Vicksburg, Warren County, Mississippi
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| Photo: Wikipedia |
Known as the “most haunted house in Mississippi,” the McRaven House in Vicksburg is not only one of the oldest structures in the state—it’s also one of the most paranormally active. This historic landmark has earned national attention for its layered past and eerie energy. Originally built in 1797 as a simple two-room structure, the home was expanded twice—once in the 1830s and again in the 1840s—each time leaving behind more history, tragedy, and lingering spirits.
During the Civil War, the McRaven House served as a Confederate hospital, and its proximity to fierce battles during the Siege of Vicksburg sealed its fate as a house of suffering. Soldiers died within its walls, and the energy of their pain and passing is said to linger still. Visitors report sudden cold spots, phantom footsteps, disembodied voices, and the scent of pipe smoke with no logical source.
But it’s not just war-torn souls who walk these halls. The spirit of Mary Elizabeth Howard, the young bride of Sheriff Stephen Howard (who owned the house in the 1830s), is believed to remain. She died in the home shortly after childbirth at just 15 years old. Her apparition is often seen near the nursery window, watching over what once was her child’s room. Guests have reported hearing a woman’s soft weeping and glimpsing a pale figure in period clothing.
Other reported spirits include a gardener from the 1800s, a Civil War soldier in uniform, and a man who appears to be Sheriff Howard himself, occasionally pacing the balcony as if still keeping watch over the property.
With so many centuries of human drama—birth, death, war, love, and loss—it’s no wonder that McRaven House is considered a paranormal hotbed. Paranormal investigators have flocked to it for decades, capturing chilling EVP recordings, shadowy figures, and sudden EMF spikes that defy explanation.
Whether you come for the Civil War history, the authentic antebellum architecture, or the whispers of the past… one thing is certain: McRaven House is not just a relic of Mississippi history. It’s alive with memories that refuse to fade.
Visitor Information
Address: 1445 Harrison St, Vicksburg, MS 39180
Phone: (601) 501-1336
Website: www.mcraven.com
Guided ghost tours and historic day tours are offered regularly. Check their website or call ahead to schedule your visit. Some say the spirits are more active at night…