Virginia's Haunted Battlefields: Spirits of the Old Dominion | Ep. 46

The Halloween Podcast

In today’s episode of The Halloween Podcast, host Lyle Perez takes us through the haunted corners of Virginia, a state rich in American history and ghostly legends. From the infamous battlefields of the Civil War to eerie mansions and mysterious bridges, Virginia’s haunted sites reveal stories of lingering spirits and tragic pasts. Join us as we uncover 10 of the most haunted locations in the Old Dominion, where Confederate soldiers, ghostly nurses, and lost lovers are said to roam.

Featured Locations:

St. Albans Sanatorium
6248 University Park Dr, Radford, VA 24141
Originally an all-boys’ school before its conversion to a mental hospital in the early 20th century, St. Albans has become one of Virginia’s most infamous paranormal sites. Known for harsh experimental treatments, the sanatorium is said to be haunted by the spirits of former patients. The basement is particularly eerie, where visitors report hearing disembodied whispers, feeling phantom touches, and seeing shadowy figures. Paranormal investigators frequently capture EVP recordings, especially near the old hydrotherapy room, where many experienced immense suffering.

Hollywood Cemetery
412 S Cherry St, Richmond, VA 23220
Established in 1847, Hollywood Cemetery is the eternal resting place of Confederate soldiers, U.S. presidents, and the infamous “Richmond Vampire.” The legend of the vampire centers on the tomb of W.W. Poole, from which strange noises are said to emanate at night. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly soldiers, feeling chills near the Confederate burial grounds, and even catching glimpses of General Robert E. Lee, his figure silently wandering the cemetery grounds as if reliving his past.

The Exchange Hotel
400 S Main St, Gordonsville, VA 22942
The Exchange Hotel became a Civil War hospital, treating thousands of soldiers. With its storied past, it’s no surprise that ghostly nurses are reportedly seen tending to invisible patients. In the basement, which once served as a morgue, visitors have heard eerie moaning and footsteps echoing through the otherwise empty halls. The ghost of a Confederate soldier is a frequent sight, believed to be lingering, perhaps waiting to be reunited with lost comrades.

Bacon’s Castle
465 Bacon's Castle Trail, Surry, VA 23883
Constructed in 1665, Bacon’s Castle has borne witness to rebellions, family feuds, and ghostly occurrences. Visitors report encounters with a woman in colonial clothing, believed to be Arthur Allen’s wife. Paranormal investigators have witnessed furniture moving on its own and heard laughter in empty rooms. The house is a frequent site for ghost tours, with guides sharing tales of sudden chills, strange lights, and objects shifting mysteriously.

The Martha Washington Inn & Spa
150 W Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210
Once a Civil War hospital, the Martha Washington Inn has its share of restless spirits. A particularly famous legend involves the spirit of a young nurse, known as the “Yankee Sweetheart,” who fell in love with a Union soldier. Guests report hearing her soft footsteps in the halls and glimpsing her shadow near the spot where her beloved died. Other ghostly sightings include Confederate soldiers and eerie bloodstains that appear on the floors before mysteriously vanishing.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
138 N Royal St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Dating back to the 18th century, Gadsby’s Tavern is haunted by the mysterious “Female Stranger,” who arrived gravely ill and, upon her death, requested her identity remain secret. Seen frequently in Room 8, her ghostly figure leaves cold spots and an eerie sensation for those who venture close. Visitors and staff alike have also reported phantom footsteps echoing through the tavern’s historic rooms.

Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historic State Park
6541 Saylers Creek Rd, Rice, VA 23966
The bloody Battle of Sailor’s Creek saw nearly 25% of General Robert E. Lee’s army fall. Visitors report ghostly figures wandering the battlefield at dusk, and cold spots are often felt around the Overton-Hillsman Farmhouse, which served as a makeshift hospital. The battlefield is known for mysterious cries and the faint sound of cannon fire, as if the battle is replaying for eternity.

The Public Hospital
325 W Francis St, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Established in 1773, the Public Hospital for Persons of Insane and Disordered Minds is the oldest psychiatric hospital in the U.S. Shadows, sudden cold chills, and unsettling whispers haunt the halls. Visitors report feeling phantom touches and hearing footsteps in rooms long since abandoned, with occasional sightings of patients in old-fashioned hospital gowns.

Swannanoa Palace
497 Swannanoa Ln, Afton, VA 22920
This grand estate, built as a testament to love, is haunted by the ghost of Sallie Dooley, who is often seen near her stained-glass portrait. Visitors feel sudden chills and see objects move on their own, especially around Sallie’s favorite rooms. Paranormal investigators have captured EVPs and other strange occurrences, making Swannanoa a popular stop for thrill-seekers.

Bunny Man Bridge
Colchester Overpass, Clifton, VA 20124
The tale of Bunny Man Bridge is one of Virginia’s most chilling urban legends. Locals report seeing a man dressed in a bunny suit wielding an axe near the bridge, especially on Halloween. Some say he’s the spirit of an escaped convict who haunts the bridge, while others claim the presence is something darker. Witnesses often hear unsettling noises like screams and whispers, making Bunny Man Bridge a must-visit for those seeking a real scare.

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Keywords and Tags: Haunted Virginia, Ghosts of the Old Dominion, Haunted America, Paranormal, Haunted Locations, Virginia Ghost Stories, Halloween Podcast, Haunted History