Is Bentonville Haunted? – Plus Paranormal Activity at the Harper House

Wow, that was amazing, I cant wait to see your next set of photos and pictures. Did you get anything on video or on photo? Have a happy and healthy holiday. Samantha

Thanks Samantha. Yes, I have two more videos, and some photos of the inside of the Harper House. I hope to have them online soon.

I definately believe Bentonville battlefield is haunted. I traveled through the woods around the Union trenches one night and took about 50 snapshots with a digital camera. About 4 of the photos have orb like images in them. I can clearly see a face in one. I don't believe this to be sufficient evidence, but it definately has me wanting to do more research.

Hi Dustin.  Yes, based on my experience and the experiences of others, I agree with you.  Bentonville definitely has paranormal activity – and it's not surprising since many soldiers lost their lives there.  Glad you were able to capture some good photos.

it's pretty amazing what you can uncover just by listening to different people's accounts of a story. i think you did a great job with this and i can't wait for your new videos and pictures… hope you caught something! I just wanted to thank you for these awesome pages and wish you good luck on your next interview!

Thanks Amber. :-)

My system is too slow to watch the videos, but I listened.  As I mentioned before, I lived in the Shenandoah Valley of VA and have met and worked with many reenactors and have been on numerous fields.  Part of my background was in museum work. (you probably think I'm some sort of impostor, for I have done so many things—I can send you proof if you wish).  This is not at all unusual.  Very interesting and great work Michelle!

You know, many collectors of Civil War (and other antique items) often come with attachments!  Especially war items.  We should really try and meet up some time?  How long have you been doing this?  Are you psychic?  Strongly intuitive?  Since this is off the subject of Battlefields-I will save it for another time, but we have 2 new spirits that have entered our home, basically because my mother and I are so "open".  "Rose" moves things!!!!  You will love it.  Sincerely, Carol  P.S.  In your list of ghost hunting "do's&don'ts" One should ALWAYS PROTECT ONESELF.  You may want to run an article on basic protection.  They can become attached and we should always surround ourselves with THE WHITE LIGHT and more if you will.  Love is in the LIGHT.  CEK

Thanks Carol.  Yes, I agree with you about antique Civil War items and how they often come with attachments.  Many museums (i.e. The U.S. Air Force Museum) have paranormal activity—perhaps for this very reason.  Sure, if you are ever in NC, let me know.  I have been exploring the paranormal for a little over 8 years now.  I think the word "psychic" has a lot of negative connotations (due to frauds and negative media stereotypes).  In my opinion, everyone can sense things — to some degree. Of course, some people are more sensitive than others and have developed this ability to a greater degree.  I have had some uncanny experiences in my life as it relates to this.  However, I'm not ready to share publicly just yet. :-)  Perhaps later.

Thank you for your thoughts on protection.  This is a controversial topic, and I have written about it here: http://ghosthuntingsecrets.com/blog/?p=23

Wow awesome stuff as always!

Thanks Mary. :-)

That is awesome!  I know I heard about the Bentonville Battlefield and the Harper House even on tv when I surf to find anything paranormal.  I can't wait to see the next videos.  Nice work Michelle.  Thank you.

Michelle really great work, you do great job investigating.  I hope to see more videos.  These ladies seemed a little like they told the same story, then the first lady told the same thing, then said the second lady told her same story. 

I am a resident that owns property around the Bentonville Battlefield in North Carolina.  As a young child, I have played many nights on the footpaths once walked by soliders and I invite you to come and walk with me on the same foot paths.  I have been told many ghost stories that I have not told many people, but have carried my friends to find out for themselves.  But they all will not return without me with them.  So let's walk the dark woods together and find out what you think.  Thanks for the good reading and videos.

Hi Sam. Thanks for the comment. Glad to hear from someone who owns property near the battlefield. If we ever go back to Bentonville, I will definitely contact you, as I would like to hear more about your experiences.

I think that Linda was very credible, she does have psychic foresight and has inspired me to check out NC and their historical sites.  Good Job everyone.

Very interesting stories!  Where in N.C. is Four Oaks located?  I live in S.C., and have never heard of Bentonville.  I'd like to go there sometime, and see if I could pick up any activity.  My wife and I are sensitives, and we normally get activity almost any where we go.  I know what you mean about posting video to the web, it can be a pain in the neck (And a few other places).  Thanks for all the great work you do!

Hi Richard. Thanks for the kind words.  Four Oaks is located about 20 minutes from Cary (NC) at the intersection of I-95 and US 301.  The city sits halfway between New York and Miami.  Yes, posting videos online can be a pain sometimes. :-)

My name is Kevin Ward and I am doing a book on Haunted locations in NC for Schiffer books, I would like to use some of the info you have given about Bentonville if it is okay.  I also would love to hear anything else you have heard about it that you may not have posted, or any other locations that you think may be haunted (mainly historical spots).  Many thanks, Kevin Ward

Hi, Thanks For The Interesting Article!  I went to Bentonville tonight and caught some interesting EVPs.  I look forward to Getting them on my computer and having them archived with others I have obtained.  I look forward to going back out to Bentonville, but word of advice to ghost hunters…take some mosquito repellent!

Hi Derek — Glad to hear you visited Bentonville and caught some EVP's.  Yes, mosquito repellent is very handy when you venture into the woods. :-)

Kevin — Feel free to contact me through this page regarding your haunted places book.

I had heard about a house that was called Harper House.  I asked my teacher and he said it was haunted, and I thought that was cool and a little creepy.

Interesting. I had heard that Bentonville seems to have more than the usual paranormal activity. I usually take these reports with the proverbial grain of salt. I visited the battlefield on 9/6/09, and stumbled upon your site looking for more information. While passing the marker for Hardee's Charge (which is incorrectly placed according to some authorities), I slowed down to take a picture, but then felt unaccountably apprehensive. On the return drive, I slowed in order to stop, and the feeling felt even stronger. Suddenly my camera refused to work, and my car was difficult to steer. I drove off, and when I pulled off the road to photograph the marker for Sherman's HQ a bit further on, my camera worked just fine. I took a left, intending to drive around in a circle back to Mowers' charge. Along the road which apparently would have been in the rear of the Union positions, I got a weird sort of feeling similar to what I have felt on certain roads in Yadkin county. I eventually came out, not at Mowers' charge, but back at the Hardee's charge marker. This time I forced myself to stop and photograph the marker, resisting the urge to jump back in my car and flee. Apparently this spot was in the path of the Federal troops moving towards Johnson's headquarters, but wasn't the site of any notable action. I wonder why this feeling of strangeness occurred there. Oh well, who knows….

hi,
i would like to take a walk with you. i live in four oaks, and interested in the war site. please let me know when a good time will be to meet you.
thanks
sahne

Very cool and interesting. I wish I was back on the main land to see these places. I was back east this past June and got was able to tour the Old County Jail in Jim Thorpe, PA. It was awesome! I would love to go to Gettysburg too, maybe next time.

I for sure believe this site is haunted. My fiance's family is actually related to john and amy harper. I can't wait to visit the site with them.

I have been here once and I will tell you that it is a very creepy place. I didn't see or hear anything unusual, but felt like someone was watching me from the woods.

I have lived in Bentonville all my life, and I can say it's not just the Harper House and battlefield that is haunted!!! There is a road named the Devil's Racetrack…… don't travel it after midnight!!!!I have plenty of stories I can share!!!

amy,
tell me more on devils ractrack? never heard any stories. if you have some of the battlefield, please share them too.
thanks

I lived on Devil's Racetrack, the original area from where it got its name, which was in the area of Stewart's Chapel Church.  I've traveled it from dusk til dawn at some point in time and I have never seen any abnormal activities other than when Melvin Hines used to walk the road late at night.

Hi. We went to Bentonville Jan 15th, after seeing the signs along the highway. I took a photo of the inside of the Harper House, from the outside. I didn't use a flash and had the camera to the glass. When I looked at the photos, there was something in the corner of the photo. I enlarged it and was shocked to see a face looking at me. It's definately a man, perhaps a Union soldier (although that may just be a feeling),with a beard and a moustache. He has his finger to his mouth, as if telling me to be quiet. At the time I was saying something about trying to take a picture and that the house was locked. He was not scary, just there. I can see the bench and base board through the image. I can send you a copy, if I can figure out how to download it. We did go into the house after, on the last tour of the day. Can't wait to go back.

i have a pic from the cooking area i would like you to see. tell me what you think.

I lived on Devils Racetrack most of last year in what i was told was the first house built on the road. Inside the house me and my fiancee had several instances where a disembodied voice would say our names and my fiancee even heard a man urinating in the restroom…Which was added on to the home in the late 60s.one night i thought i heard my son waking up, he was 1 at the time, and when i went to check there was a strange blue light radiating all around his door…i stood there a second and it faded away at which time my son began crying. on many occasions i heard footsteps in different areas of the home.

Ever since i moved here in 08 i have wanted to do an investigation of Bentonville but have been told by many that if caught i could get into serious trouble…i am serious enough about it that i would be willing to stay the night only if permission could be aquired. im new at it and can use any advise that could be given. i would also appreciate any input on who to speak to about permission.

yes i do agree that bentonville is haunted. me and a few friends were walking around the other night by he trenches and we saw something white walking through the woods. And this was about 12:30 A.M. and we heard canons going off and we smelled gunpowder, as if it was shot right beside us. After a while of walking around, we hear something as if horses were chasing us. We walked back after runing away and we saw horse tracks and tree branches demolished as if they were trying to make a new path. As again this was about 12:30 A.M.

I live in near by columbus county and visited the battlefield with my dad when I was young. Didn't see or hear anything. But when we walked by the harper house we both had a bad feeling and the air was thick and musky. There was a feeling of dread and sadness. Yes I believe bentonville is haunted. And I plan on going back to investigate soon

ME and a few friends plan on going very soon and would like to know if anyone has any advice on a good time to go or anything

I'm An Investigator With The S.P.I.R.I.T. Paranormal Team Based Out Of Asheboro.N.C. If You Or Anyone Else Can Give Me Additional Area Paranormal Info Please Send Me an E-Mail. I Am Also Seeking Anyone Who Lives In The Bentonville Battlefield & Devil's Racetrack Road Areas That Has Experienced Any Paranormal Activity In Those Areas To E-Mail Me With Details ! My Team Is Planning To Go There For The 156th Anniversary Of The Battle Next Month (March 19th-21st).We Had Hoped To Get To Do An Overnight Investigation At The Harper House But Couldn't Get Permission Because Of It's Being a State Historic Site So We Would Like For Someone Nearby To Give Us Permission To Do An Investigation On Their Property/At Their Residence! We Don't Charge To Do An Investigation But We Do Accept Donations To Help Cover Our Expenses. If Anyone Can Help Us Out & Is Interested Please E-Mail Me A.S.A.P. You Can Also Check Out Our Website at the link above, our Facebook page, or E-Mail Our Team Leader-Teresa Hogan. Thanks-Lee Steele

hi lee steele. i live in salemburg, nc. i used to live next to Bentonville Battlefield. i've seen orbs, mist, and sound of gunfire and just weird things going on there. Well, hopefully i could join yall in your Paranormal Investigation and i think i can get Permission To Do An Investigation.

Barbara Carney : Please Contact Me A.S.A.P. Via My E-Mail Address At :leosurfin56@yahoo.com & Give Me A Phone Number That I May Be Able To Contact You At! I'm Looking Forward To Hearing Back From You Or Anyone Else Who's Experienced Any Paranormal Activity In The Bentonville/Harper House/Racetrack Road Areas-Especially Anyone Residing In Or Near Those Areas & Especially Any Residents Of These Areas Who Might Be Experiencing Paranormal Activity At Their Residences! S.P.I.R.I.T. Paranormal Team Would Gladly Like To Help You Out! We Have An Office In Asheboro,N.C. And Do Not Charge A Fee To Come Out & Do An Investigation But Will Accept Donations To Help Cover Our Expenses. We're Associated With The Ghost Adventures Crew (G.A.C.)& Paranormal Clergy . You Can Visit Our Wesite at the link above & We Are Also On Facebook . -Thanks & God Bless-Lee Steele -S.P.I.R.I.T. Paranormal Team Investigator/Research Specialist

Amy & John Rindon Please See My Feb. 16th, 2011 & March 11Th, 2011 Posts & E-Mail Me A.S.A.P. With Any Help/Info You Can -God Bless-Lee Steele-S.P.I.R.I.T. Paranormal Team Investigator/Research Specialist

if anyone does go out to do an investigation, can anyone join them?
i would love to go with a party. please let me know how that works.
thanks

I enjoyed the 2 video interviews. I would love to go to this place. I am looking forward to the next set of videos.

I just recently visited the Harper House and immediately I told the guide, "I can feel it." He said a lot of people tell him that. There was a musky, bloody smell as well. It smelled to me like wet earth, it smelled like a cellar to me. It was a somewhat familiar smell, my wife didn't notice it to much, but I could. I also saw mental pictures like Linda describes. I just felt them, it's hard to explain really but it creeped me out enough I didn't go back in when I brought my kids to visit. I believe the lady's story 100 percent, there is a presence there. I also felt it around the restrooms.

I wish I had known about this website years ago. I visited the battlefield and the Harper House in 2003. I brought with me my 35mm camera and took lots of photos. When I developed the photos, I didn't see anything unusual in the ones of the battlefield, but I was shocked to see unusual lights on the photos taken inside the Harper House. I wasn't using a flash and it was in the middle of the day, so there was nothing to cause the orbs and other forms of light that appeared in the photos of the upstairs rooms. One light ran lengthwise to a glove that lay across the back of a chair. It almost looked like the arm that might have ended in that glove. Creepy. I've used these photos to entertain my students for years. I plan to come back to the battlefield and the house next June. Looking forward to taking more pictures.

Devil's Racetrack was named when during the final horse race of the day. One Sunday, along with imbibing spiritous liquors and gambling, a stranger broke out the crowd on a black stallion decked in all black clothing and easily caught the leaders — passed them middle way through and rode out sight. No one ever saw the rider again. And no more races were ever held on Sunday afternoon, as folks feared the return of the devilish racer…

Hi, my name is Camille and I am a student at Sampson Community College. I am taking an English course this semester called Expository Writing, and theme of our prompts have been focusing on the paranormal. Approaching soon is my third and final paper. We have been instructed to conduct personal research of our own. Our instructor is expecting this primary research information to come from a person who is an expert in this field and story that we have each chosen.

I have become very much interested in the story of Jim Weaver and Joe Lewis and their unforgettable experience with the paranormal battlegrounds that resurrected from the Civil War era. I am in need of a person with experience, expertise, and education in the paranormal field or even just a detailed understanding of the Bentonville area along with the people pertaining to this particular story. I would be extremely grateful if you were to agree to an interview. In whatever way is most convenient to you whether it is on telephone or even through email I would appreciate it very much.

Camille M,
Student of Sampson Community College

In 2004 i was living in Kenly. My sister was visiting from another state and we decided to go to the Bentonville Battleground. We went into the Harper House and I immediately felt cold drafts on a hot day. We went to the back left room upstairs and heard noises like someone walking. We also took pictures. After a few pics, the digital camera stopped working. After we went outside, the camera worked just fine. That evening we decided to go back and had to park on the street.

We got out and walked about 300 feet so we were almost straight on with the Harper House. We saw a lady at the right bottom floor window and we could see the lantern on the fireplace was lit. Then we took a video of the grounds. When we got back in the car and watched the video, there was a red pulsing light, ground level going back and forth from the visitor center to the Harper House. It was definitely chilling. Unfortunately, a few months later, the video was somehow removed from the camera. From experience, I know this area of the Battlefield is haunted.

It sounds interesting about the paranormal, and I also learned about the history.