Ghost Tour of Alexandria VA
Spooks or Kooks – you decide with Alexandria's Footsteps to the Past
Slap on your walking shoes, gird up your courage and hit the bricks - literally - as you travel through centuries of spirits in Old Town Alexandria.
Anyone, dead or alive, would have a difficult time NOT seeing guide Chris, with Alexandria's Footsteps to the Past, as he stands on the porch of the William Ramsey House. Wearing bright red 18th century garb he seems to defy any specter, from a distant time, from mischief making. Not that he will give a definitive answer on the subject of ghosts and the supernatural – but after taking the hour-long tour it is difficult for even the greatest disbeliever to doubt them completely.
As one of Colonial America’s most important port cities – mainly for Virginia’s tobacco crop - Alexandria has a past rich in history and colorful characters. The latter seems to have a tough time leaving the area.
Case in point is Mr. Ramsey himself - one of the original Scottish settlers. His house - now used as Alexandria's Visitors Center - was once a mere fraction of its current size. But that has not kept the former owner from returning. It seems although his time on earth was filled with land speculation and merchandising his afterlife is consumed with an eternal roving. Why? One answer came from his Anglo Saxon wife burying his Celtic remains in a Church of England cemetery. The proud Highlander has been on the move ever since.
Nearby former neighbors are also known – even to modern residents and visitors – for their spiritual wandering and occasional unearthly screaming. Without giving away any secrets just remember to ask about a bride and a fireplace.
While America’s early beginnings are reflected in present day Alexandria, the Civil War was an important chapter in time’s past.
July 21, 1861 was a day when Union troops and onlookers, all in a festive spirit, journeyed from Washington DC to nearby Bull Run (Manasses VA) for the supposed one day battle between the States. In the ensuing blood and confusion the wounded of both sides were stacked up, like cordwood, on the front yard and dirt street of Alexandria's Mansion House Hotel. The horror remained with many for years to come.
Since the advent of photography – people have captured unusual orbs of light by the site. Are they film flaws or restless ghosts?
A common saying in Old Town, regarding regular hauntings is when an apartment or storefront's lease runs out – so do the tenants.
One habitat, with a revolving door, is on Cameron Street.
Sufficient to say a thief, a restaurant, a cook and a big pot was involved. And in the end – as the old adage states – crime does not pay.
Historic Gadsby’s Tavern has its share of spooks too. Here a mystery remains to this day. The identity of the woman who disembarked, with her husband, from an overseas ship. She was so ill that the front bedroom at the tavern was utilized for her final illness. Shortly before her untimely death she confided to several local citizens her true identity. In respect her name was never shared with the public. Was she a runaway queen or a fugitive on the lam? The only thing we know is her sad wan face can still be seen occasionally gazing down on the busy street below.
Alexandria is one very spirited city.
