Must-Visit Spooky Spots in Brooke County, WV
With fall upon us, it’s the perfect time to start telling spooky stories around the campfire. Many of these stories may feature locations that you’ve never visited, but may be closer than you think. Brooke County, West Virginia, is steeped in history and legend, making it a perfect spot for those intrigued by the paranormal.
Bethany College
Among Brooke County’s most notable sites is Bethany College, the oldest institution of higher learning in the state. The college not only boasts a rich educational legacy but also a plethora of eerie tales that haunt its halls and grounds.
One of the most haunting tales at this location involves an unnamed female student who, overcome by homesickness, reportedly leapt from the clock tower. Her spirit is said to appear at the top of the tower precisely at the time of her death, offering a chilling reminder of her sorrow. Phillips Hall, another prominent building on campus, is rumored to be haunted by a young woman named Sarah. Sightings of a sailor climbing the building’s drainpipe add another layer to the ghostly lore, suggesting that Sarah may not be alone in her spectral wanderings.
Alexander Campbell’s Mansion and God’s Acre Cemetery
Just outside of town lies the historic mansion of Alexander Campbell, the founder of Bethany College. Campbell’s spirit, along with that of one of his sons, is said to linger within the mansion’s walls. The nearby God’s Acre Cemetery, also known as Campbell Cemetery, serves as the final resting place for Campbell and his family. Dating back nearly two centuries, the cemetery is enclosed by a four-foot stone wall that has no opening, constructed after Campbell’s death, which some believe traps the spirits of those buried within. Visitors to God’s Acre may hear strange sounds, which many attribute to the restless spirits of Campbell’s relatives.
The Wellsburg-Bethany Trolley and Ghost Hollow
In the early 20th century, the Wellsburg-Bethany Trolley provided transportation between the two towns, traversing narrow tunnels and high viaducts. One such viaduct crosses a deep hollow, rumored to be the home of a ghost. According to local lore, a man who stepped off the trolley during an electrical outage fell to his death and now roams the lush landscape in the afterlife. Additionally, the legend of the “Lady of the Lake” circulates from Bethany College to the old Ghost Hollow viaduct. This eerie figure, clad in white, is said to roam the area searching for her beau who never returned from battle during the Civil War.
Perhaps the oldest tale associated with this region is that of a Native American chief, who mourns the loss of his ancestral lands to settlers. His wails can supposedly be heard through the trees, a haunting reminder of a tragic past. The area around Ghost Hollow has long captivated the imagination. Though some may dismiss these tales as mere folklore, the allure of the supernatural continues to draw adventurous souls to Brooke County.
Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or simply looking for a thrilling adventure, Brooke County offers an array of spooky sites to explore. From the haunted halls of Bethany College to the somber atmosphere of God’s Acre Cemetery, the region is rich with stories that evoke both wonder and fear. So, gather up your courage, and set out to uncover the ghostly secrets waiting in the shadows of Brooke County!
