Gettysburg, PA

(If you have any scary places to tell us about, e-mail the details to HauntedHouses@ScaryPlace.com)

The Historic Farnsworth House Inn

401 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325

717-334-8838

http://www.farnsworthhousedining.com/index.html

The Historic Farnsworth House Inn was built in 1810, and gained it's claim to fame as it became intimately involved with the Battle of Gettysburg in July of 1863. In particular, it was used as a Confederate stronghold, and several sharpshooters shot from the safety of the windows in the "garret", picking off Union soldiers, and in one tragic case, a civilian named Jennie Wade. The house is listed on the Register of Historic Places, and it proudly highlights the over 100 Civil War bullet holes in the south side wall.

It currently operates as a Bed & Breakfast, offering 9 rooms, 5 of which are said to be haunted. Two of the newer rooms sport 2-person Jacuzzis, perfect for a romantic getaway. But all the rooms are beautifully decorated and furnished with Victorian finery. Photos and descriptions of two of the rooms we stayed in can be seen on the "Our Visit" page.

A basic breakfast is included in your room rate, although it is only served between 8am and 8:30am. There is a pleasant Tavern on the property serving lunch and dinner fare, and it is decorated with a number of Civil War items, including a wall sized display case filled with a number of items used in the filming of the movie "Gettysburg". Many of the locals and recreationists were extras in the film, and will happily tell you about their experiences. During the warm months, it is very nice to have lunch or supper on their outdoor patio beside a bubbling stream and fountain.

There is also a bookstore on the property, named Military Impressions, and they carry both new and used books, mostly about the Civil War. There is also quite a nice section devoted to ghost stories and strange events. You will find artwork, video and audio cassettes, and at least one photo of a ghostly image hovering above the bed in the Sara Black room, taken in 1999.

The Farnsworth House Civil War Mourning Theater is the brainchild of Patti O'Day. A number of entertainments can be found here. The Parlor Magic Show recreates the old art of close-quarters prestidigitation with Professor Kerrigan, master magician. Then there is the Civil War Mourning Theater itself, with dramatic ghost stories and gruesome tales from the battle. And finally there is the Spirit Theater, a recreation of a Victorian era seance. The only thing is, all three of these events take place in the macabrely decorated haunted basement of the Farnsworth House, and more than a few times, the performers have been just as surprised by the results as the audience. During the warmer seasons, candlelight ghost tours of the town also originate here.

If you would like to know more about the Mourning Theater, the proprietor, Patti O'Day, can be reached at 717-334-8838, or you can get more info from the website at www.farnsworthhousedining.com.

Professor Kerrigan, the magician and the host of the Victorian Seance has his own website at http://civilwartheater.com and he can be reached at (717) 642-9215, or by e-mail at civilwartheater@superpa.net.

The house is said to be haunted by no fewer than 14 ghosts. There used to be 16, but a couple of years ago, they conducted a "ghost release" ceremony and advised any spirits who wished to leave instructions on how to pass the veil. Only two took them up on the offer. In particular, the ghost they call "Mary" seems to be the main spirit. She is said to come to those in suffering or discomfort, and attempts to comfort them, often laying down on the bed with the visitor. There is also the ghost of a small boy who was killed by a horse & carriage in front of the house while playing, and the ghost of his distraught father has been seen as well. The sounds of rebel soldiers moving trunks in the attic are often heard, while footsteps and voices are heard with no human source.

One of the story tellers in the Mourning Theater has seen the same three Civil War soldiers several times, often with one mortally wounded and calling to her. The second floor bathroom has been reported to have blood running down its walls, presumably from a dead soldier in the attic above. See the upcoming Farnsworth Stories section for more details.