Article originally appeared at Parachute by MapQuest
Creepy clowns, haunted houses and mysterious corn mazes aside, there’s a belief among many that there are spirits among us (and not just the seasonal or boozy variety).
Richmond has had its fair share of ghost sightings and paranormal activity throughout the years, especially in some of the more historic sites and attractions. Whether these apparitions are real or the result of an overactive imagination remains to be seen.
We’ve collected a list of five of the more well-known haunted places in Richmond. Tell us what you think. Have you ever seen proof of the paranormal in any of Richmond’s places and spaces?
The Byrd Theatre
Built in 1928, Byrd Theatre is a Richmond favorite for film festivals, screenings and second-run movies. The opulent interior features an exquisite Czechoslovakian crystal chandelier, gold leaf, marble walls, an antique Wurlitzer organ and intricate woodwork.
The space has the ambiance of another place and time, and one can’t help but wonder if spirits are hanging out and enjoying the show. There have been reports of a ghost-like girl in the women’s restroom and sightings of Mr. Coulter – the Byrd manager from 1928 to 1971 – on the balcony and in other places around the historic theater.
Hollywood Cemetery
What would a list of haunts be without a cemetery? Hollywood Cemetery, named for the holly trees scattered throughout the property, is the final resting place of U.S. presidents (Monroe and Tyler), prominent citizens, Confederate leaders and unidentified soldiers. There are tales of disembodied moaning at dusk, a dog statue that supposedly changes positions and a vampire that resides in a mausoleum marked with the name W.W. Pool.
Cold Harbor Battlefield
The Battle of Cold Harbor, which took place over two weeks in 1864, was the scene of a long and very intense skirmish during the American Civil War. Between the two armies, nearly 18,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, missing or captured. Many of the soldiers were not given proper burials.
Reports include the sound of cannons, gunfire and footsteps and a mysterious fog that dissipates as quickly as it appears. Cold Harbor Cemetery and the Garthright House (which was used as a hospital during the battle) just so happen to be haunted by a little girl.
Located in Hanover County, Cold Harbor Battlefield was also the site of the Battle of Gaines’ Mill in 1862, which is considered the second bloodiest battle in history.
Executive Mansion at the State Capitol
Built in 1813, Richmond’s Executive Mansion is the oldest occupied governor’s mansion in the U.S. It is believed to be haunted by the ghost of a woman known as the Gray Lady. Other unexplained happenings include mysterious lights, ringing phones, repositioned portraits and cold chills in the middle of summer (if you’ve ever been to Richmond in the summer, you’ll know that cold chills are not a thing).
St. John’s Church
The site of Patrick Henry’s famous “Give me liberty or give me death!“ speech, St. John’s Church is the final resting place of Edgar Allan Poe’s mother (Elizabeth Arnold Poe), George Wythe (Declaration of Independence signer) and Chief Justice John Marshall. The property is said to be inhabited by four ghosts.
Several tour groups offer walking, trolley and haunted pub tours to these and other haunted sites around the city. It’s a fantastic way to learn a bit about Richmond’s history while feeding your inner ghost hunter. Check out:
- Eerie Nights Ghost Tours
- Haunts of Richmond
- Ashland Haunted History Tours
- Richmond Ghosts (part of U.S. Ghost Adventures)
