Past&Paranormal

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Search through 6 paranormal histories

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Echoes on the Shenandoah: The Ghosts of Harpers Ferry

Some who walk the island's trails today, especially as dusk settles or when rain mists the air, speak of unsettling experiences near the overgrown ruins. They don't necessarily see a full apparition, but report sudden, inexplicable chills that have nothing to do with the weather. Others describe an overwhelming wave of sadness or panic washing over them when they near the riverbank, a phantom echo of the terror felt that night.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia7 min read

The Sorrowful Tale of General Braddock

Decades before the American Revolution brought armies to ravage the future nation of the United States, another military campaign unfolded in the rugged wilderness of western Pennsylvania, leaving behind its own tale of defeat, death, and lingering sorrow associated with British Major General Edward Braddock.

8 min read

Gettysburg: Of History and Hauntings

In the immediate aftermath, this once peaceful town was transformed into a scene of utter devastation. Eyewitness accounts describe streets literally running with blood, fields littered with the dead and dying of both armies, the carcasses of horses left to rot, and the landscape left barren. A "sickening, overpowering, awful stench" hung heavy in the July air. Homes, churches, public buildings, and the College were commandeered as makeshift field hospitals, struggling to cope with the thousands of wounded soldiers left behind."

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania7 min read

The Iron Brigade's Eternal Watch

As darkness fell on McPherson's Ridge, Sarah, a visitor from Michigan, found herself alone near the railroad cut. A deep, weary voice broke the silence: 'Not yet, ma'am. Please, not just yet.' Turning, she saw a figure in a tall black hat, who declared, 'I am still on watch. I died a soldier.' This encounter is just one of many unexplained events at Gettysburg, a place where the echoes of the past seem to linger.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania4 min read

The Unfinished Mission of William Barksdale

In the late afternoon, Longstreet launched a massive attack against the Union positions along the Emmitsburg Road, with multiple Confederate brigades advancing in echelon from south to north. Among these attacking units was a Mississippi brigade commanded by Brigadier General William Barksdale. Barksdale was a fiery 42-year-old former U.S. Congressman who had resigned his seat to join the Confederate cause. Known for his fierce temperament, Barksdale had repeatedly requested permission to attack throughout the afternoon.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania5 min read

The Last Ride of Elon Farnsworth

The dozen visitors began discussing Michael's opinion of the tragic story of Brigadier General Elon Farnsworth's final moments - how he had protested the suicidal order to charge well-placed Confederate infantry across this broken ground, but had ultimately led his men forward rather than have his courage questioned.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania5 min read