Ghosts of Harper's Ferry

Many Battle Sites Are Haunted: This One also Has Otherworldly Beings

Aug 19, 2008

Specters of abolitionist raider John Brown, phantom armies and others haunt this West Virginia town that rose to fame before the Civil War.

October 16, 1859: John Brown and his men raided Harper's Ferry. Brown was hanged for treason on December 2nd.

People have seen a gaunt, white-haired man in the village. Tourists remarked about his uncanny resemblance to Brown. Many asked him if they may take his picture. When their films were developed, no one appeared in photographs. His ghost isn’t the only one in town.

Jenny

When the Armory was constructed, storage sheds were built, then abandoned. Some indigent people made them their homes. One night, Jenny got too close to the fireplace. Her dress caught fire. She panicked, fled from her shack, ran down the railroad tracks and was killed by the night train.

Some engineers reported seeing a ball of fire zigzagging on the tracks, hearing eerie screams and feeling something bump the train. They investigated and found nothing.

The Harpers

Robert Harper and wife, Rachel, moved to West Virginia. Harper built a Mill, and improved the ferry service. There were tales of his wife burying their gold in a safe place because he feared looters. He died before the house was completed. Not long after, Rachel died, keeping the treasure’s location a secret. People have sighted a ghostly old woman, in 18th century garb, peeking from one of their home’s gardens. Some think it’s Rachel guarding the gold.

Spectral Army

1798: America was on the brink of war with France. Troops were sent to Harpers Ferry. They stayed on Camp Hill. They became bored when the war didn’t happen. During evenings, they marched down the hill, playing fifes and drums.

There was a cholera epidemic. Many soldiers died and were buried on Camp Hill. Residents have heard the sounds of fifes and drums. When people went to see the parade, the streets were empty.

St Peters was the only church in Harpers Ferry that survived the Civil War intact. It had been used as a hospital. Father Costello tended to the wounded. He cared for a young Catholic boy who was injured. As the boy lay dying, he thanked God. People have seen a golden glow on the church’s threshold and have heard the boy’s ghost whispering.

Visitors have encountered an elderly priest coming from the rectory. When they tried to speak to him, he didn’t reply. They were stunned when he turned and walked through a wall into the church.

Dangerfield Newby

He was a freed slave, but his wife and children weren’t. His wife's master told Newby if he paid him $1500.00, he could buy his family’s freedom. When Newby saved the money, the man raised the price. He joined John Brown’s army, hoping to free his family.

During a conflict, a spike, propelled from a rifle, hit Newby’s throat, killing him. Witnesses have seen his ghost, wearing baggy pants and a slouch hat, bearing a scar across his neck.

One Hundred Day Men

Mysterious fires are sighted on Maryland Heights, but they leave no evidence. Residents believe ghosts of the One Hundred Day Men, those who weren’t properly trained for battle, are cooking.

July 1861: a squadron of these men was stationed on Maryland Heights. Rained poured all day. They looked for a dry place to build a fire for cooking dinner. There was none, so they gatheredseveral large ammunition shells, heaped tinder and twigs on top, then lit a fire. Suddenly a terrible explosion shook the mountain. No one survived.

The copyright of the article Ghosts of Harper's Ferry in Ghosts & Hauntings is owned by Jill Stefko . Permission to republish Ghosts of Harper's Ferry in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.