Farnesworth House/Inn

[Doc_Ralph]

USNews
The Story Behind This Haunted Hotel in Pennsylvania is Terrifying

by ktoy1047
NOVEMBER 19, 2023

"Pennsylvania is a state rich in history and culture, but also in paranormal activity. There are many haunted places in the Keystone State, but one of the most notorious is the Farnsworth House Inn in Gettysburg. This hotel was once a Confederate stronghold during the Civil War, and witnessed some of the bloodiest battles of the conflict. Today, it is a popular destination for ghost hunters and history buffs alike, who hope to catch a glimpse of the restless spirits that still roam the halls.

The History of the Farnsworth House Inn
The Farnsworth House Inn was built in 1810 by John McFarland, a wealthy merchant and politician. The house was named after his son-in-law, Brigadier General Elon John Farnsworth, who died in the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. The house served as a home for the McFarland family until 1861, when the Civil War broke out.

During the war, the house was used by Confederate sharpshooters as a base to fire at Union soldiers from the windows. The house was located behind the Confederate lines, and was strategically positioned to overlook Cemetery Hill, where the Union army had its headquarters. The house was also close to the site of Pickett's Charge, the final and fatal assault of the Confederate army on July 3, 1863.

The house was riddled with bullets during the war, and some of them can still be seen embedded in the walls today. The house also suffered damage from artillery fire, and was hit by a cannonball that tore through the roof and landed in the attic. The house was a witness to the horrors of war, and the deaths of many soldiers on both sides.

The Hauntings of the Farnsworth House Inn
After the war, the house was sold to various owners, and eventually became a hotel in 1972. Since then, the hotel has been the site of numerous reports of paranormal activity, ranging from mild to terrifying. Some of the most common experiences include:

1. Hearing footsteps, voices, gunshots, and cannon fire, especially at night.
2. Seeing apparitions of soldiers, women, children, and animals, both inside and outside the house.
3. Feeling cold spots, breezes, touches, and tugs, as if someone or something is trying to get your attention.
4. Smelling tobacco, perfume, food, and blood, as if the house is still alive with its past occupants.
5. Having objects move, disappear, or appear out of nowhere, such as coins, jewelry, books, and toys.
6. Witnessing electrical malfunctions, such as lights flickering, TVs turning on and off, and phones ringing with no one on the other end.

Some of the most haunted rooms in the hotel are:

• The McFarland Room, where guests have seen a woman in a white dress sitting on the bed, and heard a baby crying in the closet.
• The Sarah Black Room, where guests have felt a presence watching them from the corner, and heard a woman humming a lullaby.
• The Eisenhower Room, where guests have encountered a soldier in a gray uniform, who sometimes speaks to them or salutes them.
• The Jeremy Room, where guests have been awakened by a loud bang, and seen a young boy running across the room.
• The Garret Room, where guests have been scared by a dark figure that lurks in the shadows, and felt a heavy pressure on their chest.

The Conclusion
The Farnsworth House Inn is not for the faint of heart, but for those who seek a thrill and a connection with history. The hotel offers ghost tours, paranormal investigations, and themed events, such as murder mysteries and Civil War reenactments. The hotel also has a restaurant, a tavern, a gift shop, and a museum, where guests can learn more about the history and the hauntings of the house. The Farnsworth House Inn is a unique and unforgettable experience, that will leave you with chills and memories for a lifetime."

 

[Kurtlg]

When I first visited Gettysburg in 1992 (?) I don't believe there were any ghost tours or ghost stories. I wonder what happened ? As I've posted before I don't believe in ghosts but absolutely believe we can hear noises from the past. I think that is something that will eventually be explained. That said I respect the accounts and experiences of others .

 

[Doc_Ralph]

We stayed in the Custer Room - outside the main Inn - and IMHO had a 2 (tug on the back of my coat) and a 5 (case quarter appear on the bedside table). As they say "the place is hopping" I would not recommend it for the easily unsettled or nervous disposition. The tavern serves other spirits and mortal fare. The dining room has a nice relaxed only place in the main house I felt at ease; the kitchen is haunted. We did two tours of the house and an oppressive dread and heavy atmosphere at night.
I had two fitful sleepless nights there. My wife slept through it.

 

[infomanpa]

There would be nothing "terrifying" for me, since I don't believe in ghosts or the paranormal.

 

[Nathan Stuart]

Like for the sharpshooters' nest in the attic of the Shriver House, where it is known that at least two Confederate marksmen were killed, wonder whether there are also any similar accounts confirming that Southern sharpshooters were killed in this house/inn during the battle.

 

[bayonet]

Slept and ate there. Can't remember the room but it was upstairs and to the right. No activity or disturbance with ghosts probably because they were enjoying watching what me and the wife were doing in the bed

 

[Jantzen64]

We stayed in the Custer Room - outside the main Inn - and IMHO had a 2 (tug on the back of my coat) and a 5 (case quarter appear on the bedside table). As they say "the place is hopping" I would not recommend it for the easily unsettled or nervous disposition. The tavern serves other spirits and mortal fare. The dining room has a nice relaxed only place in the main house I felt at ease; the kitchen is haunted. We did two tours of the house and an oppressive dread and heavy atmosphere at night.
I had two fitful sleepless nights there. My wife slept through it.

I stayed one of their rooms outside the main inn as well - the rest was all booked. I stayed up late reading, hoping something notable would happen. Fell asleep. Woke up the next morning around 9 with nothing to show from my late night "adventure."

 

[MRB1863]

I can't help but wonder...are these all "echoes from another dimension"? I could tell you some first hand stories that will make your goose-bumps crawl. The naysayers would think of me as nuts, but these events really happened. Perhaps another time.

 

[Doc_Ralph]

Slept and ate there. Can't remember the room but it was upstairs and to the right. No activity or disturbance with ghosts probably because they were enjoying watching what me and the wife were doing in the bed

\o/

 

[Doc_Ralph]

I stayed one of their rooms outside the main inn as well - the rest was all booked. I stayed up late reading, hoping something notable would happen. Fell asleep. Woke up the next morning around 9 with nothing to show from my late night "adventure."

I saw no ghosts there but the case quarter and the ball that rolled out from under the bed (no cat-I looked) in the main house/Inn did it for me.

They fixed up the basement kinda hocky with Skelton and coffin and "haunted mirror."

In many ways not seeing and feeling them is probably better.

 

[Doc_Ralph]

I stayed one of their rooms outside the main inn as well - the rest was all booked. I stayed up late reading, hoping something notable would happen. Fell asleep. Woke up the next morning around 9 with nothing to show from my late night "adventure."

Yes! IMHO …Night moves would definitely interest them! I felt self conscious in the shower of the Custer Room!

I had the side of the bed closer to the window . The deer head "watched" me all night. I can remember gazing out the window a lot and very little sleep. My wife did not have that problem. I debunk the deer head stare as my over active imagination.

 

[Doc_Ralph]

"The current owners of the Farnsworth House Inn claim that 16 different ghosts live within its walls. They all have names, and they all have distinct personalities. As you might guess, there are many soldiers, but also a mischievous eight-year-old boy and a hardworking midwife.

The inn was transformed into a hospital after the sharpshooters cleared out, so even more deaths occurred on its premises as nurses struggled to keep soldiers alive. Confederate ghosts rub shoulders with the Union spirits. You can see them patrolling the grounds, stalking up and down the staircase, and creating pockets of frigid cold wherever they linger.

The scent of cigars, the echoes of heavy breathing, and the disembodied notes of a Jew's harp also have pestered Farnsworth staff as they go about their jobs."

Taken from US Ghost Adventures Tours sales spiel