The Haunting of the McRaven House

Vicksburg, Warren County, Mississippi

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.

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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…

The Haunting of Anchuca Mansion

Anchuca Mansion – Warren County, Vicksburg, Mississippi

Photograph ©Anchuca Mansion Website

This lovely Greek-Revival style mansion was built in 1830 by J.W. Mauldin. Over the years the mansion changed hands quite a few times; each owner adding their own touches to it. Today the Anchuca Mansion is a bed and breakfast, a restaurant and tours are also given here.

The most well known apparition in this mansion is that of a woman dressed in period clothing. This entity has been seen by home owners and guests since 1966 and she is usually spotted in the parlor or the dining room.

Many guests at the Anchuca Mansion have also felt the presence of this female spirit, as well as, the presence of an unknown entity in the slave quarters.

During the Civil War, this home was converted into a make shift hospital and some of the men who suffered and died here are still hanging around. The apparitions of Civil War soldiers have also been seen roaming about this house, accompanied by flickering lights and footsteps.

Address:
1010 First East Street
Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183
(888) 686-0111
Website

The Haunting of King’s Tavern

King’s Tavern – Adams County, Natchez, Mississippi

Photograph ©Deep Fried Kudzu

Address:
619 Jefferson Street
Natchez, Mississippi 39120
(601) 446-8845


The King’s Tavern was built in the year of 1769 and is the oldest building standing in the town of Natchez. This tavern carries the look of most seventeenth century buildings; built with sun-dried bricks, beams that came from scrapped sailing ships originating from New Orleans and barge boards that came from flat river boats once they made their way down the Mississippi and were dismantled.

In 1789 a man named Richard King, bought the old house and moved his family into it. He named the building, The King’s Tavern, and turned it into an inn and tavern.

Mr. King’s business took off; catering to weary travelers, boatmen and sometimes outlaws. One of the outlaws to stay at the inn was “Big Harpe”, one of the infamous Harpe Brothers. Big Harpe while in a drunken rage, walked into another guests room and angrily took a crying infant from its mother. He then swung the baby by its ankles and slammed it into a wall, killing it instantly.

Another brutal murder to take place during this era was the murder of a young maid named Madeline. Apparently Madeline was hired by the King family as a server. Mr. King took a special liking to the young woman and carried on an affair with her. When Mrs. King found out about their secret, she, or someone she hired, killed Madeline and hid her body behind the bricks in the chimney wall, located in the main room of the tavern. The grisly discovery of Madeline’s remains was made in the 1930’s when a family purchased the home and began renovating. Also discovered in another chimney of the house was the remains of two men; the identities of these two men are a mystery. It was also during the times of these renovations that the paranormal activity began in the house.

Many people have claimed to see shadowy apparitions pass through staircases. The sounds of a baby crying have been heard coming from the attic area. Doors here have been witnessed to open and close on their own. Water faucets and lights turn on and off without any help from living hands. Jars have fallen off of shelves for no apparent reason. Water has actually been seen pouring from the ceiling area to the floor below, leaving no sign of a leak in the roof or the floor above. The chairs that are hanging on the wall are said to rock and move of their own accord. And perhaps the most odd report of all; the fire places are said to emit quite a bit of heat when no fire is burning in them!

The full-bodied, solid apparition of a young woman, believed to be that of Madeline, has appeared right in front of patrons and employees. Madeline is believed to be responsible for leaving footprints over freshly mopped floors in the inn. One employee had the shock of his life; while he was still mopping one of the rooms, a woman’s footprints began to appear on the wet floor and began heading straight for him!

The apparition of a man dressed in period clothing has also been seen wandering about the building. This man has also showed up in photographs taken by visitors standing near the fire place where the bodies of the two men were found, therefore, it is believed that he may be the restless spirit of one of these unfortunate men.

Some of the other, more aggressive happenings at the inn include: a sudden tightness or pressure in the neck, shoulders or chests and dishes being thrown at guests and staff members.

Today, the King’s Tavern still has many claims of the paranormal, as well as, sightings of apparitions.

The Haunting of the Chapel of the Cross

Chapel of the Cross – Madison County, Madison, Mississippi

Photograph ©CosmicRay’s

Built in 1855 by Margaret Johnston, this Gothic-style church and its cemetery is said to be haunted.

The apparition of a young woman has been spotted sitting by one of the tombstones crying. This seems to happen frequently and is believed to be a residual haunting.

Two apparitions of children have also been seen passing right through an iron gate, climbing up a tree and sitting there together before they vanish. This may also be residual.

Some of the other paranormal activity here includes: the pipe organ playing after the church has been locked up tight for the evening and frenzied laughing from some unseen entity.

One of the most disturbing occurrences here are the blood stains that continually reappear on the chapel floor after they are repeatedly cleaned up. Apparently, one of the former caretakers cut the head off of his wife and then he hung himself from the rafters inside the chapel. These reoccurring stains are thought to be a product of this murder.

Hauntings and paranormal aside, this church still has an active, living congregation who welcomes anyone who wishes to serve Christ. For more information, see their website is provided below.

Address:
674 Mannsdale Road
Madison, Mississippi 39110
(601) 856-2593
Website