October brings the changing of temperatures, the falling of leaves and the fun of Halloween. Many area residents will be heading to the pumpkin patch, searching for that perfect costume and for the brave few, searching for the best place to get a scare. Washington County has some intriguing historical locations where the bravest soul can take the chance of seeing a spook.
The mysterious lights of Williamsport’s town hall
When most people think of town hall, they think of board meetings and the day-to-day operations of their town. No one thinks about what may be lurking in the shadows. The building that houses the town hall of Williamsport has a couple of residents that are not eager to leave, or so legend has it.
The first ghost is that of a little girl whose tiny footsteps can sometimes be heard running up and down the halls, but a favorite activity for this mischievous visitor is playing with the lights, particularly flashlights. The second legend is a former employee simply known as “Bus,” who has chosen town hall as the place to spend eternity. Bus can be heard typing away on his typewriter late at night. Town Hall is a popular attraction during Halloween season and has been a regular stop for local haunted tours.
Hagerstown’s founding father still watches over the city
Jonathan Hager (1714-1775) is known as the founding father of Hagerstown after he established the first plots in 1762. At the time he named the land “Elizabethtown” after his wife. Hager then grew the city by selling off plots of land and establishing trading posts for travelers coming through to places like Philadelphia. He also served with the local militia to help defend the land.
Hager died violently after a ceiling beam fell on him while helping to build the town’s first church. But legend has it that the father of Hagerstown has not abandoned his post. His ghost has reportedly been seen several times over the years walking the floors and grounds around his home by City Park. The historic home which now serves as a tourist attraction and museum plays host to a haunted tour every Halloween season.
Old South Mountain Inn’s famous ghost
Old South Mountain Inn is one of Washington County’s oldest inns and most famous. One reason is for the Inn’s famous owner from 1876. Madeleine Dahlgren (1825-1898) was a famous author and anti-suffragist most known for her 1882 book, “South Mountain Magic.”
This one piece of literary work forever associated her with the legend of witchcraft in Washington County and reports of her spirit roaming the halls of the Inn have made the Old South Mountain Inn one of the most popular attractions in Washington County. While Dahlgren herself was never reported to have practiced witchcraft, the fact has never deterred thrill seekers or those interested in the darker side of Western Maryland.
Beware of Dead Man’s Curve
One stretch of road on Hagerstown’s Old National Pike has a bloody reputation. During the American Civil War (1861-1865) a skirmish took place on the road between Union and Confederate forces. During the short battle six men were killed and the small house that sits on the edge of the curve was said to be used as a hospital during the war.
However, it is the spirit of a doctor who lost his head, literally, that makes this road appealing for visitors during the spooky season. There are a few versions of this story told by local storytellers, but they all come to the same conclusion. The driver of a horse-drawn wagon in the mid-1800s met a terrible fate during an accident while traveling down Old National Pike. In all accounts he was decapitated, and his spirit is still reported to roam the roadside.
These are but a few of the fun stories of legends around Washington County. While there is no real evidence that these spirits still walk through the halls and roads, they are reported to be haunting, it is the spirit of the season that attracts visitors. Tales of ghosts are part of what makes Halloween one of the most profitable holidays in the world. Haunted tours and attractions are available several nights throughout the month of October.
This is part one of a four-part series that will be featured during the month of October looking back at the darker side of Washington and Franklin counties’ history as well as the fun of Halloween around the region.
