If you’ve ever found yourself driving through the moss-draped streets of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and felt an eerie chill in the air, it’s not just in your head. Nestled along Harrison Street, the McRaven House stands like a shadowed relic of centuries past—steeped in Southern Gothic charm and haunted whispers. Known to many as the “Time Capsule of the South,” this historic home isn’t just one of the oldest surviving residences in Mississippi—it’s also one of the most haunted. For history lovers, ghost hunters, and curious travelers alike, a visit to McRaven House promises rich American lore, tragic tales, and perhaps even an encounter with the other side.
The History
Three Eras of Architecture—Three Layers of the Past
The McRaven House isn’t just one single architectural style—it’s a living, creaking chronicle of American design evolution. Built in three distinct phases spanning from 1797 to 1860, McRaven reflects the interior and exterior design of each period. Step across the threshold, and you’re stepping through time.
- 1797 Frontier Section: The original two-room brick structure was built by Andrew Glass, a notorious highwayman who lived—and died—by the blade. Local legend holds that he was murdered in the home during a failed robbery. This early construction reflects a no-frills frontier style typical of the era.
- 1836 Greek Revival Addition: Sheriff Stephen Howard purchased the home and transformed it with Greek Revival stylings, added a dining room and rear porch, and began including more refined millwork. He also laid to rest his young wife Mary Elizabeth within its grounds after a tragic and sudden death.
- 1849 Italianate Expansion: Finally, John H. Bobb expanded the house with Italianate flair, including a grand staircase, parlor, and master suite. Bobb, a Confederate supporter during the Civil War, met a tragic end himself when Union soldiers seized and ultimately murdered him inside the home in 1864.
This unique blend of architecture isn’t just aesthetically impressive. It allows modern-day visitors a rare glimpse into the evolving lifestyle, culture, and turbulent history of pre-Civil War Mississippi. Every creaky floorboard, peeling wallpaper strip, and soot-darkened fireplace tells a story—from life on the lawless frontier to the refined domesticity of the Antebellum South.
The Civil War and the Siege of Vicksburg
Vicksburg was a crucial stronghold during the Civil War, and the McRaven House found itself directly impacted by the conflict. As Union troops laid siege to Vicksburg in 1863, the town was under continuous bombardment. Residents of homes like McRaven were forced into makeshift shelters or fled the city entirely. John H. Bobb refused to abandon his home and openly resisted the Union occupation. His spirited defiance eventually led to his murder by Union soldiers after he ordered his servants to deny them entry.
Following the war and Bobb’s death, the house would pass through several hands, yet the strange energy tied to its wartime tragedies and personal losses never seemed to leave. In a town full of pain, loss, and lingering spirits, McRaven stood at the epicenter—a silent witness to it all.
Preservation and Recognition
In the 20th century, the McRaven House was acquired by preservationists who recognized its architectural and historical importance. Restoration efforts aimed to maintain authenticity—down to preserving handmade nails and original glass window panes. Thanks to their efforts, McRaven is not only listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but has also achieved recognition by many as the “most haunted house in Mississippi.”
Today, McRaven House operates as a museum, offering historical tours during the day and ghost tours in the evening. Tour guides dress in period costume, heightening the immersive experience—as though the centuries have never quite left the house behind.
The Haunt
The Spirits That Never Left
With so many lives passing through—and ending—within its walls, it’s little surprise that McRaven House has gained a supernatural reputation. In fact, it has been investigated numerous times by paranormal experts and featured in shows such as Ghost Adventures and Haunted Towns.
According to local lore and visitor accounts, there are at least five spirits known to haunt McRaven. Each represents a different era and tragedy in the home’s long, storied past:
- Mary Elizabeth Howard – Perhaps the house’s most famous spirit, Mary Elizabeth died from complications following childbirth in 1836. She’s known to appear in her former bedroom, sometimes smiling or looking out the window. Guests report sensing maternal energy and catching the faint scent of lavender when she’s nearby.
- John H. Bobb – The spirit of the Confederate loyalist who was murdered by Union troops is said to be less peaceful. Visitors have reported cold spots, angry whispers, and even objects being moved during night tours—signs often attributed to Bobb’s lingering presence.
- The Highwayman Andrew Glass – The home’s original builder was stabbed to death in the home after a life of crime. His is a darker energy, often associated with sudden feelings of dread and discomfort in the original 1797 section.
- Unidentified Civil War Soldiers – Perhaps drawn by its strategic significance during the war, multiple spirits in military uniforms have been spotted in and around the property, particularly on the grounds and near the kitchen outbuilding.
- A Young Girl – A lesser-known spirit believed to be a victim of illness during the 1800s. Witnesses claim to have heard giggles, soft footsteps, and seen a small figure darting between rooms.
Paranormal Investigations and Technology
For amateur and professional ghost hunters alike, McRaven House offers fertile ground for paranormal research. EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) have been successfully captured in the upper bedrooms and dining room. Shadow figures have appeared on infrared cameras, and even skeptics have reported feeling unexplained chills and being touched when no one else was nearby.
McRaven staff welcome those interested in the paranormal, often hosting ghost-hunting events where participants bring their own equipment. Whether you’re a seasoned investigator with EMF meters and spirit boxes or a curious guest with an iPhone voice recorder, there’s no shortage of eerie phenomena to detect.
Testimonials From Believers and Skeptics
Many visitors say they didn’t believe in ghosts—until they visited McRaven House. Here are just a few common comments found in the guest log:
“Heard a disembodied voice call my name twice in the stairwell. No one else around.” – R.J., New Orleans
“Saw a figure in the upstairs window… only to be told that wing was locked and unoccupied.” – Keisha S., Memphis
“Our EMF detector went wild in Mary Elizabeth’s room. We caught a mist on camera we still can’t explain.” – Paranormal Mississippi Team
Surprisingly few guests leave feeling threatened. Instead, the recurring sentiment seems to be this: the spirits in McRaven are watching, waiting, and perhaps telling their stories in the only way they know how.
Why You Should Explore McRaven House
If you’re a ghost hunter, history buff, or supernatural enthusiast, McRaven House is a must-visit destination. It isn’t just about jump scares or spooky legends—this house is a tangible connection to the past, layered with personal tragedy, Civil War turmoil, and colonial mystery. You don’t just explore McRaven; you experience time itself.
Whether you choose a guided historical tour under the afternoon sun or bravely sign up for a ghost tour after dark, your visit is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. So pack your gear, clear your EMF meters, and bring your curiosity—because the spirits of McRaven are eager to say hello.
Plan Your Visit
- Location: 1445 Harrison St, Vicksburg, MS 39180
- Tour Hours: Vary seasonally—check the official McRaven House website for current schedules
- Day Tours: Historical tours offered all week
- Night Tours & Ghost Hunts: Reservations recommended
Time stands still at the McRaven House—and if you listen closely, it might just speak to you.