10 Disturbing Cemeteries In Virginia That Will Give You Goosebumps
By Anna Strock|Updated on January 25, 2021(Originally published January 20, 2021)
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Anna Strock
Author
Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land.
It might sound a bit cliché — a creepy, haunted graveyard. I know, I know. It’s so grade-B horror movie ridiculous. Or, it’s not… and cemeteries can actually be haunting — or haunted, but that’s up to you. Maybe it’s the story behind them, or just the way the light hits when you visit, but something feels otherwordly all the same. Here are 10 disturbing cemeteries in Virginia that aren’t for the faint of heart.
Our list of disturbing cemeteries in Virginia starts at the Pine Creek Church Cemetery in Floyd. This Revolutionary War-era cemetery is reported to host only 7 Revolutionary War veterans, but it does contain many other of the mountain folk who called this area home in the 18th and 19th centuries - the oldest marked grave is said to be c.1796. In the '70s and '80s, the cemetery was nearly forgotten and overgrown. Today, it has been maintained but still holds a ghostly aura of times long past.
2. The Jefferson Family Cemetery at Monticello, Charlottesville
Located down the hill in a wooded area from the main house at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson and his descendants have been buried in this gated plot since 1773. The site was chosen by Jefferson and his school friend, Dabney Carr, who both wanted to be buried beneath a large oak tree located there. Carr, who was married to Jefferson's sister, was the first to claim his place in 1773. The ghost of Jefferson is said to be seen wandering the grounds of Monticello and whistling, a habit Jefferson was known for in life.
The Pest – meaning "Pestilence" – House, now located in the Old City Cemetery, was Lynchburg’s first "hospital" – and by hospital, we mean quarantine facility for people with contagious diseases like smallpox and cholera. Built in the 1840s in Campbell County, it was a Hotel California-like situation where patients checked out, but never left – unless it was to be buried in the adjoining cemetery. During the Civil War, it was used as a Confederate hospital where 102 soldiers died of smallpox. The cemetery also contains the Hearse House and Caretakers Museum, the Station House Museum, a chapel, and Mourning Museum.
4. Alexandria National Cemetery, Old Town Alexandria
Originally known as the "Soldier's Cemetery", the Alexandria National Cemetery was established in 1862 as a Union burial ground as it was a major outpost for Union troops. The chapel on the grounds is said to be the site of "activity" of the ghostly kind, including a figure that wait in the chapel's bridal room. While no Confederate troops are buried here, the cemetery does hold the remains of 4 civilians killed while pursuing John Wilkes Booth after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. This is one of the most disturbing cemeteries in Virginia -- it really feels like there are spirits here.
5. Cemeteries of enslaved people throughout the state
By contrast to the large and even majestic tombstones seen in many cemeteries, these examples of burial grounds for enslaved people provide a humbling look at the other side of Virginia's past. The first image is a tombstone at the Diamond Hill Cemetery and Slaves Burial Grounds at Berry Hill Plantation in South Boston. The second image, from an unidentified location, shows a pre-Civil War slave cemetery in Virginia. Both provide a poignant look at the disparity between the life and death of enslaved people versus free men.
With its ghostly statues and somber mausoleums, Hollywood Cemetery could give chills to the bravest souls if seen in the right light. Add the countless stories of ghosts and ghouls and this place is downright creepy. Some of the more famous stories surrounding this site include a vampire said to live in the mausoleum of W.W. Poole, the ghost of a little girl who plays with the cast iron dog set to watch her grave and moaning spirits that come from a pyramid built in 1869 to honor the 18,000 enlisted Confederate troops buried at Hollywood. Walking tours are available - so go for it if you dare. I'll stay home, thanks.
7. Ball's Bluff Battlefield and National Cemetery, Leesburg
Although it's the 3rd smallest National Cemetery and the graves seem neat and tidy, this site is said to have distinct paranormal presence. The Battle of Ball's Bluff resulted in a Union defeat and as early as the late 1800s, reports surfaced of phantom Union troops and ghostly screams.
8. Western State Lunatic Asylum (Western State Hospital), Staunton
The Western State Hospital began as the Western State Lunatic Asylum in 1828. At first, it was a resort-style institution, but in the late 1800s, comfortable accommodation for the mentally ill gave way to crueler practices, including forced sterilization, lobotomies, shock therapy, and forced restraint. Hundreds of patients died here in the 150 years of the hospital's existence and were buried in these unmarked graves. The cemetery is now privately owned as the old hospital, later turned prison, is now luxury condos.
9. Cold Harbor Battlefield and Cemetery, Mechanicsville
The Battle of Cold Harbor (May 31 – June 12, 1864) was not only one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, the battleground is now considered to be one of the most haunted military sites in the nation. Visitors and locals report the sounds of cannons, gunfire and screaming men, and oftentimes, the smell of gunpowder, long before they arrive at a seemingly still battle site. The ghost of a young girl has been seen wandering the Cold Harbor National Cemetery where Confederate dead are buried.
The Mount Zion Church was founded in 1851 and the adjoining cemetery contains many markers dated from this time. The church was used for many purposes, particularly during the Civil War when it served as a prison, barracks, battleground, and hospital. The church walls contain graffiti from recovering soldiers. The cemetery holds more than 240 marked graves, as well as others that are unmarked, and at least 64 unmarked African American graves rest outsized the cemetery's walls. There's something eerily symbolic about these photos showing how nature reclaims everything in the end. In terms of disturbing cemeteries in Virginia, this one ranks up there.
What are your thoughts about these disturbing cemeteries in Virginia? You have to admit, no matter how spooky the backstory, no matter how haunted the legends, there’s still something intriguing about each of these places. Do you have a favorite cemetery? One that you like to go to for peace and tranquility or one that you like to go to for a good chill up your spine — tell us about it in the comments below!
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Disturbing Cemeteries in Virginia
Beth C. |January 25, 2021
What are the most haunted places in Virginia?
Once you've made your way through our list of disturbing cemeteries in Virginia, there are plenty of other creepy places to visit! Virginia's extensive history lends itself to plenty of haunted locales. While cemeteries may seem like an obvious place for hauntings, there are countless other destinations throughout the state where your chances of encountering something paranormal are higher than average. The following is a list of some of the most haunted places in all of Virginia: the Peyton Randolph House in Williamsburg, St. Albans Sanatorium in Radford, the Exchange Hotel Civil War Medical Museum in Gordonsville, Henricus Historical Park in Chester, Historic Jordan Springs in Stephenson, Cold Harbor Battlefield in Mechanicsville, the Graffiti House at Grandy Station, Ferry Plantation House in Virginia Beach, the Weems-Botts Museum in Dumfries, and Historic Avenel in Bedford. While you're at it, check out these haunted streets in Virginia... if you dare.
Does Virginia have any famous ghost stories?
Yes, it's true that many of Virginia's most haunted places are associated with famous ghost stories. One prime example takes place at Gadsby's Tavern in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. George Washington himself once frequented this tavern, which still remains open to visitors today. One of the most famous ghost stories is that of a woman who traveled to Alexandria by ship with her husband in 1816. She contracted a disease on the ship and, upon arriving at the tavern, her health quickly took a turn for the worst. Something peculiar happened just before her death: she made everyone there swear they would never reveal her true identity. To this day, her gravestone is marked "Female Stranger." There are several locations in Alexandria that are reportedly still haunted by her spirit today. If you're up for more, check out our haunted road trip in Virginia.
Does Virginia have any ghost towns?
You might conjure up imagines of the Old West when you think of the term ghost town, but it's true that Virginia is home to many of these abandoned places as well. Some of the most famous ghost towns in Virginia include Matildaville at Great Falls National Park, Wash Woods at False Cape State Park, Pocosin Mission in Shenandoah National Forest, Lignite in Botetourt County, and Elko Tract in Henrico County. Curious to learn more about these abandoned towns? Read our previous article: These 7 Ghost Towns In Virginia Are Hauntingly Beautiful.
