The Story Behind Kentucky's Most Haunted House Will Give You Nightmares
By Jenn Shockley|Published July 05, 2016
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Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
What is the most haunted house in Kentucky? The answer all depends on who you ask, as we have our share of haunted places, from battlefields like Perryville, to abandoned hospitals like Waverly Hills, to historical homes. We have entire towns that are said to be haunted, such as Old Louisville, the world’s largest preserved Victorian community.
You likely won’t have actual nightmares, but all these places have their own mystery and intrigue, along with some great stories. One unique home turned B&B, Ditto House, at 204 Elm Street in West Point, could be the most haunted house in Kentucky. Here are six reasons why:
6. The Ditto Lansdale House, (AKA Ditto Prewitt House), was built in 1823.
This beautiful home turned B&B was the design of a prominent boat merchant named Abraham Ditto. The home was physically built by Ditto and his brother in law, Samuel Lansdale, initially using it as an inn. It later became the Ditto’s personal residence.
The home was pressed into a Union Civil War hospital, primarily for the soldiers that built Fort Duffield during 1861 and 1862. During that time a horrible measles epidemic hit the military camps, and many soldiers contracted pneumonia and other respiratory ailments. Local women tended the sick soldiers, despite the fact many of their sons, husbands and fathers were across the lines fighting them. It is said many of the soldiers still walk the halls, as footsteps can be heard when no one is there. Some visitors have claimed to see soldiers in uniform fade in and out.
That didn’t last and the home sold again in 1905 to become the home of a well established doctor. In World War I the home served yet another use. The Camp Knox troops utilized the home as a canteen.
Over the decades the Ditto House has worn many other hats, including ticket agency, boarding home, and a barracks for General William T. Sherman. It is no wonder some of the spirits are said to linger here.
Guests often find buttons, buckles, coins and other remnants left behind by soldiers over the years. There is no specific location, as objects have been found all over the grounds. There are several other historic buildings where objects are found as well. The entire community was frequented by soldiers and military personnel.
1. The Ditto House has been featured on several television shows.
Louisville Tonight and Sightings have both featured this supposedly haunted B&B. The stories vary according to guest, but some are convinced spirits roam the halls of the 1800s Federal architecture home.
Our state has a unique history, so it isn’t unusual to hear a ghost story or 10. The variety of people and businesses formed in the Ditto House are what make it an epic haunted house in Kentucky. This house has a lot of stories to tell, and you can make reservations to hear them at 502-922-4939.
If you’re a fan of haunted places, check out some of the other haunted houses we’ve written about in the Bluegrass State.
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