Nestled in the heart of historic Vicksburg, Mississippi, the Duff Green Mansion is more than just a picturesque antebellum home—it’s a place where history and the paranormal coexist. With its grand columns, ornate interiors, and sprawling verandas, this 19th-century mansion captures the imaginations of both history buffs and ghost hunters alike. Behind the charm lies a fascinating past marked by Civil War struggles, evolving purposes, and, if accounts are to be believed, lingering spirits. If you’re drawn to locales that blend Southern elegance with mysterious hauntings, the Duff Green Mansion should be on your travel radar.
The History
Antebellum Aspirations
The Duff Green Mansion was constructed in 1856 by cotton broker Duff Green as a lavish wedding gift for his bride, Mary Lake. At the time, Vicksburg was flourishing, and Green spared no expense in building what would become one of the most opulent homes in the city. With architecture reflecting Greek Revival splendor, the mansion was designed as a social hub, perfect for hosting elaborate gatherings, balls, and high-society events.
However, the Greens would not enjoy their opulent lifestyle for long. Just a few years later, the tumult of the Civil War descended upon Vicksburg, altering the fate of the city—and the mansion itself—forever.
Wartime Hospital
During the Siege of Vicksburg in 1863, the Union Army relentlessly bombarded the city, leading to massive civilian and structural damage. Duff Green was deeply patriotic and reportedly offered his home for use as a Confederate hospital. This decision would transform the mansion into a place of both healing and sorrow. With its tall ceilings and spacious rooms, the home was well-suited for the task, and it soon teemed with injured soldiers—some of whom would never leave.
Interestingly, news spread that the mansion was functioning as a hospital, and General Ulysses S. Grant himself supposedly gave the order that the home not be targeted out of respect for its nursing role. Despite this protection, the trauma and death that filled the house during this time would leave lasting impressions—some say, even after death.
Post-War Transitions and Near Destruction
After the war, the Duff Green Mansion changed hands many times, serving over the decades as a boys’ orphanage, Red Cross headquarters during World War II, and even apartments in the mid-20th century. Neglect and age took their toll, and for a time, the mansion stood in a state of near ruin.
Thankfully, in the 1980s, a massive restoration effort brought the home back to life. Today, it functions as a charming bed and breakfast, offering guests historic lodgings with all the character—and possibly the spirits—of a bygone era.
The Haunt
As with any location that has seen as much life—and death—as the Duff Green Mansion, ghost stories are not only abundant but eerily convincing. Whether you’re an armchair ghost enthusiast or a seasoned paranormal investigator, the mansion offers a tantalizing blend of folklore and firsthand accounts.
The Doctor’s Room: Echoes of Pain
Perhaps the most active room in the mansion is the one used as the surgical suite during its time as a hospital. Guests and staff alike have reported strange temperature drops, fleeting shadows, and even the sound of moaning—especially during the witching hours of 2 a.m. to 4 a.m.
More chilling still, phantom footsteps and metallic clinks (reminiscent of surgical tools) have been heard in the hallway leading up to the room. Some guests have even awoken with the sensation of being touched, as if by an unseen nurse checking on patients from another era.
The Cries from the Nursery
Another disturbing locale in the mansion is what was once the nursery. This room has garnered reports of supernatural activity that include unexplained cold spots, playful giggles, and the unmistakable sound of a baby crying—despite no infants being present in the building.
Some paranormal experts believe that the spirits of children, possibly from the mansion’s time as an orphanage or from lost young civilians during the war, still make their presence known here. EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) recorded in this room have captured whispering and giggling that could not be explained by any present guests or staff.
Lady in Waiting: A Feminine Presence
A recurring spectral figure often spotted is that of a woman, believed by some to be Mary Green herself or perhaps a wartime nurse who still watches over the sick and wounded. She is often seen in a long dress, gliding silently through hallways or gently ascending the grand staircase.
Those who have seen her describe a peaceful, if somewhat mournful presence. Paranormal investigations have occasionally picked up EMF (electromagnetic field) fluctuations and sudden battery drainage in parts of the mansion where she is said to appear.
Paranormal Investigations and Tours
The Duff Green Mansion occasionally opens its doors to paranormal tours and investigations, making it a must-visit for ghost hunters. Teams using infrared cameras, spirit boxes, and dowsing rods have documented several instances of unexplained activity—ranging from orbs and apparitions to compelling audio captured during spirit box sessions.
Most investigators agree that whatever haunts the mansion is not malicious—rather, it seems the spirits are attached to the history and simply refuse to leave the place they once called home.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re chasing shadows or just seeking a night in one of Mississippi’s grandest historic homes, the Duff Green Mansion delivers on charm and chills alike. Rooms are beautifully restored, with period-appropriate furnishings and enough ambiance to transport you back to the 1800s. Located within walking distance of Vicksburg’s historic town center, the mansion also makes a perfect home base for exploring the city’s Civil War history, museums, and antebellum architecture.
For paranormal enthusiasts, booking an overnight stay is your best chance at encountering the unexplained. Come prepared with your ghost hunting gear—many have left with more than just memories. Who knows? You may find that you’re not the only one wandering the halls after midnight.
Are you brave enough to spend the night at the Duff Green Mansion?