In a town as steeped in history—and hauntings—as Gettysburg, it takes something truly special to stand out. Enter the Dobbin House Tavern, the oldest building in Gettysburg and one of its most famously haunted. From its Revolutionary-era origins to its place in the heart of the Civil War, this storied stone house has seen more than two centuries of American triumph, tragedy, and turmoil. And, according to countless reports, some of those stories are still playing out to this day—ghosts and all.
At Ghost City Tours, we explore the places where history refuses to die. The Dobbin House Tavern is one of Gettysburg’s finest examples—where the past doesn’t just speak, it lingers.
The Dobbin House was built in 1776 by Reverend Alexander Dobbin, a Presbyterian minister who had emigrated from Ireland. Seeking to establish both a home and a place of learning in the Pennsylvania frontier, Dobbin constructed this sturdy stone structure as both his family residence and a classical school for boys. The house was a center of education, culture, and faith in a young America still fighting for its independence.
Dobbin was a man of strong convictions and humanitarian ideals. It’s believed that during his lifetime, the house also played a role in the Underground Railroad, sheltering escaped slaves on their way north to freedom. Hidden rooms and secret passages within the house lend credence to this theory, making it a site not only of historic significance—but of moral courage.
By the time the Civil War exploded across the landscape of Gettysburg in 1863, the Dobbin House had already been standing for nearly 90 years. And when war came to its doorstep, it didn’t stand idly by.
During the Battle of Gettysburg, the Dobbin House served a vital and grizzly role—it became a makeshift field hospital for wounded soldiers. Just a few hundred yards from where Union troops clashed with Confederate forces during the first day of the battle, the house was quickly converted into a triage center.
Blood-soaked soldiers filled the home from the basement to the attic. Dining tables became operating stations. Bedrooms became surgical suites. Amputated limbs were tossed from windows, and the cries of the wounded echoed through its thick stone walls. According to local accounts, the front lawn was so saturated with blood it remained stained long after the war.
It’s no wonder that the Dobbin House, after witnessing so much suffering and death, has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted locations in Gettysburg.
Today, the Dobbin House operates as a fine dining restaurant and colonial tavern—one of the most popular places to eat in town. But if you ask the staff (or even some diners), you’ll hear stories of strange occurrences, phantom figures, and unseen presences that suggest the house is never truly empty.
Let’s take a closer look at the ghostly residents believed to haunt this historic home.
One of the most commonly reported spirits is a woman dressed in a blue gown, often seen gliding silently through the upstairs rooms. She’s usually spotted near what would have been the bedrooms and hallways of the original house.
Some believe she may have been a nurse during the Civil War, or even a grieving mother searching for a child lost to the war. Witnesses describe her as peaceful, though deeply sad—often seen gazing out windows or vanishing into walls.
Guests and staff have reported the sounds of children laughing, whispering, or running down the stairs, even when no children are present. These ghostly youngsters may date back to the Dobbin family era or could be tied to the home’s use as a schoolhouse. Some psychics claim to have sensed the presence of multiple child spirits playing in the attic or hiding behind furniture in the dining areas.
Footsteps with no source, the sound of marbles rolling, and faint giggles have all been reported, especially after hours.
Another frequent ghostly guest is believed to be a wounded Union soldier, who may have died during the building’s time as a field hospital. He’s seen wandering the lower levels of the building, sometimes appearing near the basement stairs—where the darkest parts of the hospital operations once occurred.
Cold spots, sudden nausea, and even the sound of a man moaning in pain have been reported in this area. Some employees refuse to go into the basement alone after dark.
The Dobbin House is also known for mischievous and unexplained activity. Candles have blown out without wind, dishes have fallen from secure shelves, and doors often open and close on their own.
Staff members have told stories of hearing their name whispered when alone or feeling a tap on the shoulder with no one behind them. On especially active nights, guests have even asked to move tables or be seated elsewhere due to "a strange feeling" in the room.
Despite the ghost stories, the Dobbin House Tavern is one of Gettysburg’s most beloved historic restaurants, known for its candlelit colonial atmosphere and period-accurate menu. Whether you’re enjoying crab cakes in the main dining room or sipping Madeira wine by the fire, you’re stepping into a space that hasn’t changed much since the 1700s.
But be warned: if you’re sensitive to the paranormal, you may feel more than just a breeze behind you. Many diners report unexplained chills, a sense of being watched, or the sudden smell of antiseptic—believed to be a phantom remnant of its time as a hospital.
Located just a short walk from Gettysburg’s town center and right on the edge of the battlefield, the Dobbin House is easy to visit whether you’re coming for dinner, drinks, or just a peek into history. You can explore the historic rooms upstairs, including displays about its Civil War and Underground Railroad connections.
It’s open year-round, and reservations are recommended if you plan to dine—especially during busy seasons. Ghost sightings, however, require no reservation. They appear on their own schedule.
The Dobbin House Tavern is more than just a restaurant. It’s a living relic of American history—a place where Revolutionary ideals, Civil War sacrifice, and colonial life intersect. And if the ghost stories are to be believed, it's also home to spirits who never left.
For fans of the paranormal, the Dobbin House is a must-see stop in Gettysburg. Whether you're dining with ghosts or just hoping to catch a glimpse of the past, you’ll find that this historic home has more than a few stories still to tell.
Curious about Gettysburg’s haunted history? Take a ghost tour with Ghost City Tours and experience the stories, spirits, and secrets that bring this historic town to life after dark.
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