The Most Haunted Hotels in Gettysburg

Posted: 12.19.2024 | Updated: 12.19.2024

Nearly every American recognizes the name “Gettysburg.” The town is synonymous with the pivotal Civil War battle within its borders in July 1863. It was the bloodiest battle of the entire war, with a staggering 50,000 casualties. It seems some of these Civil War ghosts may still be in Gettysburg — now taking up residence in haunted hotels. 

To walk past the famous haunted hotels and historical sites of Gettysburg yourself, book a ghost tour with Civil War Ghosts. You might be surprised by what you encounter in the late hours of a chilly Pennsylvania night. 

What is the most haunted hotel in Gettysburg? 

Several hotels in Gettysburg have regular spiritual activities on their properties. This often ties back to the inn’s role during the battle. The Farnsworth House, for example, was a makeshift field hospital. Hundreds, if not thousands, of wounded men streamed through the front door — with many of them never leaving. 

Then there’s the Welty House, where families desperately hid from the carnage occurring just outside their door. Finally, while the 1863 Inn of Gettysburg may not have had a major role in the battle, it still has a lively ghost who haunts its halls. 

The Farnsworth House Inn

Built in 1810, the Farnsworth has over 200 years of history within its walls. Yet, it didn’t just witness history: it was an active participant in it. 

From July 1 to July 3, 1863, the Farnsworth House Inn transformed into a hospital, treating soldiers from both Union and Confederate sides. Surgeons were on the clock for nearly the entire conflict, giving everything they had to try and save as many men as possible. 

One of these injured men included Confederate Brigadier General Lewis Armistead. Armistead was just behind Confederate General Robert E. Lee in command. So, when Lee decided he wanted to do a huge assault on the center of the Union forces — now referred to as Pickett’s Charge — Armistead was selected to lead the charge. Unfortunately for Armistead and his troops, the push failed miserably. Armistead was severely wounded and carried to the Farnsworth House, where he died two days later. 

The Hauntings in the Farnsworth House Inn

With its bloody past, it’s not surprising that some of the souls who perished at the Farnsworth House Inn haven’t been able to move on. Guests at the bed and breakfast today report all kinds of strange occurrences within their guest rooms. 

A haunted violin believed to be played by a fallen soldier, is often heard from the attic. Guests also hear footsteps when no one is around, especially by the staircase. Others have their showers turned on and off by an invisible force. 

Staff are also not immune to getting picked on by the ghosts. One night, two waitresses had their aprons tugged on by seemingly thin air. 

There are a few common ghostly instigators of these encounters, including a child spirit called “Jeremy” by the staff. 

The Welty House

Just down the street from the Farnsworth House is an equally as charming bed and breakfast. Now called the Brickhouse Inn, many people still refer to the property by its original name: the Welty House. 

The Welty House was named after its original inhabitants, the Welty family. The Weltys were a normal, everyday family who found themselves caught in the crossfires in their once-quiet hometown. 

As soon as the fighting became imminent, the Weltys, along with their friends, the Rupps, descended to the Welty family’s basement. Here, they tried their best to survive. This was a real uncertainty, as we can see today from the impact marks from bullets that are still visible on the exterior of the house. 

On July 4, when the fighting had stopped, the Weltys and Rupps were able to leave their home unscathed. But they were inconvenienced yet again when both sides wanted to bury their dead on the Welty’s property. Likely not being able to give no for an answer, the Weltys soon saw their yard divided up to house dozens of bodies. While they were eventually dug up and moved to the Gettysburg National Cemetery, some spirits stayed behind.

The Hauntings in the Welty House

If you stay at the Brickhouse Inn, be prepared to potentially experience the sights, sounds, and smells from those battleground days. One woman staying in the hotel awoke to a loud bang. Unable to find its source, she went back to sleep — until she heard a man say, “Keep your head down, ma’am.” As her eyes whipped open, she realized she was still alone in the room but could now detect a faint smell of gunpowder. 

Another guest witnessed a man in a full Confederate uniform, complete with time-accurate whiskers, standing in her room. 

A common sighting in the hotel is of a man sitting in a window, looking out over the yard. If you acknowledge the man, he’ll nod back in response. Many believe he’s on guard, protecting the inn from any enemies. 

The 1863 Inn of Gettysburg 

While the 1863 Inn of Gettysburg may sound like it also had an important part to play in the famous battle, that doesn’t appear to be the case. A newer hotel, the 1863 Inn’s haunted tales come from a more recent century. 

The 1863 Inn of Gettysburg touts itself more as a great, central location from which to explore Gettysburg than as an attraction itself. Part of this is due to its proximity to the Jennie Wade House. 

Jennie Wade was just 20 years old when the world around her erupted in gunfire and death. Sheltering at home, Jennie was kneading dough when a stray bullet crashed through her wall — striking and killing the young woman. 

While Wade’s house is now a museum dedicated to telling the story of the only civilian death at the Battle of Gettysburg, many people can feel the unseen presence of Wade nearby when they walk into the home, sometimes even from the 1863 Inn. 

The Hauntings in the 1863 Inn of Gettysburg 

While the 1863 Inn may not have Civil War-era ghosts, its resident spirits are nothing to shrug at. Much of the unexplainable activity is attributed to a former employee who acted as the hotel handyman. 

He seems to be a bit of a prankster, as he always seems to be messing with guests — particularly those who stay on the fifth floor. He’s been known to jumble guests’ things around, turn on the TV, and move their suitcases. 

Some guests haven’t gotten such a warm vibe from the spirit, however, stating they felt a hot breath on the back of their neck while in the hotel. 

Haunted Gettysburg

History and hauntings often go hand in hand, and Gettysburg is the perfect example of this. Visitors can not only view the battle site from over 150 years ago, but they also have the chance to encounter some of the spirits who played a starring role in the action.

To see haunted Gettysburg up close and personal, schedule a ghost tour with Civil War Ghosts tonight.

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