This Day in Haunted History-January

The year 2013 is a very special year for us here in West Virginia!  On June 20th, we’ll be celebrating 150 of statehood!  As a tribute to our Sesquicentennial year, I’ve decided to do something a little fun on the Theresa’s Haunted History Facebook fan page:  I’ve been taking the daily This Day in History facts from the WV Division of Culture and History and sharing any “haunted” history that may be related.  These posts accompany a link to a location on my blog that discusses the topic at hand.  Not all days will be represented…just the ones where I can justify a haunted history event!  Oh, and as I found out while doing these, there are some dates that have a haunted history connection…but I have yet to fully research and post them, so those will be omitted for right now.

Since Facebook has decided that I have to PAY in order to ensure that all my fans see my posts, I’ve decided to do monthly re-caps of the This Day in Haunted History Feature…just in case you’ve missed any.  The original text from the Division of Culture and History will be in italics, with my own commentary in normal font.  Please enjoy!

(WV Division of Culture and History “On This Day in WV History” master list)

January 3
On January 3, 1921, the State Capitol in Charleston was destroyed by fire.  Luckily, we got a beautiful, and haunted replacement!  WV’s State Capitol Building

January 4
On January 4, 1808, Harman Blennerhassett was released from prison after being found “not guilty” of treason for his role in the Aaron Burr conspiracy.  However, he’d lose his beautiful island home, which would fall into a state of disrepair.  His wife, Margaret, is still seen wandering the grounds of her former home, possibly guarding over the unmarked grave of her young child who was buried on the island.  Blennerhassett Island

January 5
The Cabell County community of Guyandotte was established on January 5, 1810. I actually have quite a few haunted locations listed for Guyandotte, but I think the cemetery is a good representation.  It was there at the founding of Guyandotte, holds many of its early citizens, and has some crazy haunted legends!  It’s also a favorite stop on our tours!  Guyandotte Cemetery

January 14
On January 14, 1873, Glenville Normal School opened with T. Marcellus Marshall as acting principal. It later became Glenville State College. In 1919 “Sis” Linn was murdered, leaving a legacy of ghost stories at the college.  Glenville State

January 15
This one wasn’t on the Division of Culture and History page, but I thought it was still relevant!  The Wells Inn turns 118 today, opening its doors for business on January 15th, 1895. The original proprietor, Ephraim Wells, is said to haunt the still prosperous inn, moving objects, messing with the elevator and slamming doors.  Wells Inn

January 18
On January 18, 1842, the Virginia General Assembly created Wayne County from part of Cabell County.  Today, the county is home to at least TWO haunted cemeteries, one of which was so bad that HPIR was called in to investigate!  Wayne County Cemeteries

January 21
Confederate General John McCausland of Mason County died on January 21, 1927. He was the second to last surviving Confederate General and left a quite unique, and quite haunted home, located on old Rt. 35 between Winfield and Pt. Pleasant. Visitors have reported footsteps and feelings of not being alone. Some attribute it to the old house with its unshielded wiring and EMF. Others claim that it is the spirit of McCausland protecting his home as he did in life, from the threat of those who didn’t take too kindly to the fact that he never signed an oath of allegiance to the Union!  McCausland Manor
 
January 28
On January 28, 1861, at a mass meeting held at the Greenbrier County Courthouse, Samuel Price was elected delegate to the Richmond Convention. This same courthouse is still standing, and is considered by locals to be haunted. Check out the terrifying experience by two young kids!  Greenbrier Courthouse