The Maryland Ghost Story That Will Leave You Absolutely Baffled
By Beth|Published October 01, 2018
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Beth
Author
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
As Halloween quickly approaches, we can’t help but think of haunted tales that have existed in Maryland for hundreds of years.
One such tale that comes to mind is the legend of Sotterley Plantation. Gorgeous historic landmark by day, this mansion in Mary’s County is also said to be a house full of unsettled spirits. Chances are you’ve visited the plantation on a field trip, but today’s tour will emphasize a more haunted history. Let’s take a closer look:
The history of Sotterley Plantation dates back to 1699 when the area of land was purchased along the Patuxent River by James Bowles. The first installment of the mansion was completed in 1703, which designates this landmark as one of the oldest standing plantations in the U.S.
When Bowles passed away, he left the plantation to his wife, Rachel Addison, who eventually remarried a fellow by the name of George Plater II. It was their son, George Plater III who designated the estate as the Sotterley Plantation, a name which honors the place in England where the Platter family had once lived.
While the estate remained relatively stable, even through several wars, its upkeep and very foundation were largely due to 165 years of slave labor. When slavery was abolished in Maryland in 1864, the plantation fell into economic poverty.
Photographed above is one of the interiors of slave quarters that has been preserved today. Harsh living conditions and overcrowding were just some of the hardships faced by the enslaved people at Sotterley.
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Visitors today will find a restored mansion that is open for guided tours from May 1st to October 31st and self tours year-round. Admiring the antiquated decor and old portraits, you'll feel as though you've traveled back in time.
Today, the property is a National Historic Landmark and public charity organization. The Board of Trustees that includes the descendants of both the former enslaved and the former residents.
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And speaking of relics of the past, ghostly spirits are said to haunt this historic landmark, even if they go unnoticed at first glance.
Various stories from decades past all suggest that there are invisible spirits that haunt the mansion even today. One tour guide recounted a time where he ventured to the second story only to be pushed down the stairs by an unseen force during a candlelight tour in December.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the estate has drawn paranormal investigators from around the country. Their findings indicate that it's not just the mansion that could be haunted, but also the former slave dwellings. EVP recordings picked up on a drumming sound coming from the cabin followed by a soft but very distinct voice saying "get out!"
Another unexplained phenomenon is actually quite pleasant but equally as baffling. Some employees of the mansion have reported smelling the scent of coffee and bacon emanating from the kitchen when no one had been cooking.
One thing's for certain: a haunting and complicated past has resulted in ghostly apparitions to appear in many different forms around this famous mansion. You may just have to see for yourself...if you dare!
Sotterley Plantation is located at 44300 Sotterley Ln, Hollywood, MD 20636. For more information on planning your visit, be sure to visit the official website here. Have you experienced anything paranormal at this famous Maryland landmark? Be sure to share your experience with us!
