Spirits of Gettysburg The Jennie Wade House and the Haunted Orphanage

The historic town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is well-known for playing a crucial part in the American Civil War. But there is a darker side, veiled in mystery and legend, that exists beyond the battlefield and monuments.

The ghosts of people who lived and perished inside the walls of the Jennie Wade House and the Gettysburg Orphanage are rumored to haunt these two places in particular.

Both the Gettysburg Orphanage and the Jennie Wade House have sinister mysteries that stem from the chaos and misery of the American Civil War.

Come explore the terrifying stories and strange occurrences that have turned these Gettysburg landmarks into notorious haunts for paranormal enthusiasts.

The History of The Gettysburg Orphanage

After the Civil War, the National Soldier’s Orphan’s Homestead in Gettysburg recounts a tale of unspeakable brutality.

At first, the orphanage provided sanctuary to children who had lost their parents due to the war, thanks to the caring guidance of Philinda Humiston, a Union soldier’s widow.

However, a time of darkness under Rosa Carmichael’s strict control began when she left.

There are nightmares because of Rosa’s cruel treatment of the kids. It was said that youngsters were being shackled to walls in “the dungeon,” a dank, dark basement.

There were some who were tortured, and others who just vanished. Rosa eventually had to leave Gettysburg, but the atrocities that took place there left a lasting scar—and, many people think, a lingering presence.

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Ghosts of the Gettysburg Orphanage

Paranormal activity abounds at the Gettysburg Orphanage, where the tortured souls of the children who suffered there haunt the place.

Spirits of Gettysburg: The Jennie Wade House and the Haunted Orphanage
Image By: Past Lane Travels

Disembodied voices, the eerie clinking of chains in the basement, and the laughter of invisible children reverberating through the deserted hallways are all reported by visitors.

There are shadows moving from room to room and cold patches where unspeakable cruelty has taken place.

Others say they have seen the vindictive ghost of Rosa Carmichael, whose presence they felt through sudden cold and nauseating uneasiness, while others have even seen the apparition of a small boy, his form flickering in and out of vision.

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History of Jennie Wade House

Constructed as a simple brick duplex near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the Jennie Wade House tragically became a symbol of civilian sacrifice during the July 1863 Battle of Gettysburg.

A stray bullet entered through two wooden doors and hit Jennie Wade, who was born in 1843, in the kitchen when she was staying with her sister, Georgia McClellan, helping to care for her nephew and baking bread for Union soldiers.

Spirits of Gettysburg The Jennie Wade House and the Haunted Orphanage
Image By: Gettysburg Battlefield Tours

Jennie’s death made her a symbol of bravery because she was the lone civilian slain in the conflict.

Her remains were first stored in the cellar during the fight, and then they were transferred to Gettysburg National Cemetery, where they were interred with dignity.

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The Hauntings of Jennie Wade House

According to legend, Jennie Wade’s ghost continues to haunt the rooms where she passed away too soon. Visitors and employees frequently inhale the aroma of freshly made bread and her rose-scented perfume.

Jennie’s appearances and eerie figures have been spotted prowling the hallways. When standing near the precise location where Jennie fell, some visitors experience an unexpected, inexplicable shiver.

It’s also reported that the house is haunted by kid spirits, possibly the orphans Jennie used to look after.

As guests wander the house, some have reported hearing a happy “Hey!” or felt a tug on their clothes. Their lively energy is also demonstrated by objects that move on their own.

Two male ghosts, one upstairs and one in the cellar, also contribute to the eerie ambiance. These ghosts are not always amiable, and they can cause trouble by moving objects and leaving behind chilly spots.

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