Colonial Williamsburg, the capital of the Virginia Colony, was one of the most important British colonial cities in the New World. It also played a critical role in the Revolutionary War, supporting Virginia’s forces and ultimately helping the nation achieve independence.
As one of the oldest cities in the country, Williamsburg has its fair share of hauntings. Here are the top spots to visit in Williamsburg if you’re interested in the paranormal and aren’t scared of the possibility of encountering a ghost.
The Wythe House
The Wythe House was inhabited by George Wythe, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Numerous tragedies happened here.
George Wythe was poisoned by his grandnephew, whom he had named as the primary beneficiary of his estate, and his spirit still haunts the place. George’s friend Ann Skipwith committed suicide there after learning of her husband’s affair with her sister. Her husband, Sir Peyton Skipwith, went on to marry his late wife’s sister after her death.
The house is now a National Historic Landmark.
The Bruton Parish Church
The Bruton Parish Church is a recognized National Historic Landmark, serving as an example of a colonial religious building that has survived the test of time. It was built in the early 18th century and is the oldest building in Colonial Williamsburg today.
Reverend Scervant Jones served the parish with devotion. However, his heart was shattered when the doctors informed him that his wife would not survive her first childbirth. With his dying wife in his arms, he made her a promise: that he would never fall in love again. Alas, he broke this promise a mere three months after her death when he was seen going about with another lady.
His wife, consumed with jealousy, continues to haunt the church where her husband led the prayers.
Williamsburg isn’t the only city where you can find old, haunted structures that are steeped in history. On a Gettysburg ghost tour, for example, you’ll get to visit some of the most haunted buildings in Gettysburg, such as the Welty House, the Brickhouse Inn, and the Jenny Wade House. As in Williamsburg, these buildings have been haunted since the Civil War – and possibly earlier.
The Peyton Randolph House
The Peyton Randolph House, dating back to 1715, is one of Williamsburg’s oldest structures and its most haunted location.
This two-story wooden structure, located at the corner of Nicholson and North England Streets, was built in 1715 by William Robertson. Sir John Randolph purchased the house in 1724; he also purchased a neighboring plot of land, where he built another home. His son, Sir Peyton Randolph, built a middle section, joining the two houses together.
During the Civil War and the Battle of Williamsburg, the home (owned by the Peachy family at the time) served as a temporary military hospital for wounded soldiers from both sides. It’s haunted by soldiers who died there, but the true reason for its haunted nature dates long before that.
In the late 1930s, the east wing of the house, which was in terrible condition, was restored. During the restoration, it was discovered that the house was built on ancient burial grounds. Native American pottery and graves were found there, but the graves were further disturbed as part of the construction of a tunnel in 1941. The souls who were buried there were awakened from their rest and continue to inhabit the area today.
Some believe that the house was cursed as a result. One of the Peachy boys fell to his death while climbing a tree on the property. A young girl also died after falling from the second floor. In the 18th century, two men who were visiting the house got into an argument. Shots were fired, and one of the men dropped dead. Are you brave enough to visit this museum yourself?
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