VIRGINIA – ALEXANDRIA

Gadsby’s Tavern, located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, is one of the city’s most famous historic landmarks. Built in the late 18th century, Gadsby’s Tavern was a popular gathering spot for political leaders, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and other prominent figures of early American history. The tavern and its adjoining hotel played a central role in Alexandria’s social and political life, making it a key site of the city’s colonial and post-Revolutionary War history.

However, Gadsby’s Tavern is not only known for its historical significance—it is also widely regarded as one of Alexandria’s most haunted locations. The tavern is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young woman who died there under mysterious circumstances in the early 1800s. This phantom has been seen by both staff and visitors, and her presence has become a central part of the tavern’s ghostly lore.

The Mystery of the Unknown Woman

The most famous ghost story associated with Gadsby’s Tavern revolves around the “Female Stranger,” an unidentified woman who died at the hotel in 1816. According to historical records, the woman was brought to the tavern by a man who claimed to be her husband. She was gravely ill, and despite the efforts of doctors, she passed away under unclear circumstances. The man insisted on keeping her identity a secret, going so far as to have her buried in St. Paul’s Cemetery in Alexandria with a tombstone that reads:

“To the memory of a Female Stranger who departed this life on the 14th of October, 1816, aged 23 years and 8 months. This stone is erected by her disconsolate husband in whose arms she sighed out her latest breath and who, under God, did his utmost to soothe the cold, dull ear of death.”

The true identity of the Female Stranger has never been discovered, and the mystery surrounding her death has only fueled speculation and ghostly legends. Some believe she may have been a European noblewoman fleeing scandal, while others think she could have been the victim of a tragic love affair. Over the years, her story has become a part of local folklore, and her spirit is said to haunt the tavern where she spent her final days.

The Haunting of Gadsby’s Tavern

Staff and visitors to Gadsby’s Tavern have reported numerous paranormal experiences believed to be tied to the Female Stranger. One of the most commonly reported sightings is the apparition of a woman dressed in early 19th-century clothing, often seen standing at the windows of the tavern’s upper floors or moving silently through the dining rooms. Witnesses describe her as young and pale, with an air of sadness about her, and she often vanishes as soon as she is spotted.

Other visitors have reported feeling a cold chill or an overwhelming sense of sadness when walking through the rooms where the woman is believed to have spent her last days. These cold spots are particularly common near the room where she died, and many visitors claim to have felt an unexplainable presence when standing in this area.

In addition to apparitions, there are frequent reports of unexplained noises, including footsteps heard on the upper floors when no one is present, and doors opening and closing on their own. Some staff members have even claimed to see objects move without explanation, such as plates and utensils shifting slightly during the quiet hours after the tavern closes.

The Lasting Legend of the Female Stranger

While the Female Stranger’s true identity remains unknown, her story continues to captivate visitors to Gadsby’s Tavern. The mystery of her life and death, combined with the strange occurrences reported at the tavern, has made her ghost a permanent part of Alexandria’s haunted history.

Gadsby’s Tavern hosts regular ghost tours that highlight the building’s haunted past, and the story of the Female Stranger is a focal point of these tours. For those who believe in the paranormal, the tavern is a place where history and the supernatural intersect, providing a glimpse into the life of a woman whose secrets may never be fully uncovered.

Conclusion

Gadsby’s Tavern is not only a historic site but also one of Alexandria’s most haunted locations. The Phantom of the Female Stranger, whose identity has remained a mystery for over two centuries, is said to still walk the halls of the tavern, her presence felt by those who visit this centuries-old establishment. Whether through apparitions, cold spots, or unexplained sounds, the spirit of the Female Stranger remains a haunting reminder of Alexandria’s rich and eerie past.