In the heart of historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania—a town forever etched in the memory of the American Civil War—stands a building steeped in sorrow, survival, and chilling mystery. The Gettysburg Orphanage, also known as the National Homestead at Gettysburg, is as historically significant as it is paranormally active. Once a haven for war orphans, the orphanage now carries a legacy of tragedy and unexplained phenomena that fascinate both historians and ghost hunters alike. If you’re someone who appreciates history served with a side of supernatural intrigue, this is a destination you won’t want to miss. Grab your EMF reader or simply your curiosity—let’s step into a past that refuses to be forgotten.
The History
From Battlefield to Orphanage
After the brutal three-day Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, the town was left reeling. Over 50,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing, leaving countless families shattered. With so many fathers lost in battle, the need for a facility to care for orphaned children became paramount.
In response to this dire need, the National Homestead at Gettysburg—what we now refer to as the Gettysburg Orphanage—was established in 1866. The orphanage was intended to house and care for children who had lost their fathers during the war, offering shelter, food, education, and emotional support. Located only a few blocks from Gettysburg’s most infamous battle sites, the building initially symbolized hope and healing in a community trying to rebuild.
Emotional Echoes: The Children’s Lives
During its earliest years, the orphanage flourished under the compassionate direction of founder Dr. John F. Bourns. Dr. Bourns had personally cared for Sgt. Amos Humiston, a Union soldier whose body was identified through a photograph of his children clasped in his hand. That emotional connection drove Bourns to spearhead the orphanage’s creation.
Life at the homestead wasn’t easy, but it was humane—at first. Reports from those initial years indicate that the children were treated with kindness and given opportunities to grow. However, that delicate balance of care did not last.
The Rise of Rosa Carmichael
In the 1870s, tragedy struck again—this time from within. Matron Rosa Carmichael took control of the orphanage and transformed what had once been a refuge into a house of fear. Carmichael was notorious for her cruel and abusive treatment of the children. Tales quickly grew of punishments so grisly that even fellow townspeople were horrified.
According to historical records and chilling eyewitness accounts, Carmichael confined children to a makeshift dungeon built into the basement of the orphanage. There, they endured solitary confinement, physical punishment, and psychological torment. The dungeon was discovered, and Carmichael was eventually charged with cruelty, but the scars—both physical and emotional—lingered long after her departure.
By 1877, the orphanage closed its doors. The building would go on to serve various other purposes over the following decades, but the dark energy and sorrow left behind seem to have embedded themselves permanently into the walls.
The Haunt
A Hotspot of Paranormal Activity
Given its tragic past, it’s no surprise that the Gettysburg Orphanage has grown into one of the most haunted locations in Pennsylvania. Paranormal investigators, ghost hunters, and curious tourists frequently report unexplained activity—especially in the basement dungeon where Rosa Carmichael allegedly punished children.
The building, now open for ghost tours and investigations, is a favorite among paranormal researchers. Notable ghost-hunting TV shows such as Ghost Adventures and Most Terrifying Places in America have documented strange occurrences that include shadow figures, disembodied voices, and feeling physically touched by unseen hands.
The Dungeon’s Lingering Spirits
Descending into the basement dungeon, many visitors experience a sharp drop in temperature and an overwhelming feeling of dread. EVP (electronic voice phenomena) recordings have captured children’s cries and even stern, disciplinarian voices believed to be Carmichael herself.
It’s not uncommon for ghost hunters to report sudden headaches, feelings of nausea, or unexplained scratches after spending time in the basement. Some even claim to have seen ghostly apparitions of children darting in and out of rooms.
One particularly eerie tale revolves around a visitor who asked aloud, “Are there any children here who want to play?” Shortly after, a dusty rubber ball mysteriously rolled out of a corner of the room, with no apparent source or draft to explain the movement.
Voices from the Past
Spiritual mediums and psychics who have visited the site often speak of restless energies within the orphanage’s walls. These spirits, they say, are not malevolent but trapped—children seeking comfort, still longing for the nurturing care they were denied. The malevolent presence of Rosa Carmichael, meanwhile, is said to lurk just beyond the thresholds, watching, waiting, and resenting intruders who disturb her dark domain.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it’s hard to ignore the emotional weight of the orphanage. Even skeptics have left the building visibly shaken, affected by something they couldn’t quite explain.
Planning Your Visit: A Paranormal Pilgrimage
For ghost hunters and history buffs alike, the Gettysburg Orphanage offers a rare blend of documented history and rich paranormal lore. Today, the orphanage operates under the care of local historians and tour guides who offer walking ghost tours and after-dark investigations for the particularly brave.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a visit:
- Location: 777 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA
- Hours: Tours are available during the day and night, with late-night ghost hunts lasting until 2 AM on certain dates.
- What to Bring: Flashlights, digital recorders, EMF detectors, infrared cameras, and lots of courage.
- Best Time to Visit: Fall (September–November) is ideal for ambiance, and for visitors hoping to tie in their trip with Gettysburg’s annual ghost festivals and Halloween events.
Remember, respect the spirits. Many of them were children who endured unimaginable suffering, and those who investigate with empathy often report a stronger connection—or at least fewer unexplained scratches.
Dare to Discover
The Gettysburg Orphanage is more than just a relic—it’s a window into a complicated past filled with both kindness and cruelty. History lingers here, echoing through every hallway, whispering from behind closed doors, and rattling beneath your footsteps in the haunted basement. Whether drawn by curiosity, a love of Civil War history, or the thrill of chasing a ghost, the orphanage delivers an unforgettable experience for every kind of adventurer.
If you’re a paranormal investigator looking for your next haunted hotspot, or simply someone intrigued by spine-tingling stories wrapped in real historical events, the Gettysburg Orphanage awaits. Just be sure your camera batteries are charged—and your nerves are steady.