I love looking up places near me that are rumored to be haunted, and since Halloween is just a few weeks away, here are some places that are rumored to be haunted near/around Harrisonburg, Virginia. Guests can spend the night at any of these inns, or if you're brave enough, you can decide to rent an apartment in a converted insane asylum.
1. Virginia Quilt Museum
Built in 1856, this building originally served as a Civil War hospital for wounded confederate soldiers. Visitors have reported seeing the apparition of a confederate soldier on the second floor.
2.By the Side of the Road Bed and Breakfast
This 1789 house sits just 2.6 miles away from James Madison University, and also served as a Civil War Hospital. Rumor has it that Union soldiers tried to set fire to this house, but for some reason it just wouldn't burn down. Visitors to the Bed and Breakfast have reported a wide array of ghostly noises both at night and during the day.
3. Ubon Thai Victorian Inn
In Staunton Virginia, just outside of Harrisonburg, sits this inn that is said to be haunted by a spirit by the name of Mrs. Bagsby. She is said to haunt room number seven, and has been known to manipulate the hot water in a room of a guest she doesn't like. There have been reporting of this spirit in this inn since the 1800s.
4. Western State Hospital/ DeJarnette Building
Western State Hospital was a resort-style insane asylum built in the 1820s. In 1905, it was taken over by Dr. Joseph Dejarnette (a well-known supporter of eugenics) under which rumors of tortured patient were rampant. In the 1970s, the building was converted to the Staunton Correctional Center, and most recently, The Villages at Staunton Condominiums. Before this building was converted to condominiums, I remember driving by it as a little girl and being so creeped out by its appearance. The building is large, and it looks as creepy as you think it would. Unsurprisingly, there are many rumors of apparitions, strange noises, and strange occurrences.
