If you’re the type of traveler who craves rich history and a touch of the unknown, then let me introduce you to one of West Virginia’s hidden historical gems — Prickett’s Fort. Nestled just outside Fairmont, this reconstructed 18th-century frontier fort blends lush Appalachian landscapes with gripping tales of colonial defense and resilience. But don’t be fooled by the calm waters of the Monongahela River nearby — whispers of ghostly figures, disembodied voices, and unexplained chills suggest that Prickett’s Fort still holds secrets from its past. Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost hunter, or both, this is one destination you’ll want on your paranormal map.
The History
Frontier Beginnings
Constructed in 1774 during a time of mounting tension between settlers and Native American tribes, Prickett’s Fort originally served as a civilian refuge rather than a military post. As frontier life became increasingly perilous in western Virginia (now West Virginia), local families needed a place of safety during periods of attack. The original fort — attributed to Jacob Prickett, a prominent settler — was strategically positioned near the confluence of Prickett’s Creek and the Monongahela River, giving its residents both a vantage point and a source of sustenance.
Though the threat of full-scale warfare was intermittent, the fear was very real. The fort could shelter up to 80 families — many huddled together within its wooden palisade and sturdy blockhouses for weeks at a time. These defensive structures included a blacksmith shop, gun range, and even living quarters built into the stockade walls, reflecting the settlers’ determination to create a bastion against the unforgiving wilderness and potential attacks.
The Reconstruction Project
Fast-forward to the 20th century — the original Prickett’s Fort had long since fallen into disrepair and vanished beneath the soil. But thanks to archaeological findings and historical accounts, a faithful reconstruction was undertaken in 1976 as part of the U.S. Bicentennial celebrations. Today’s Prickett’s Fort State Park is a living-history monument to colonial frontier life, complete with costumed interpreters, educational workshops, and period-accurate demonstrations such as blacksmithing, weaving, and musket firing.
Though the current fort isn’t on the exact site of the original — that lies deeper in the woods — its spirit remains unmistakably tied to the land. From detailed logs to traditional tools, no effort has been spared in creating an immersive journey into the 1700s. In fact, many visitors describe a palpable energy within the walls of the reconstructed fort, where history seems to echo, quite literally, through time.
The Legacy of the Settlers
The Prickett family played an essential role in the early settlement of this area. Jacob Prickett and his descendants were not only frontier warriors but also key witnesses to the transformation of the Appalachian frontier into a structured, communal society. Their family records provide a rare, unfiltered glimpse into settler-Native American relations, the formation of militia units, and even early education on the mountainside frontier.
Numerous artifacts — ranging from colonial tools to fragments of pottery — have been unearthed around the original site, giving historians and archaeologists valuable insights into mid-18th century life. But while the documented history is undeniably fascinating, it’s the undocumented stories — those gathered in whispers and campfire tales — that truly ignite the imagination.
The Haunt
With a backdrop of cannon smoke and colonial strife, it’s no wonder that Prickett’s Fort draws both curious tourists and seasoned paranormal investigators. Though not as famous as some of America’s allegedly haunted landmarks, this fort is far from tame when it comes to unexplained occurrences.
Unseen Watchers
Park staff and reenactors report the same inexplicable sensations — the feeling of being watched, even when the grounds are supposedly closed and empty. One interpreter described experiencing a sudden cold breeze and the overwhelming sense that someone was standing directly behind him, despite being alone in the main blockhouse. When he turned, no one was there — but the hairs on his arms stood upright for the rest of the demonstration.
The Soldier in the Shadows
Perhaps the most unsettling activity occurs near the fort’s powder magazine. Several visitors have claimed to see the shadowy figure of a man dressed in frontier gear silently pacing the area just after dusk. Skeptics have dismissed this as a trick of the fading light. But a few ghost hunters, equipped with EMF detectors and night vision cameras, captured anomalies near that very spot — including strange flickers of movement and unexplained temperature drops of 20 degrees in under a minute. None of the recordings captured any sound — but some investigators reported hearing hushed voices or faint marching boots echoing on the stone paths.
The Cemetery Connection
A short distance from the main fort lies the Prickett family cemetery. Overgrown and hauntingly still, this quiet plot may be the true epicenter of paranormal energy on the grounds. Dowsing rods have been used in this area by more mystical investigators, many of whom claimed that the rods pointed consistently toward the same unmarked grave. While no known records indicate who lies in that particular plot, local folklore suggests it could be a child — one of many who died young during tough frontier winters.
EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) recordings taken here have yielded sounds indicative of low moaning or faint singing — even when no humans were nearby. One recording shocked investigators when a whispered voice clearly said “go home,” followed by a distinct knock — despite no one being close enough to make the sound physically.
The Haunted Artifacts
Inside the Prickett’s Fort visitor center, several antique objects are on display ranging from spinning wheels to muskets. A lesser-known fact? Some of the furniture donated for the displays actually has no direct historic connection to the fort — they were acquired from nearby 18th- and 19th-century homes and included to “fill out the scene.” Interestingly, some paranormal enthusiasts believe that the hauntings may stem partly from these transplanted relics. Visitors have reported cold spots near certain items and even alleged to see one spinning wheel rotate slightly, unprompted, during a quiet afternoon visit.
Why Paranormal Investigators Should Visit
If you’re in search of haunted hot spots off the beaten path, Prickett’s Fort offers the perfect blend of historical immersion and ghostly suspense. Unlike more polished supernatural locales, the fort feels raw, grounded — and yes, deeply authentic. Here, history lingers not just in textbooks but in the atmosphere itself.
Ghost hunters will appreciate the relative quiet of the area, making EVPs and thermal investigations more reliable than in noisier urban environments. The fort is periodically open for night tours and historical reenactments, which provide perfect opportunities to see if you can catch a flicker of the past while you walk the candle-lit grounds.
Meanwhile, amateur ghost seekers won’t need fancy equipment — just a camera, a steady nerve, and perhaps a good flashlight. Whether it’s the shadow near the powder magazine, the whispering winds in the family cemetery, or the unseen gazes reported by so many visitors, Prickett’s Fort is calling to those with a passion for the unsettled echoes of the past.
Tip: Keep your senses sharp when visiting the cemetery at dusk. You never know who, or what, might be waiting just beyond the treeline.
So pack your EMF meters, your sense of wonder, and your love for frontier tales. Prickett’s Fort isn’t just a place where history is reenacted — it’s a place where history might just reach out and touch you first.