In the misty mountain region of western Maryland, where the Appalachians surround the town of Oakland like ancient protectors, stands a striking Romanesque Revival building that commands both reverence and curiosity—the Garrett County Courthouse. At first glance, this historic site might appear to be just another government building, but beneath its slate-tiled roofs and amidst its red sandstone walls lies a history rich with trials, triumphs, and more than a whisper of the paranormal. For seasoned ghost hunters and amateur explorers alike, the courthouse offers a unique blend of historical intrigue and supernatural speculation that makes it one of Maryland’s lesser-known but undoubtedly haunted destinations.
The History
Founding of Garrett County and the Courthouse’s Construction
Garrett County, Maryland’s westernmost county, was officially established in 1872, carved from Allegany County during the height of post-Civil War industrial growth. The region, known for its rugged terrain and nearby Deep Creek Lake, needed a governmental center that embodied its newfound autonomy. That function would be fulfilled by the Garrett County Courthouse, which was constructed just a few years later in 1907–1908 in the heart of Oakland, the county seat.
The courthouse was designed by James Riely Gordon, a prominent architect famed for his Romanesque courthouses throughout the American South. Built of locally sourced deep red sandstone, the structure is a stunning example of its architectural style, complete with arched windows, a steep slate roof, and a four-faced clock tower that faces each corner of the square it dominates. The interior boasts oak woodwork, stained glass features, and winding staircases that give a cinematic air to even the quietest moments inside.
Justice and Local Lore through the Decades
For more than a century, the Garrett County Courthouse has served as the center of legal affairs, seeing countless civil and criminal proceedings. It has watched the town of Oakland evolve—from a lumber and railroad hub to a tranquil retreat known for outdoor recreation and historical charm. The courthouse has outlasted world wars, Prohibition, and major political shifts while remaining a steadfast symbol of law and order.
But it wasn’t just local news that echoed through these halls. Over time, the courthouse became woven into the cultural tapestry of Garrett County—its trials and scandals whispered about for generations. Some of the more dramatic cases, including heated land disputes and bootlegging hearings from the Prohibition era, are said to have left emotional imprints behind—imprints that, some say, have never truly faded.
A Living Landmark
Today, the courthouse is still in use, housing the Circuit Court for Garrett County. Its preserved architecture has earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, making it not only a center of justice but also a key destination for history buffs touring Maryland. Visitors walking through its halls often remark on the thick air of memory that seems to linger, as if the stories of the past are just waiting for someone to listen in.
The Haunt
Ghost Stories and Local Legends
The Garrett County Courthouse may look stoic on the outside, but reports from long-time staff, nighttime passersby, and even a few curious investigators tell a more chilling story once the sun goes down. The building is rumored to be one of Western Maryland’s haunted hot spots. While no official public paranormal investigations have been documented by local government authorities, the whispers of haunted hallways and phantom footsteps refuse to die down.
One of the most commonly reported phenomena involves the sound of footsteps echoing up and down the grand staircase long after the courthouse has been locked up for the night. Security officers have reported hearing muffled voices—conversations too indistinct to understand but too deliberate to dismiss. Motion sensors placed in empty rooms have been triggered without explanation, and cold spots in otherwise warm areas further pique eerie curiosity.
The Specter on the Staircase
One of the more persistent legends tied to the courthouse involves the ghost of a man presumed to have been wrongfully convicted in the early 20th century. Folklore doesn’t supply his name, but locals refer to him simply as “The Sentenced.” He was accused of a crime he swore he didn’t commit—some say a theft, others hint at murder—and was allegedly sentenced right there in the courtroom.
Since then, courthouse staff have reported glimpses of a man in early 1900s attire standing at the top of the main staircase, staring silently at the courtroom doors as if still pleading for justice. When startled witnesses turn to look again, he always vanishes.
Energy Residue from a Century of Trials
Many paranormal investigators believe that courthouses are prime locations for residual hauntings—emotions imprinted into space from the intense energy of pivotal life moments like trials, sentencing, and long-awaited verdicts. Considering its 100+ years of courtroom drama, the Garrett County Courthouse is a textbook site for this type of spiritual occurrence. Whether from anguish, triumph, relief, or injustice, it’s not hard to imagine some of those intense feelings seeping into the very bricks and wood of this courthouse.
Several psychics who have toured the area mention feeling heavy emotions in specific corners of the courthouse, especially near the cells in the basement where those awaiting trial were once held. One psychic described it as “a pressure in the chest, as if the walls themselves were holding their breath.” Other local ghost hunter groups have reported EBPs (electronic voice phenomena) when recording overnight near the old holding rooms. Though nothing conclusive has been captured, accounts remain consistent: something, or someone, remains.
Conclusion: For the Bold and the Curious
Whether you’re a history enthusiast fascinated by architectural beauty and civic heritage or a ghost hunter with a passion for reaching beyond the veil, the Garrett County Courthouse offers a compelling destination worth exploring. Its striking appearance, rich past, and mysterious happenings fuse into a must-visit location for anyone chasing stories of the unseen.
For those interested in exploring the paranormal, we recommend visiting during one of Oakland’s annual events such as the Autumn Glory Festival to get a sense of the courthouse within the rhythm of town life. While official ghost tours are not conducted at the building (yet!), a respectful night walk around its perimeter can still get the goosebumps going. And if you’re very lucky—or perhaps very brave—maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of The Sentenced watching from the stairs, reminding us all that history never really dies.
So grab your gear, light your EMF readers, and tread lightly. The Garrett County Courthouse is waiting. Will you answer the call?