In a town filled with historic charm and lingering spirits, the Doubleday Inn offers something truly unique: it's the only bed & breakfast located directly on the Gettysburg Battlefield itself. Surrounded by monuments, cannon placements, and open fields where the fate of a nation was decided, this quiet, unassuming inn offers guests more than just a place to stay—it offers a direct connection to the past. And according to many who have stayed here, the past isn't resting.
We take a lot of pride in finding haunted locations where history still breathes—and sometimes, still walks. The Doubleday Inn is one of those rare places where you can experience both comfort and the chilling sense that you're not alone.
A House Built on Hallowed Ground
The Doubleday Inn takes its name from Union General Abner Doubleday, a commanding officer during the Battle of Gettysburg and the man often credited (incorrectly) with inventing baseball. The house itself was built much later, in the early 20th century, but it sits on one of the most historically active pieces of land from the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg—Oak Ridge, near the site of the famed Iron Brigade's engagement with advancing Confederate forces.
Though the structure didn't exist during the 1863 battle, the land beneath it soaked in blood, agony, and the energy of thousands of dying men. Guests who stay at the inn aren't just steps away from history—they're sleeping directly atop it.
Surrounded by monuments to the 17th Pennsylvania, 56th Pennsylvania, and other Union units, the Doubleday Inn occupies ground that saw fierce fighting. Bodies once littered the fields where today's guests sip morning coffee. And for some visitors, those bodies never fully left.
Ghosts of the Doubleday Inn
Despite its peaceful setting and welcoming hosts, the Doubleday Inn has become a hot spot for ghost hunters, paranormal investigators, and curious guests hoping to experience something beyond the normal.
From phantom footsteps in empty hallways to unseen presences in guest rooms, reports of paranormal activity are frequent, consistent, and well-documented.
One of the most commonly reported apparitions is that of a Union soldier, often described as having piercing blue eyes and wearing a tattered uniform. He's typically seen standing near the windows, gazing out toward the battlefield—perhaps still on watch, or perhaps forever caught in a final moment before death.
Guests have claimed to lock eyes with him in the reflection of the glass, only to turn around and find no one there.
With the home surrounded by open battlefield, many visitors report hearing the sound of marching boots, even at night. The rhythmic stomp of soldiers moving in formation has been heard coming from outside the windows—or, in some cases, directly above a guest's room, even when no one is staying upstairs.
Staff have also reported hearing shuffling footsteps and doors opening and closing when the building was empty.
One of the most eerie but consistent paranormal phenomena at the Doubleday Inn is the unmistakable smell of gunpowder—lingering in the air without warning or explanation. Guests have described waking in the middle of the night to the scent, or noticing it as they step out onto the lawn, even on still, humid days.
Some believe it's a residual haunting, a moment in time replaying itself through smell—one of the most primal senses.
Paranormal investigators who visit the inn often report anomalies in their equipment—from EMF spikes to drained batteries. Several have captured EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) featuring whispers, faint cries, and one especially chilling clip of a male voice saying, "Hold the line…"
While the inn does not promote itself aggressively as a haunted destination, the volume and consistency of these experiences have earned it a place on many serious investigators' must-visit lists.
Staying at the Doubleday Inn
The Doubleday Inn is not a museum or a gimmick—it's a fully operational bed & breakfast with modern comforts, scenic views, and unmatched battlefield access. What makes it truly special is the combination of warm hospitality with genuine historical immersion. Guests can walk directly from the porch onto battlefield land, follow the same paths soldiers marched, and reflect at the monuments that surround the property.
If you're a history lover, this inn offers an unforgettable stay. If you're a paranormal enthusiast, it might just be the most haunted night of your life.
Even those who come in as skeptics often leave with a story they can't quite explain.
Our Haunted Take
The Doubleday Inn is more than just a place to sleep in Gettysburg—it's a front-row seat to the lingering legacy of the Civil War. With spirits that may still roam the battlefield, and a location that places you right where the action once thundered, this inn offers something that few others can: a chance to live inside history, and maybe even hear from it.
If you're looking for a haunted place to stay in Gettysburg, especially one with a deep connection to the battlefield itself, the Doubleday Inn should be at the top of your list.
General Doubleday's spirit continues his inspections at the inn
A phantom artillery officer still observes the battlefield
A wounded soldier from the 56th Pennsylvania seeks help
A ghostly sentry maintains eternal guard duty
