Not everyone is into the paranormal past Halloween... but WE are! Shepherdstown is a little community near DC that is chock full of paranormal activity!
It seems like no matter where you go in the northeastern states there is some kind of paranormal activity. Having the oldest states in the union you'd be hard pressed not to hear about some ghost encounter or creepy tale. Shepherdstown is no exception. Shepherdstown is the oldest town in West Virginia and has a population of only 1,700 people. If you go and visit, ask any resident if they've experienced something paranormal... almost every single one will have a story to tell.
The town has a torrid history. In 1862, after the Battle of Antietam, General Robert E. Lee and his men retreated to Shepherdstown. Streets, businesses, and homes were filled with wounded and dying soldiers, and according to resident's accounts, many of those soldiers have yet to let go to the other side.
The hauntings are so prevalent in Shepherdstown the police have even joined forces with the paranormal community to help solve some of the town's strangest mysteries. Some of the strange events include:
- Strange Lights
- The very haunted Entler Hotel, which is now a visitors center
- Haunted streets that span the whole town
- The ghost of Peyton Smith
- Table 25 at the Yellow Brick Bank
- the Clock Tower of McMurran Hall, Room 1
The managers of the Yellow Brick Restaurant have many chilling stories of paranormal activity. There is a story of a woman back in the mid 1900's who was too scared to sit at Table 25. She claimed there was a ghost of a woman who lives at the booth. Aside from the ghostly squatter, typical restaurant-haunting things happen. Wine glasses fall off stable racks, and there have been reports of a stereo being turned on that plays old-timey music.
Peyton Smith was a poker player that got a bit to rowdy and got into an altercation with a friend of his. Details of the story are a bit murky, but a duel between the two ensued, Smith was not intent on killing his friend over a poker game, his friend tried to shoot over Smith's head.. but missed. Smith was rushed to Room 1 of the Entler to be treated but died from the wound. Since his death, several people through the ages have reported hearing him crying out for his mother.
There are almost too many accounts to name in one article, but it should be noted that paranormal activity is not concentrated to the downtown area of Shepherdstown. Lots of activity has been reported around Shepherd University's campus. There is an old man who haunts the clock tower of McMurran Hall. His disembodied shadow can see lurking around the grounds. This location was used as a hospital during the Civil War, and many soldiers also haunt the location.
If you're interested in learning more about the spooky history of Shepherstown there is a great tour that covers the entire town. Shepherstown Mysteries Walk is a 90 minute guided walk through town and is way more than just a "ghost tour." You can hear some ghost stories, maybe see some spirits yourself, but also learn about the forgotten history of this awesome little town!
