Halloween happenings at Prince William & Manassas’ historic haunts

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Spend the night in one of Virginia’s most haunted homes, watch for ghosts on busy streets corners and learn about the spirits that roam the community as numerous Prince William & Manassas historic sites host special events for the Halloween season.

Connect with spirits from the past during an overnight stay at The Weems-Botts Museum. Once home to George Washington’s biographer, this museum is considered the second most haunted home in the Commonwealth and was recently featured on Biography Channel’s “My Ghost Story.” 

Lock-ins happen every Saturday in October, while regular ghost tours of the property and neighboring cemetery are offered every Friday. Hear about the hair-raising adventures of past duals or get a glimpse of the Civil War solider and young girl who both allegedly haunt the grounds.

Or, visit some of the historic haunts managed by Prince William’s historic preservation division to discover a spooky tale or two.

On Oct. 18, experience ghost stories and conduct paranormal research at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre and Ben Lomond Historic Site, respectively. The jail at Brentsville made headlines a few years ago when it was featured on the television show “Ghost Hunters.” There, connect with Agness, one of 13 people executed outside the jail and who, allegedly never left.

On Oct. 25, get a rare, candlelit tour of Rippon Lodge- one of the oldest haunted homes in Prince William. Rumor has it that Route 1 had to be rerouted just to avoid the ghostly residents of this property. Newspaper articles from the 1920’s and 30’s claim the house is haunted because a loser of a dual bled to death in the home. Others say a child, who can sometimes be seen in an upstairs window, also haunts the property.

Guided ghost tours are also offered in two, local historic towns-Old Town Manassas and Historic Occoquan.

Join costumed guides Oct. 26 for the Spirits of Manassas Tour. Hear about strange happenings past and present and learn about the history of this once sleepy railroad town.

In Historic Occoquan, guided ghost tours are offered Wednesdays-Saturdays. Talk to shop owners who have had merchandise strewn around by spirits or get a glimpse of an Indian who allegedly appears in a bathroom mirror at Occoquan Inn. Legend has it the Indian had a “thing” for the Inn owner’s wife and was caught one night descending the stairs. The husband shot him dead before he reached the last step.

For more information on the paranormal in Prince William & Manassas, visit http://discoverpwm.com/historichaunts.