History’s ghosts meander in Pennsylvania’s most haunted city and for good reason. Gettysburg played a pivotal role in the Civil War. The Battle of Gettysburg, which would become known as North America’s largest battle to date, took place during three bloody July days in 1863, resulting in more than 51,000 causalities. These eight terrifying Gettysburg ghost stories provide solid proof that Gettysburg is Pennsylvania’s, and perhaps America’s, most haunted city.

1. Devil's Den
Devils Den, Ridgway Township, PA 15853, USA
Flickr/Richard Welty
Tour Devil's Den, the main stage for The Battle of Gettysburg, and you just might run into a friendly fella wearing a large, floppy hat. One of the most popular ghost stories of Gettysburg, this young fella generally helps tourists compose the perfect shot of the battlefield, even stepping in the frame for a photograph or two. As soon as the shutter snaps, he disappears and never appears in the photos. He might just be one of the most famous Gettysburg ghosts. Don't be surprised, however, if your camera or smartphone mysteriously stops working or the fully charged batteries suddenly drain, a common paranormal occurrence at Devil's Den.
2. Jennie Wade House
548 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA
Flickr/Elizabethe
Often referred to as America's scariest haunted house, the Jennie Wade House is the site of the lone civilian death during the Battle of Gettysburg. Jennie Wade, who lived in the home, was hit by a stray bullet as she stood baking in her kitchen. Wade, who died on the battle's final day, is said to still roam the house along with several children. Visitors often hear loud bangs and the innocent voice of a young child, and feel sudden rushes of cold air when on the second floor of the house. Others tell of feeling the arms of the little children holding onto their legs.
3. Sachs Covered Bridge
Sachs Covered Bridge, Waterworks Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA
Flickr/Sheri
Sachs Covered Bridge, a charming reminder of the Pennsylvania of yesteryear, might just be one of the most haunted places in Gettysburg. Crossed by the retreating Confederate Army, the bridge is also said to be the site of the public hanging of three army deserters. Those who visit the bridge tell stories of seeing apparitions, smelling cigar smoke, hearing voices, and feeling a touch - when no one is there.
4. The Gettysburg Hotel
Facebook/The Gettysburg Hotel, Est. 1797
Several spirits continue to roam the Gettysburg Hotel. It was a hospital during the Civil War, which is the primary setting for the Gettysburg ghost stories that swirl around this historic landmark. One of the ghosts is named Rachel, who was believed to be a nurse during the bloody days of the Battle of Gettysburg. She has been known to wander the rooms, digging through guests' drawers and luggage and pushing carts haphazardly around the hotel. A Union soldier who perished in the hospital is often seen wandering the hotel's halls, too. If you want to experience haunted Gettysburg, you won't find better odds than with a stay at this hotel.

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5. Gettysburg College
Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA
Facebook/Gettysburg College
Gettysburg College served as a field hospital for both sides during the Civil War and, as a result, has a storied history of Gettysburg hauntings. The most terrifying of those stories dates back to the early 20th century. Two college employees entered an elevator, pushed the button for their desired floor, and waited. But, the elevator malfunctioned, taking them straight to the basement. When the elevator doors opened, the women saw a bloody Civil War operating room with doctors working feverishly to save injured and dying soldiers. As a doctor walked toward them, the elevator began to move to another floor. The two employees, accompanied by a security guard, returned to the basement minutes later to find - nothing.
6. Farnsworth House Inn
Farnsworth House Inn, 401 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA
Facebook/Farnsworth House Inn
The Farnsworth House Inn housed Confederate snipers during the Civil War and is the site from which the shot that killed Jenny Wade originated, so of course, it's one of the most popular ghost stories of Gettysburg. Visitors to the charming bed and breakfast tell stories of hearing strange noises emanating from the attic and singing coming from the basement.
7. Tillie Pierce House Inn
Tillie Pierce House Inn, 301 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA
Facebook/Tillie Pierce House Inn
Guests at Tillie Pierce House Inn frequently tell stories of waking up in their room after feeling a figure sitting on the edge of their bed staring at them. Others tell of hearing strange noises and footsteps from an otherwise empty attic while the apparitions of various soldiers in full uniform have been seen wandering the halls.
8. Dobbin House Tavern
Dobbin House Tavern, 89 Steinwehr Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA
Facebook/Dobbin House Tavern
Dine at the Dobbin House Tavern and you might just be served a side of the paranormal. Formerly a stop on the Underground Railroad, the Dobbin House Tavern hosts the spirits of former slaves who have been seen meandering through the building, including in former hiding places. Blood splatters, according to local lore, also mysteriously appear and disappear on the floor throughout the tavern.

Hear what historian Tim Smith has to say about Devil’s Den and haunted Gettysburg, in this YouTube video shared by the Adams County Historical Society at Gettysburg.

What do you think of these Gettysburg ghost stories? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Do you dare visit Pennsylvania’s most haunted city? If you do, you’ll want to follow your trip to Gettysburg with visits to the 10 most haunted spots in Pennsylvania.

If you plan to explore haunted Gettysburg, make sure you slip into a pair of comfy shoes.

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Haunted Pennsylvania

Jackie Ann | September 01, 2022

Are there any haunted hotels in Gettysburg?

If you really want to immerse yourself in the haunted side of Gettysburg, spend a night or two in one of the most haunted hotels in Gettysburg. We mentioned the Tillie Pierce House Inn, the Gettysburg Hotel, and the Farnsworth House Inn above but there are plenty of haunted places to stay in Gettysburg. If any of those three are booked up, you can always put your paranormal luck to the test with a stay at The Inn at Herr Ridge or the David Stewart Farm. Both are known to be paranormal hotspots and guests frequently leave with their very own Gettysburg ghost story to take home.

Are there haunted battlefields in Gettysburg?

With more than 50,000 casualties, the Battle of Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. After the battle, both sides left most of their dead and injured behind, and it’s been the center stage for countless Gettysburg ghost stories. When you visit this historic place, be sure you don’t take anything. Not only is it illegal, but those who have dared to take home a rock, stick, or twig as a souvenir have often mailed them back, saying they’ve endured a surprising string of bad luck. It might be more than just bad luck, and many believe that these seemingly unassuming pieces of the earth are actually cursed. Many who visit the battlefield also report that when the fog rolls in, you can hear the faint sounds of men on horseback, marching sounds, and even flickers of light through the fog.

Can I go ghost hunting in Gettysburg?

One of the easiest places to go ghost hunting in Gettysburg is the Sachs Covered Bridge:

  • Confederate soldiers were hanged by Union soldiers right on this very bridge.
  • While it may look like a very peaceful and beautiful bridge during the day, at night it takes on a different form.
  • Visitors to this bridge at night report the strong scent of cigar smoke, even though no one around is smoking.
  • You might even hear the faint sounds of cannons being fired in the distance, a possible paranormal loop playing in another dimension where the battle still wages on.

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