Gettysburg Battlefield Ghosts
51,000 men fell in three days. Their spirits never left. Soldiers still march, cannon fire echoes, and the screams of the wounded haunt the bloodiest battlefield in American history.
The Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863) was the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. With approximately 51,000 casualties, it’s no surprise that Gettysburg is considered one of the most haunted places in America.
The Battle
According to historical records:
The three-day battle produced:
- Approximately 51,000 total casualties
- 7,863 killed outright
- 27,224 wounded
- 11,116 missing/captured
- Bodies lay unburied for weeks
The Haunted Locations
Devil’s Den: One of the most active areas. Soldiers are seen among the rocks. A ghostly figure with long hair and bare feet has been photographed.
Little Round Top: Phantom soldiers and the smell of gunpowder are reported. The sounds of battle echo across the hill.
The Wheatfield: Where some of the bloodiest fighting occurred. Apparitions of soldiers are frequently seen.
Pickett’s Charge Field: The ghostly advance of Confederate soldiers has been witnessed, marching silently toward Cemetery Ridge.
Sachs Covered Bridge: Confederate soldiers were hanged here. Ghostly figures are seen on and around the bridge.
The Buildings
Gettysburg College (Pennsylvania Hall): Used as a hospital. Students report footsteps, doors opening, and Civil War-era apparitions.
Farnsworth House: Used by Confederate sharpshooters. Over 100 bullet holes remain. Multiple ghosts are reported, including a midwife named Mary.
Jennie Wade House: The only civilian killed during the battle was shot here. Her ghost and those of soldiers are reported.
Common Experiences
Visitors report:
- The smell of gunpowder with no source
- Cannon fire and gunshots
- Screams and moans of the wounded
- Cold spots on summer days
- Figures in period military dress
- Battery drain on electronic devices
- Photographs with inexplicable anomalies
Ghost Tours
Gettysburg embraces its haunted history:
- Multiple ghost tour companies operate
- Battlefield investigations are popular
- The town markets its paranormal reputation
- Psychics and mediums visit frequently
Notable Incidents
The Photo: A famous photograph from 1972 shows what appears to be a transparent figure at Devil’s Den.
The Cavalry Ghost: Visitors report a ghostly horseman riding across the fields.
The Blue Boy: A phantom boy in blue is seen at the Farnsworth House.
Scientific Interest
Paranormal researchers note:
- The concentration of violent death
- Limestone geology (theorized to hold residual energy)
- Consistent reports over 160+ years
- Multiple independent witnesses
Sources
- Battle of Gettysburg - Wikipedia
- Gettysburg ghost tour documentation