Gettysburg: Ghost Tour with Civil War Stories & Haunted Sites

Summary

Ghostly tales echo through Gettysburg’s streets as night falls

You’ll follow winding Gettysburg streets with a local guide who knows every haunted corner and Civil War story by heart. Expect eerie tales at sites like Jennie Wade House and Shriver House Museum, moments of laughter (and goosebumps), plus time to soak in real history where it happened. It’s honest, strange, and surprisingly moving.

What’s the experience like?

So, I was late. Not by much — just enough to jog up to the Ghost City Tours storefront, a little out of breath and feeling like everyone could hear my sneakers squeaking on the old brick. Our guide, Marcus, just grinned and said something about “the spirits waiting for stragglers.” I liked him right away. The group was a mix — families, a couple of teenagers rolling their eyes at their parents, one lady clutching a notebook like she was hunting ghosts for real. It wasn’t cold, but the air had that dampness you get after sunset in Gettysburg, kind of earthy and sharp.

First stop was this statue of Lincoln — not the usual solemn pose but something different, almost casual. Marcus told us about the David Wills House right nearby, where Lincoln finished writing the Gettysburg Address. I didn’t know that before. He pointed up at a window and said sometimes people see candlelight flicker there when it shouldn’t be possible. Someone in the back whispered they saw it move; maybe they did or maybe it was just nerves. The streets were quieter than I expected for such a famous town — just our footsteps and once in a while someone laughing from inside an old hotel lobby.

We walked past buildings that looked unchanged since 1863 — shutters crooked, paint peeling in places. At the Shriver House Museum, Marcus got quiet for a second before telling us how it became a Confederate hospital and sniper nest during the battle. You could almost smell old wood and something metallic under the fresh paint; maybe that’s my imagination running wild. When we reached the Jennie Wade House (she was the only civilian killed here), I felt this weird mix of sadness and curiosity. Kids asked if her ghost really lingers — Marcus just shrugged and said he’s heard footsteps more than once on quiet nights.

I kept thinking about Tillie Pierce — she was only fifteen during all this chaos, helping wounded soldiers when most of us would’ve hidden under our bedsheets. Marcus made her sound so alive that I caught myself looking over my shoulder half-expecting to see her peeking out from behind those heavy curtains. The Farnsworth House Inn came last — supposedly haunted by sixteen spirits (I lost count after three stories). Someone’s phone buzzed at exactly the wrong moment during a ghost story; we all jumped, then laughed too loud for such an old street.

I didn’t expect to feel so much walking those blocks — not fear exactly, more like respect or heaviness that sticks with you after hearing what happened here. Even now I remember how quiet it got between stops, like even the town wanted us to listen.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Gettysburg haunted history walking tour

• Begin at Ghost City Tours storefront
• See Abraham Lincoln statue and singer tribute
• Discuss history of David Wills House
• Visit haunted hotel from Battle of Gettysburg
• Learn about Tillie Pierce, brave 15-year-old
• Explore Shriver House Museum and hospital
• Visit birthplace of only civilian casualty
• Discuss haunted Farnsworth House Inn

Top questions

Is this Gettysburg ghost tour suitable for kids?

Yes, Echoes of War is designed for all ages and families are welcome.

Does the tour include entry to Jennie Wade House?

The tour visits Jennie Wade House as part of its route but does not specify entry inside.

Where does the ghost tour start in Gettysburg?

The tour begins at the Ghost City Tours storefront in downtown Gettysburg.

How long is the walking distance on this tour?

The exact distance isn’t listed but travelers should have moderate fitness for walking between sites.

Is this ghost tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible according to provided information.

Are service animals allowed on this Gettysburg ghost tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted during the tour.

Will we hear stories about real people from Civil War times?

Absolutely—stories include citizens like Tillie Pierce and Jennie Wade along with soldiers’ tales.

Can large groups book this Gettysburg ghost tour privately?

If your group has 10 or more guests you can contact Ghost City Tours for private bookings.

What’s included

Your evening includes a guided walking ghost tour through central Gettysburg with stops at historic sites like Jennie Wade House and Shriver House Museum; your local guide shares authentic Civil War stories along each route—and families or groups are welcome to join in without worrying about age limits or accessibility needs.