors opening and closing on their own, and lights flickering without explanation. Some visitors have even seen shadowy figures moving through the corridors, only to vanish upon closer inspection.

One particularly eerie spot is the courtyard, where some say they’ve seen the apparition of soldiers who once recovered in the hospital. These figures are often described as transparent, dressed in Confederate uniforms, and seem to be wandering as though still recovering from their battle wounds. Some visitors have felt a sudden chill as they walk through the courtyard, despite the warmth of the Virginia air, leading them to believe that the spirits of the soldiers linger in this place, perhaps waiting for Beth to care for them.

Residual Hauntings or Active Spirits?

Paranormal experts who have investigated the Martha Washington Inn believe that the hauntings may be a mixture of residual energy and intelligent spirits. Residual hauntings often involve spirits reenacting moments from their past, like the nurse’s lullaby or the soldiers’ wandering, unaware of the present. These encounters are thought to be imprints of traumatic or emotionally charged events, trapped in the inn’s atmosphere.

However, the interactions experienced by guests—such as being tucked in or feeling a calming presence—suggest the possibility of intelligent hauntings, where the spirits are aware of the living and may even be attempting to communicate or protect them. Beth’s ghost, in particular, seems to fall into this category, as her actions appear purposeful and focused on offering comfort to those who stay at the inn.

A Legacy of Haunted Elegance

Today, the Martha Washington Inn is as famous for its elegant charm as it is for its ghostly residents. The combination of historical significance, beautiful architecture, and its haunted reputation makes it a destination for those seeking a unique stay steeped in both history and mystery. Whether guests come for the rich history or in hopes of encountering the benevolent spirit of Beth, the Martha Washington Inn remains one of Abingdon’s most intriguing and mysterious locations.