Is Bentonville Haunted? – Plus Paranormal Activity at the Harper House
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A couple of weeks ago, I traveled to The Bentonville Battlefield in Four Oaks, NC.
Bentonville is a national historic landmark and the site of the last major Confederate offensive of the U.S. Civil War. Eighty-thousand soldiers fought on 6,000 acres of land, and more than 4,000 men were killed, wounded, or missing during the 3-day battle. The battlefield is reportedly haunted and people have heard cannon fire, rifles, shouts, and seen phantom fires and apparitions. The smell of gun smoke, and decaying human flesh has also been reported.
Perhaps the strangest element of the Bentonville Battlefield is the reported paranormal activity at The Harper House.
The Harper House & Paranormal Activity
In March 1865, the Harper House was seized by the Union army, and turned into a field hospital for wounded soldiers.
The home owners, John and Amy Harper, were Southern farmers and owned over 825 acres of land (wealthy by 1865 standards). Needless to say, John and Amy Harper were not very happy to have their home turned into a hospital with blood, guts, amputations, and wounded Union soldiers. However, they did the best they could. The Harpers (and their 6 children) retreated to the top level of the house, while the field hospital operated on the bottom floor. Both Union and Confederate soldiers were treated in the makeshift "field hospital." The front yard and surrounding grounds served as a triage area for the incoming wounded soldiers.
So, what kind of paranormal activity has been reported in the Harper House?
Visitors have reported seeing John Harper in the house, and on the grounds. Strange lights and cold spots have also been reported. According to one witness, there are 6 Union soldiers who hang-out around the Harper House and the Visitors Center. Despite reports of strange activity at Bentonville, management tries to "downplay" these events. I was told by one employee (at the Visitors Center) that he was instructed NOT to talk about what he's seen. Luckily, I found 3 people who were willing to talk to me.
You can watch two witness interviews below. Both witnesses are historic re-enactors, so they are dressed in 1800's clothing with artifacts from the Civil War era (looms, knitting needles, spinning wheels, etc.). Historic re-enactment is a hobby in which participants re-create certain aspects of a historical event or period.
And, here's what's amazing about historic re-enactors…they tend to see a LOT of paranormal activity.
Re-creating historical events seems to draw spirits from that particular time period. Go talk to anyone who re-enacts historical events, and I bet they've witnessed something unusual.
The videos below were filmed with a small, handheld camera (no tripod) to avoid drawing attention to ourselves. So, the camera does move around a bit. :-)
Video # 1 – Bentonville Witness Interview with Brenda – Paranormal Activity on the Grounds of the Harper House
In the video below, Brenda describes something very strange that she experienced on the grounds of the Harper House at night.
Video # 2 – Bentonville Witness Interview with Linda - Residual Paranormal Activity & Intelligent Spirits
In the video below, Linda describes the intelligent spirits she has encountered, and some of the strange residual activity on the grounds of the Harper House. Linda also describes Bentonville as "one of the most consistently haunted places" she has visited. Compared to most witnesses I've interviewed, Linda was very educated and aware, and I really enjoyed talking to her. She knew the difference between a residual haunting, and an intelligent haunting—and she has visited some very interesting places.
I like to ask witnesses why they think paranormal activity is occurring in a particular place. I have learned a lot just by listening to the answers I'm given in response to this question. Try it for yourself, and see if you learn anything new about your target location. You may be surprised at what people tell you.
Bentonville Part Two – Upcoming Videos & Photos
Coming soon, I will have 2 more videos for you, and some photos. You'll get to see the Harper House, the mass grave, and watch a video of me exploring the Union trenches (in the woods). There's also a fun story about a cold spot we found at the back of the Harper House.
Thanks for being patient with me as I worked out the technical details of putting videos online. I'm glad to put videos online for you guys—although, it's not as easy as it looks!
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Comments on 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.