Do you scare easily or are you the bravest one in your group? When you take a trip to Northern Virginia, stop in this historic little town (founded in 1758) and find out how much courage you really have. You’ll find the middle of October is the best time to take a tour and see Loudoun County’s Four Haunted Houses of Leesburg, Virginia. Find out which house Travel & Leisure magazine chose as as one of the top 10 Halloween haunted places in America.
Did you know that Virginia is one of the top haunted states in the country? Global Traveler USA reports that “around 170 sites claiming spooky, paranormal happenings” are found in this state. Leesburg is the county seat of Loudoun County, less than an hour from Washington, DC.
Lynch House
Look for the lady in white in the Gothic style Lynch House. A lady’s ghost is known to walk the halls or appear standing at the foot of the beds. In her lifetime, Liza Thompson was a Civil War widow. Before her husband left to fight, he gave the deed to their house to the local banker for safe keeping. But the banker also went to war and died there. When the banker’s wife found the Thompson’s deed to their home, she claimed it was now hers. Liza did get her house back, but only after a 13-year court battle. Liza died in the house years later and some say she never left. Can you blame her?
Glenfiddich House
Across the street, another gorgeous old home hides behind the trees. Known as Harrison Hall during the Civil War, the ghost of Col. Erasmus Burt still haunts the place. A friend of the family, the Col. was brought there to recover after being wounded at the Battle of Ball’s Bluff. Visitors have said they can hear someone tapping a ring on the stairwell bannister (the Col. went to West Point) and they can sense his presence nearby. Others report they’ve seen the impression of a body in the bed where he died. There’s even a mysterious blood stain on the floor that appears and then disappears.
Captain Head House
Now the Trinity Café, this home belonged to the son of a Tory Revolutionary War soldier. Some say Captain George Head could be buried in the clay basement. Homeowners have reported that windows seem to open themselves after being closed. Captain Head was known for believing that fresh air was essential, even in the dead of winter.
Paxton House
A beautiful 140-year old Victorian mansion, Paxton House is the largest haunted house in Leesburg. With 32 rooms, it once served as an orphanage, and visitors have reported feeling the spirits of children still there. The house is one of the many buildings still standing on the formerly named Carlheim Estate. You may even see one or more of the lingering Civil War ghosts who participated in the historic and bloody Battle of Balls Bluff (fought at the edge of the property).
Paxton House and Paranormal Investigators
In 2012, the Antietam Paranormal Society visited to verify reports of the supernatural. They agreed Paxton House was haunted. While touring the property, a team member asked, “Is there anyone still here with us?”, an eerie voice answered, “Help… me.” Even the psychic, Sherry Sherry, reported there was strong spirit energy still present at Paxton House.
Shocktober, the scariest haunted house in Leesburg, Virginia
Each Halloween, the Paxton House is transformed into Shocktober, the “fifth scariest haunted house in the country” according to Travel & Leisure magazine. Playing on the legend that the Carver family who owned it escaped to the maze of underground tunnels beneath it, the Shocktober event has been held for 12 years. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Arc of Loudoun, a nonprofit that serves local individuals and families with disabilities.
Not All the Spirits Can Be Found at One of the Four Haunted Houses in Leesburg Virginia
Before you leave town, pay your respects and marvel at the many almost 200-year old gravestones in the well preserved Union Cemetery which can be found close to the town’s Rust Library. Drive your car along the paved road and get a better look at the variety of headstones in this hallowed burial ground. If you go at dusk, you might even see one last ghost.
Come Visit Haunted Northern Virginia
Are scary places with spirits on your travel itinerary? Loudoun County is home to dozens of wineries, breweries and cideries. And, if you love history and being spooked, then Loudoun County’s Four Haunted Houses in Leesburg Virginia (less than an hour outside of Washington, DC) are surely worth a visit.
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