Spooky season is upon us. Whether or not this is your favorite time of the year, there is no denying that some pretty scary things have occurred right here in Mississippi.
Have you heard of the McRaven House? Located in Vicksburg, this shiver-worthy place is listed as the most haunted house in the state of Mississippi. It has been investigated by several paranormal enthusiasts and by A&E, National Geographic Magazine, LIFE Magazine, and countless other outlets who come to the same general consensus: the McRaven House is insanely spooky!
History
The McRaven House dates back to 1797 and was used as a field hospital during the Civil War. It was built by Andrew Glass. Since its initial construction, this mysterious house has had additional touches added to it.
Glass was quite a scary person himself, as he would rob people who would travel to the area. His death was a mysterious one, and while no one knows for sure, it was said that he may have been murdered by his wife during an episode of Ghost Adventures: Ghosts of Vicksburg. Glass’s death was the onset of the rumors of this house being haunted. His ghost is believed to be quite aggressive.
In 1836, the second portion of the house was built by a man named Stephan Howard, who was a sheriff. Unfortunately, he lost his wife, Mary Elizabeth, after childbirth. It is said that her ghost remains active in the house, playfully greeting each guest with pranks. Many of her personal possessions remain inside the home.
A third and final addition was made to the house in 1849 by John H. Bobb, a well-known brick manufacturer and sawmill owner. For years, the McRaven House was called the Bobb House.
Fast Forward
Today, it stands as one of the creepiest places in the state and is recognized as a “time capsule of the south.” It was opened to the public in 1961 after being purchased by O.E. Bradway in 1960.
On January 8, 1979, the McRaven House was placed on the National Registry of Historical Places.
Later on in 1979, Bradway sold the McRaven and some of the furniture to a couple named Charles and Sandra Harvey. The house was sold for $75,000. Soon after, they closed the house and put it through a year-long restoration process that cost nearly $100,000. This process included improving the woodwork, fixing wiring and plumbing issues, and plastering the interior walls. Mrs. Harvey wanted the entirety of the house to be as close to what it was originally, so she took it upon herself to research each era the house was built and expanded in and to have each area of the house closely and accurately mimic that era. Mr. Harvey worked on the rafters.
Although the Harveys and their children never made the McRaven House their residence, they ensured that they prepared the house for touring and spent several nights making sure the house was never vandalized.
The Harveys decided to sell the house in 1984. It was sold to Leyland French for $275,000.
Should You Be Concerned? Scared?
I cannot say. However, based on Mary Elizabeth’s ghost reportedly greeting guests to investigators searching for the ghost of Andrew Glass’s aggressive ghost, I would definitely beware.
Prepare for Doom…
You may want to check this creepy house out. You also may want to consider never entering it. If you decide to test your fate in this manner, here are some tips to help you survive:
- Research. Know what you’re getting into before you open the door.
- See when tickets can be purchased. You don’t want to show up to the ghosts’ home uninvited. Make sure you purchase a ticket so they know to prepare for your arrival.
- Bring a friend. At least one of you will survive. Someone must be left behind to tell the story.
- Eat something. Who knows? It may be your final meal. Savor each bite. Just don’t eat too much, lest you ruin the furniture and flooring with your fear-induced vomit.
- Have water in your vehicle. Your throat may be parched and sore after you exhaust your voice by screaming in sheer terror for someone to come save you.
- Make sure your phone is charged. You may have to call someone to save you (if your palms aren’t too sweaty to hold it).
Dare to Enter?
Want to tour this creepy place? Tickets can be found here. Enter at your own risk.
*Photos are courtesy of Visit Mississippi.
