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Hidden among the lush, tree-lined roads of Charles City County, Virginia, just a short drive from Williamsburg and Richmond, lies a stately brick mansion steeped in both Civil War history and spectral lore — Edgewood Plantation. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of Southern architecture, or someone who lives for that next spine-tingling paranormal experience, this spot is your next must-visit destination. Edgewood’s antebellum charm is only matched by the ghostly tales that echo through its halls, making it one of Virginia’s most intriguing haunted sites. Ready to step back in time — and maybe catch a spirit or two along the way? Welcome to Edgewood Plantation.
The History
Origins of Edgewood Plantation
Built circa 1854 by Richard S. Rowland, Edgewood Plantation emerged as part of the once vast Berkeley Plantation estate, home to several early American presidents. The house itself was constructed in the popular “Carpenter Gothic” architectural style, a look that blends intricate woodwork with steep gables and pointed arch windows that give the building a quaint but slightly foreboding feel — especially under moonlight.
Unique among surrounding plantations for its smaller scale and intimate layout, Edgewood was designed not as a grand working plantation, but as a family home and grist mill operation — the Rowland family milled flour right on the property. The mill, which still stands today, is the only one of its kind remaining along the historic James River.
Edgewood During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Edgewood’s advantageous location along historic Route 5 placed it squarely in the path of soldiers from both the Union and Confederacy. Union troops are documented to have used the home as a signal post or lookout station due to the panoramic views offered from its upper levels.
According to historical accounts, Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart and General Robert E. Lee passed through the area, and while there’s no direct evidence they stayed at Edgewood, skirmishes and troop movements nearby would have placed the home and its inhabitants in tense, precarious surroundings throughout the war years.
Notable Residents and Restoration
After passing through several owners, Edgewood fell into disrepair during the 20th century. However, it was eventually rescued and meticulously restored in the 1980s by its current owners. The house eventually opened its doors as a bed and breakfast, and it was during these restoration efforts that some of Edgewood’s more ethereal tenants began to make their presence known.
Today, Edgewood Plantation is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, honored for both its architectural uniqueness and its importance in Virginia’s Civil War narrative.
The Haunt
The Ghost of Lizzie Rowland
Perhaps the most famous spirit still residing in Edgewood is believed to be Lizzie Rowland, the daughter of the original builder Richard Rowland. According to local legend, Lizzie fell deeply in love with a Confederate soldier who marched off to war and never returned. Heartbroken and eternally waiting, Lizzie reportedly kept watch from the home’s small tower — now known as “Lizzie’s Tower” — hoping to catch a glimpse of her beloved returning across the fields.
Guests, staff, and paranormal investigators have reported sightings of a young woman in period dress gazing longingly out the tower window, even when the room is empty. Her forlorn figure has also been spotted walking the upper floors or drifting along the grand staircase, often accompanied by sudden chills or the soft scent of lavender perfume.
The Whispering Walls
An eerie phenomenon frequently noted by overnight guests includes whispered conversations and giggles that come from empty rooms, often late at night. While some attribute this to spirit children who once lived on the property, others believe these sounds belong to soldiers or travelers who passed through during wartime. EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) sessions conducted by paranormal teams have captured murmurs, names, and even musical notes when no living source was evident.
Resident Spirits and Paranormal Evidence
Edgewood Plantation has been featured on television shows such as “My Ghost Story” and “Ghost Hunters”, drawing the attention of numerous ghost hunting teams across the country. Equipment like EMF detectors, thermal cameras, and REM pods have repeatedly registered unexplainable activity throughout the house — especially around the tower room and the old mill out back.
Visitors have also reported being touched lightly, hearing footsteps follow them in empty corridors, and capturing orbs and shadowy figures in their photos. The dining room is another noted hotspot, with reports of a male spirit making his presence known — possibly a Civil War soldier or an early guest who never checked out.
The Haunted Mill
Just behind the main house lies Edgewood’s historic grist mill, which adds yet another layer to the property’s haunted reputation. Often overlooked by casual visitors, this aging structure has held onto its own tales from the 1800s, including strange knocking sounds, unexplained cold spots, and disembodied voices. Some paranormal experts believe the mill may be home to residual hauntings tied to its working past, where laborers spent long days in repetitive motion, possibly imprinting their energy into the building’s beams.
Planning Your Visit to Edgewood Plantation
Edgewood Plantation is open to the public and operates as a charming bed and breakfast, offering a unique opportunity to stay in one of Virginia’s most haunted homes. Each suite is decorated with antique furniture and Civil War-era flair. Paranormal enthusiasts should request to stay in Lizzie’s Room or one of the suites adjacent to the tower for maximum spectral engagement.
Ghost tours and history tours are offered periodically, especially around Halloween, and private paranormal investigations can be arranged with permission. It’s recommended to bring your own gear if you’re a serious ghost hunter — though don’t be surprised if the spirits prefer to show up in their own time, whether you’re ready or not.
Edgewood also makes a great stop for those following Virginia’s famed Haunted Plantation Trail, which includes other historic and haunted homes like nearby Shirley Plantation and Berkeley Plantation. But make no mistake — Edgewood’s intimate setting and deeply personal ghost stories make it a standout for those seeking real haunted history.
Tips for Paranormal Investigators
- Bring audio recorders — EVP phenomena are common throughout the site.
- Try late-night vigils near the tower and staircase for the best chance of visual sightings.
- Be respectful — the spirits here are considered friendly but may not appreciate aggressive provocation.
- Stay overnight for the full experience — many paranormal interactions occur between midnight and 3 a.m.
Conclusion: Dare to Experience Edgewood Plantation
With its rich Civil War roots, preserved Gothic architecture, and decades of documented hauntings, Edgewood Plantation is a captivating blend of history and mystery. For ghost hunters, paranormal investigators, and thrill seekers alike, this is more than just a charming B&B — it’s a portal to the past, and perhaps a place where some of that past still lingers.
If you’re looking for your next haunted road trip destination in Virginia, make sure Edgewood is at the top of your list. Come for the history, stay for the ghosts — and don’t forget to look up at the tower. Lizzie just might be watching.
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