The Haunted Farnsworth House

Built: 1810 (expanded in 1830s)

Owned by: The Sweeney family during the Civil War

Role in the Battle: Confederate sniper post, field hospital

Famous Ghosts: Confederate soldier, Mary the mourner, child spirit, The Smiling Man

Paranormal Hotspots: Attic, Sara Black Room, hallways

The Farnsworth House Inn was built in 1810, originally as a private residence, and was later expanded in the 1830s. The brick building—still bearing bullet holes from the Civil War—is an architectural time capsule, featuring much of its original structure and charm. By the time of the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, it was owned by the Sweeney family, local residents whose home was soon commandeered by Confederate sharpshooters.

The house's proximity to the town center made it a strategic position during the battle. Confederate soldiers used the attic as a sniper's perch, with a clear line of sight down Baltimore Street. From that vantage point, they fired on Union troops and civilians alike. Local lore even suggests that a stray bullet fired from the Farnsworth House was responsible for the death of Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg.

After the fighting subsided, the house—like many in the area—served as a makeshift hospital. Amputations, death, and unimaginable suffering took place within its walls, leaving behind more than just bloodstains.

With its deep history and connection to death, it's no surprise the Farnsworth House is crawling with spirits. Guests, staff, and investigators have reported dozens of paranormal occurrences—many tied directly to the events of 1863. The house even offers ghost tours and haunted rooms, fully embracing its spectral residents.

Here are some of the most well-known ghosts believed to haunt the Farnsworth House:

1. The Confederate Sharpshooter: In the attic, the ghost of a Confederate soldier still lingers. He's often heard pacing above the guest rooms, his footsteps echoing through the night. Some guests have even reported the feeling of being watched from above, especially in the middle of the night.

2. Mary, the Mourning Mother: One of the most frequently seen apparitions is a woman in mourning, believed to be a spirit named Mary. She's often seen clutching a handkerchief, quietly weeping in the hallway or appearing near windows. Some believe she's mourning a child lost during the war.

3. The Child Spirit: Speaking of children, many guests have heard the sound of a young boy giggling or playing on the stairs—despite no children being present. Some even report feeling a slight tug on their clothes, as if a small hand were trying to get their attention.

4. The Smiling Man: One particularly eerie spirit has been dubbed "The Smiling Man." He appears in the shadows of rooms, most often the Sara Black Room, smiling silently at guests before disappearing into thin air. Multiple visitors have described the same figure—suggesting this isn't just imagination running wild.

Guests who have stayed at the Farnsworth House often leave with stories of strange sounds, disembodied voices, and objects moving on their own. One of the most common experiences is the sound of someone walking the halls at night—boots echoing on the wooden floors—even when no one else is around.

Others report flickering lanterns, lights turning off and on, or doors that seem to open themselves. One guest shared a chilling tale of waking up to find an old-fashioned figure standing at the foot of the bed, only to vanish the moment she turned on the light.

Numerous EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) recordings have been captured within the inn, including clear whispers and phrases like "Get out" and "He's watching." Paranormal investigators from around the country flock to the Farnsworth House for this reason—it consistently delivers activity.

If you're planning a trip to Gettysburg and want to stay somewhere with real ghosts, not just ghost stories, the Farnsworth House should be at the top of your list. It's widely considered the most haunted place to sleep in town—and perhaps one of the most haunted inns in America.

Not only does it offer charming, period-accurate accommodations, but it also gives you a chance to literally sleep where history happened—and where spirits still roam. Whether you're a seasoned ghost hunter or simply looking to add a little thrill to your trip, the Farnsworth House delivers.

And if you need even more of a ghost fix, our Gettysburg Ghost Tours are the perfect companion to your haunted stay. We'll guide you through the darkest corners of town, where the past lingers and the dead are never far away.