The Tall Soldier of Indian Creek
A mysterious figure once haunted Indian Creek, in Wise County, Virginia. The phantom stood over seven feet tall and haunted everyone who passed his grave. The phantom has long been forgotten, but his story remains as compelling as it was a century ago. Origins Union forces camped at theContinue Reading
The Screaming Ghost of Powell’s River
The Powell River meanders through Wise and Lee Counties for around 80 miles, before it crosses into Tennessee. The headwaters of the Powell, in Wise County, are known for excellent fishing and swimming. Long ago, one legend often kept locals away. Eustace and Cornetta Adams lived near the “swimming hole”Continue Reading
Ghosts in Big Bull Tunnel
Big Bull Tunnel is a utilitarian fixture in Southwest Virginia. It’s never been an actual attraction, simply another train tunnel in Wise County. It’s difficult to believe the arched throughway has such a dark and mysterious history. Construction was so problematic, and so many mishaps followed, that many suspected theContinue Reading
The Cursed Well
The Holston Salt and Plaster Company reopened an old well on August 25, 1874. The shaft was made decades earlier, when locals attempted to find water. Residents dug around 120 feet down, but it was dry. They then dug another 130 feet into salt rock, but never found water. SinceContinue Reading
The Two Witches of Timber Tree
“Timber Tree” is a folksy name for a relatively isolated road that bridges the Gate City/Bristol Highway, in Virginia, with the Bloomingdale area of Kingsport, Tennessee. Few were as notorious as the Powell sisters of Scott County, Virginia. Moonshiners feared them and outlaws avoided them. The Powell sisters weren’t justContinue Reading
The Nocturnal Wayfarer
Col. John Murphy was a Civil War veteran when he became one of most notable hotel magnates in Richmond, Virginia. Few people knew the successful businessman was involved in a ghostly tale of his own. A well-dressed young man named Jones visited the Murphy Hotel in 1893. He had workedContinue Reading
The Black Mountain Triangle
The Bermuda Triangle has puzzled researchers for centuries. Many people are surprised to learn the Appalachians likewise have areas known for unexplained events, disappearances, and a plethora of oddities. The Black Mountain range, on the Virginia-Kentucky border, is one such area. No precise record for the Black Mountain events isContinue Reading
The Mystery of the Franklin House
For almost a century, the Franklin House, also known as the Franklin Hotel, was a structural staple in Richmond, Virginia. The 100-room building was given such accolades as Richmond’s “largest boarding house” and “best furnished boarding house.” The establishment housed many guests during its history, but life wasn’t always successful.Continue Reading
The Mine’s Vengeful Wraith
An old southwest Virginia mine operator visited a historic tavern in Richmond. He loved the hustle and modern life in the city. It was the 1890s and he was well into his golden years. He ordered a drink and soon curious regulars directed the conversation to life in the mines.Continue Reading
The Featherbed Ghost
Dances were a common fixture of Appalachian life well into the early Dances were a common fixture of Appalachian life well into the early Twentieth Century. They were a form of entertainment, as well as a public forum to discuss community events and efforts. Everyone danced, feasted, and sang untilContinue Reading