- Joined
- Nov 26, 2016
- Location
- central NC
The Martha Washington Inn is a beautiful place filled with lots of history – and apparently home to six ghosts. The inn was originally built as a private home in 1832, but later became the all-female Martha Washington College. During the Civil War, the college was used as a hospital and many of the young women stayed to nurse the injured. One such woman, Beth, fell in love with a seriously injured Union soldier who had been captured and brought to the hospital. She comforted him by playing her violin and was heartbroken when he died. Beth followed him in death just a few weeks later, but over the years, guests and employees have heard her music continue to play and some have seen her spirit visiting Room 217 where her soldier died.
Another soldier, this one a Confederate, stained the floor with blood when Union soldiers shot him as he told his sweetheart goodbye. The bloodstain is said to reappear despite cleaning and holes have appeared in carpets used to cover it. Other reported hauntings include a mangled soldier who tracks mud through the house, a wandering horse looking for his master, slaves buried in the walls of the basement and a malicious spirit in the tunnel that connects the inn to the neighboring Barter Theater.
The site is now a hotel and spa, and one my husband and I enjoy visiting. I never knew so many ghosts were guests. I'll definitely be on the lookout next time I visit. The main parlor would make a perfect spot to get acquainted.
Have you ever visited The Martha Washington Inn in Abingdon, VA? Have you met a ghostly guest?
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