Famous Haunts 14 | Page 1 | Polling for Gold | Guild Forums

amadrya

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Posted: Sat Oct 28, 2006 7:30 pm

Originally constructed in 1819, Fort Monroe has the reputation of being one of the most haunted locations on the eastern seaboard. The last fort to be fully enclosed by a moat, the military base saw its completion in 1834 on what was then known as Old Point Comfort. Though it currently houses the headquarters of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, the ghosts of those who were stationed behind its massive stone walls still roam its hallowed corridors.

The spirits of Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses Grant are said to be present at the fort. The spirit of the great Sauk Chief Black Hawk, who negotiated the Treaty of St. Louis and led his people in the opening campaigns of the Black Hawk War, is said to roam the old fortress. Black Hawk was imprisoned here after his capture by Sioux braves, and it is said that his mournful cries can still be heard.

The President of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis, was held prisoner at Fort Monroe in 1865. He spent much of his time chained at the wrists and ankles, and was repeatedly abused and humiliated by his Northern captors. Visitors were not allowed, and he was made to beg for food and water. His health rapidly declined. After word of his mistreatment made its way to the ears of President Andrew Jackson, Davis was visited by officials from Washington who took custody of him and transferred him out of the fort where he received medical attention. It is said that the ghost of Davis can be seen in his cell. He also haunts the passageways in the holding area of the fort. The unexplained rattling of chains is also attributed to his ghost. Within the fortress is and area known as "Ghost Alley".

Three spirits are known to call this area home. One of them is the often-sighted Woman in White, still roaming the building long after her demise. It is said that the young woman was murdered by a Captain she had married, and that her spirit is doomed to restlessness. Another spirit haunts one of the Officer's Quarters in "Ghost Alley". The spirit of a child has also been seen playing in the area. Childish giggles are heard, and other children playing in the family quarters of "Ghost Alley" report having a friend that they play with, yet none ever see him.