Harpers Ferry is one of the most historic towns in West Virginia, but it’s also one of the most haunted! Located in the Eastern Panhandle, this region comes with tons of ghost stories. The town’s strategic location on the railroad meant that troops from both sides of the war moved through frequently, adding to the history. As a result of this movement, Harpers Ferry reportedly changed hands eight times between 1861 and 1865.
All that history makes Harpers Ferry exceptionally interesting and, as many people report, quite haunted. There are quite a few accounts of Harpers Ferry ghosts. But, read through the eight ghost stories of Harpers Ferry here and decide for yourself!
One of the most interesting Harpers Ferry ghost stories is that of Dangerfield Newby. Newby is best known for being part of the raid on this important town. While defending the area when there was little ammo, one Harpers Ferry resident fired 6-inch-spikes from his rifle on the raiders. Unfortunately, one of the spikes struck Newby in the throat and killed him. After that, residents could be seen repeatedly stabbing his body and cutting off his limbs. Eventually he was left in an alley for hogs to eat. People say Newby can still be seen walking the streets as one of the most terrifying Harpers Ferry ghosts. He is known for the scar across his throat, baggy trousers, and a slouched hat.
Another of the ghosts of Harpers Ferry is actually an entire Phantom Army. In 1798, America was nearing war with France. Eventually, troops were sent to Harpers Ferry to begin preparing for a war that never began. However, during the waiting period soldiers paraded down Main Street every night with nothing else to do. Unfortunately, many soldiers became sick with cholera during this time. Locals report seeing a ghostly army who succumbed to their illness, marching through town with their rifles and drums.
Many war stories are horrific and this Harpers Ferry ghost story is no exception. Reports say that a Union soldier found a young drummer boy after hearing a noise from outside a window. After searching for the source of the noise, he found the young boy and consequently tossed him mercilessly from the window. This sad Harpers Ferry ghost can be heard crying for his mother who never came to his rescue.
This poor woman died after catching fire and running into the path of a train while seeking help. This Harpers Ferry ghost, known as "Jenny," had no family or money. As a result, she lived alone in a shack near the tracks. One day, while warming herself by a fire her clothes caught on fire. She ran for help while burning, but found herself directly in front of an oncoming train which killed her instantly. People say that on the anniversary of her death you can see the phantom of Jenny as a ball of fire on the tracks. Eventually the fire ball disappears when the train strikes her. Without a doubt, we'd say this is one of the creepiest ghost stories of Harpers Ferry!
Famous John Brown, whose name is synonymous with this war, has been seen strolling the streets of Harpers Ferry. He smiles at visitors and generally makes his presence known to anyone willing to notice. One group of tourists reported taking a picture with him, only to get the pictures back and find a blank space where he had stood.
The National Park Service reportedly owns one of the most haunted houses in Harpers Ferry. Several employees have seen a variety of Harpers Ferry ghosts here, including the spirit of a man wearing a vest and top hat, carrying a cane. The employee recalls immediately feeling uncomfortable and then feeling a hand on her back pushing her, causing her to fall. When she turned, the man had vanished.
St. Peters Catholic Church in Harpers Ferry served as a hospital during the Civil War. Unsurprisingly, today it's reportedly haunted by at least one soldier. A young Catholic man was brought to be treated at the hospital, but with wounds seen as less-severe as others, he was made to wait outside for help. It's here that a local found him and brought him to a Catholic church for comfort. Unfortunately, his wounds were more serious than originally thought. Sadly, he died as he was being carried into the church. His last words were "Thank God, I’m saved." These days, some visitors to the church say they see a glowing aura at the church’s entrance. Some even report hearing those final ghostly words being whispered around them.
Some people say that Father Michael Costello of St. Peters Catholic Church can still be seen praying for his town near his church. Having witnessed unthinkable atrocities during the raid on Harpers Ferry, his ghost may be seen displaying the same care and devotion he did way back then.
Have you visited Harpers Ferry and experienced anything unexplainable? Or, are there any tales of Harpers Ferry ghosts that we’ve left off our list? Let us know in the comments!
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Harpers Ferry Ghost Stories
Michelle S.|August 27, 2022
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