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Haunted Journeys

Farnsworth Inn Gettysburg

Farnsworth Inn Gettysburg

401 Baltimore St,
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
17325-2623 USA

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History

Gettysburg PA is home to one of the most haunted places in the state, the Farnsworth House Tavern. Come explore its mystery with Haunted Journeys.

The History

Built around the period of 1810, today the Farnsworth House Inn a local historical tourist location that offers hospitality through its rooms and dining room. What brings people to this spectral property, it is believed to be extremely haunted due to its connections with the 1860's Battle of Gettysburg.

It is said (and well documented) that the Battle of Gettysburg is the primary reason why so many places in and around the city are said to be drenched with phantoms. There have been an unthinkable and staggering amount of deaths that occurred in that time, reaching the tens of thousands. As a result, it is believed the lost spirits of those who died in the war are thought to haunt much of Gettysburg.

Initially owned by Reverend Alexander Dobbins, the land on which the Farnsworth House Inn was built on, was later sold to John F. McFarlane. Thus McFarlane was the first recorded resident ot the home. McFarlane owned the land until his death in 1851.

After his passing, the Bank of Gettysburg took ownership of the home. One of the owners, the Black Family,  ran a rooming house here called “The Sleepy Hollow Inn”. The Blacks advertised their inn using the historical fact that the home had 135 bullet holes riddled in one of its sides, all resulting from the Battle of Gettysburg.

From there, it would pass on to several owners until finally being sold in 1972 to the Shultz family, who maintain ownership to this day. It is the Shultz family who first reported that paranormal entities inhabit the residence.

During the Battle of Gettysburg, the Farnsworth House Inn was occupied by Confederate forces who utilized the structure as a make-shift hospital and headquarters. This was a common practice during the war. The Farnsworth House was not alone, for many of the surrounding homes and buildings would often become centers for planning attacks and treating the wounded.

These make-shift wards saw countless deaths and injuries to soldiers who were often treated by civilians. They became the impetus and source of restless souls that continue to seek to tell their stories.

During the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Union soldiers stormed the Farnsworth Inn, killing many Confederate snipers who were posted within. Those snipers had been stationed there to utilize the towering structure in an attempt to pick off Union soldiers as they crossed the nearby Cemetery Hill. This day has become the imprint of the walls within this Civil War historical property.

The Hauntings

The Shultz family has reported as many as 16 spirits that occupy their property. Each one having its own name and personality. One of these spectral entities is an eight-year-old boy, several soldiers, and a former midwife. Seeing as how the residence was indeed used as a hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg, the sightings of a midwife and soldiers seem to validate their claims.

With the many members of the Confederate Army who died in the home, it leaves little doubt as to why so many apparitions of soldiers are claimed to have been seen. They say that these soldiers continue to patrol the house, as if stuck in a continual loop, forever fulfilling their military duties.

There have been numerous reports over the years of guests hearing the sound of heavy breathing, along with the strong scent of cigars, perhaps once smoked by the commanding officer that used the home as a temporary headquarters.

A very eerie account to say the least, and what is most certainly attributed to the ghostly midwife, guests who stay at the inn have experienced the sensation of being tucked into bed once under the covers.

Witness the many photographs that capture an entity in a window, as seen by people walking from the street below. One of the most commonly found in on the window of (what is known as) “Sara Black Room”. It is named after one of the family members who previously owned the residence. This room is by and large considered one of the most haunted in the house.

Other frequent citings occur usually in the dead of night when all is quiet and calm at the house. The sound of a Jew’s harp can be heard playing tunes from the empty attic throughout the night. Many believe that it comes from the phantom of a young soldier that would play this magical instrument while at his post.

As many seasoned haunted places, you will hear disembodied footsteps, pacing (or perhaps guarding?) up and down the interior halls. These footsteps are said to be quite loud and obvious. This will occur oftentimes when employees are busy in the house, these phantom sounds substantiate an unnerving feeling or sensation of being watched or followed around when on duty. Of course, when they turn around, no one is there.

Ghastly silhouettes have been seen by many patrons of the inn, including its employees. They say these apparitions are visible in several rooms, quickly vanishing after making themselves known.

One such figure is predominately seen in the dining room, while others have been witnessed sitting on the edges of guests’ beds. It’s even been said that the mattresses will invert where the ghost is sitting as if weight is being applied!

While male apparitions are mostly seen at the Farnsworth House Inn, there are many accounts of a female spirit, thought to have lived within the residence long ago. Said to be extremely life-like, patrons have mistaken her as a staff member!

 

Understand This:

This property, as part of our network, has been added for they may have history, validation, or folk tales of having spirited activities. Please take caution in approaching and visiting these locations, since courtesy, respect, and caution should be a top priority in every Haunted Investigator's style. Also do realize, some of these places may have permanently closed, changed ownership and/or names, or just are not available for your visits. Please respect this.

We are not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided on this listing, but offer it as a first step in finding your next haunted travel destination. Please do confirm with the property before making any plans to visit. If you visit, tour, or investigate this property (or any of our properties), we are not responsible or held liable for any outcomes, lack of evidence, or injuries associated with your travels. This is only for entertainment purposes, and the information provided is only as found in public domains (or as offered by the associated contributor (as a claimed property).

For more information, please read our TERMS OF SERVICE (linked below).

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Date added: Apr/27/2021 | Last time updated: Apr/27/2021

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