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In the quiet suburban outskirts of Virginia Beach lies the historic Ferry Plantation House, a hidden gem for history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts alike. Nestled among modern homes and leafy neighborhoods, this colonial-era site is one of Virginia’s most enduring relics—and most haunted locations. If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys exploring America’s past with a side of the supernatural, Ferry Plantation House should be on your radar. With a legacy that spans slavery, witch trials, brutal hurricanes, and tales of lingering spirits, this spot delivers an unforgettable blend of American heritage and eerie mystery.
The History
Colonial Beginnings
The land beneath the Ferry Plantation House has seen centuries of transformation. Originally used by Native American tribes, the property became an integral hub of colonial transportation in the 1600s. A ferry service operated here as early as 1642, transporting goods and people across the Lynnhaven River. This is how the house earned the name we know today.
The ferry operated out of the same site where the modern Ferry Plantation House stands. It connected Colonial America’s early settlers with trade routes leading to Jamestown and other key settlements. The area soon evolved into a cornerstone of regional commerce, complete with a courthouse, jail, and tavern during the 1700s. Although these structures no longer stand, their presence laid the foundation for what would become an important piece of Virginia’s history.
The Walke Mansion and Early Estates
In the 18th century, a stately brick home known as the Walke Mansion was built near the site. Owned by influential families, the estate saw the rise of plantation agriculture worked by enslaved laborers. Sadly, the mansion was destroyed by a devastating fire in 1828, taking with it much of the pre-antebellum architecture. However, its bricks were salvaged and used in the construction of the current Ferry Plantation House in 1830.
This recycling of structure is more than symbolic—it represents the continuity of occupation on this land. Some even argue that the spirits of those who lived (and died) in the Walke Mansion remain today, bound to the very bricks that were used to build their second home.
Construction of the Current House in 1830
The house that stands today was completed in 1830 and is a classic Federal-style brick home—a hallmark of early American architecture. Featuring ten rooms, large wooden floors, and a central hall perfect for ventilation, the Ferry Plantation House was functional and elegant. It became a social and political congregation point for residents of Princess Anne County.
Over the years, the property transitioned through various private owners before eventually falling into disrepair. By the 1980s, the house was nearly demolished until a group of devoted local citizens and historians fought to preserve it. They restored the home and saved its legacy, converting it into a museum operated with private funding and volunteers.
The Witch of Pungo
One of the most chilling tales associated with the area involves Grace Sherwood, known as the “Witch of Pungo.” Accused of witchcraft in the early 1700s, Sherwood became the first and only woman in Virginia to be convicted via “ducking,” a cruel ordeal used to test for witchcraft. She was thrown into the Lynnhaven River—if she floated, she was guilty; if she sank, she was innocent.
Grace survived and lived the remainder of her life in disgrace. Though she wasn’t directly connected to the current house, the Ferry land played a role in her infamous trial. Visitors today claim her presence can still be felt in the surrounding area and even within the Ferry Plantation House itself.
The Haunt
The Spirits of Ferry Plantation House
Ferry Plantation House is more than a historical landmark—it’s also one of Virginia Beach’s most haunted places. According to both staff and investigators, over eleven entities are said to haunt the home. These include previous tenants, Civil War soldiers, and unnamed spirits tied to the original courthouse and jail site beneath the home. Some of the most documented ghostly residents include:
- The Lady in White: Believed to be one of the Walke family’s women, often seen gliding through the hallways in a sheer white dress. She’s known for her quiet demeanor and is often spotted near the staircase.
- The Child Spirit: A playful, yet mischievous child spirit has been recorded slamming doors and tugging on the clothes of adults walking by. EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) sessions frequently pick up giggles or the sound of running footsteps when no one is around.
- The Artist in the Attic: One former resident, a painter, is said to still linger in the attic—his domain in life and possibly in death. Cold spots and whispers have been reported by many who linger too long near his former studio.
Documented Paranormal Activity
Multiple paranormal research groups have conducted investigations at Ferry Plantation House. EMF (Electromagnetic Field) detectors frequently spike in what should be quiet areas. Thermographic cameras have revealed unexplained cold spots, while digital voice recorders have captured disembodied voices and footsteps.
One standout piece of evidence emerged during a 2009 investigation when a team recorded what sounded like a heated argument—only no one was in the room, nor were there neighboring investigators present. Visitors on daytime tours have often reported seeing figures vanish before their eyes, only to find no one present moments later.
Volunteers who tend the museum frequently report doors unlocking or locking without explanation, and objects shifting places during the night. One particular chandelier is known for swinging gently, absent of any wind or vibration. Even skeptics leave Ferry with a little more belief in the beyond.
The Ghost Walk Tours and Events
Ferry Plantation House offers historically themed ghost walks, especially during the Halloween season. These events feature dramatic retellings of the house’s eerie past, complete with candlelight tours and costumed interpreters. If you’re feeling particularly brave, book a private paranormal investigation. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own equipment, and many leave with their very first piece of ghostly evidence.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit for History Lovers and Paranormal Enthusiasts
The Ferry Plantation House stands as a rare crossroads where American history meets lingering paranormal mystery. Managed by passionate historians and volunteers, it’s a site that honors its past while inviting curious minds to explore its haunted halls.
For ghost hunters, this colonial gem offers abundant opportunities to capture paranormal activity. Whether you’re an experienced investigator armed with night vision cameras or a brave novice hoping for your first spectral encounter, Ferry Plantation will not disappoint.
More than just a museum, this house speaks—sometimes quite literally—to those patient enough to listen.
So pack your EVP recorder, bring an open mind, and step into the pages of American history. Ferry Plantation House is waiting—and perhaps so are the ghosts.
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