With a historic district spanning more than 230 blocks and an authentic heritage stretching back several centuries, it is not surprising that spirits from Wilmington’s storied past still linger today. Visitors and locals alike have reported eerie encounters in historic homes, on dimly lit streets and even along the waterfront, where whispers of the past drift in on the coastal breeze. Read on for a preview of the apparitions you might encounter while exploring one of the South’s most actively haunted cities.

Boos and Brews

In the early 18th century, Wilmington was a notoriously rough and rowdy seaport – a far cry from the city’s current reputation as a welcoming cultural hub. As pirates circled the coast, sailors flocked to the Blue Post, a bar in the area now known as Michael’s on the Waterfront. In the early 18th century, the bar became infamous for its red-headed bartender, Gallus Meg, who ruled the Blue Post with an iron fist and fearsome reputation that ensured no troublemaker went unpunished. Her nickname was derived from the word “gallows,” for her way of handling unruly patrons, as she was known to grab men by the neck and lift them off their feet, making it appear as though they were being hanged.

Today, her ghostly presence is said to roam the area, a piece of lore you'll uncover during a Haunted Pub Crawl. As you wander from tavern to tavern, you’ll uncover the city’s darker history, sip a hearty pint and perhaps even catch a glimpse of its most infamous bartender, still keeping order from beyond the grave.

 

Stories from Beyond the Grave

Market Street’s St. James Parish serves as the final resting place for Samuel Jocelyn Jr., who, in a fit of rage, rode off on horseback and was later found lying in a shallow swamp. While his loved ones mourned his supposed death, Samuel appeared to one of his friends, Sandy, pleading for his body to be exhumed. In disbelief, Sandy waited three days before visiting his friend’s gravesite, only to discover Samuel had been buried alive.

To this day, some locals avoid walking by the graveyard, haunted by rumors that you can still hear Samuel’s muffled cries and scratching noises as he attempts to escape his grave. Ask for all the chilling details of Samuel’s story, on the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington, as seen on MTV and Discovery Channel. This year-round, 90-minute tour led by expert storytellers and ghosthunters takes you through the city’s eeriest homes and burial grounds. Book your tickets for The Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington and step into the city’s haunted history – if you dare to hear the cries of Samuel Jocelyn Jr. yourself.

 

Historically Haunted Buildings

Several of Wilmington’s historic homes are renowned not just for their architecture, but for the paranormal activity reported within their walls, drawing ghost hunters, history buffs and curious visitors alike. On select evenings throughout October, Poplar Grove Plantation opens up to ghost hunters eager to search for the spirits that haunt the manor. The Paranormal Investigation Tours uncover the true stories of the deceased family members and why their spirits linger in the earthly realm.

Another historic property, the Latimer House Museum, sheds light on darker elements of upper-class life in Victorian Wilmington through Shadows in the Parlor. This house tour, available year round on every Friday, focuses on the era’s tales and legends, death practices, burial traditions, and gives you the opportunity to explore and hunt for ghosts on the grounds. Tickets for both of these hair-raising experiences sell out quickly in the haunted months, so be sure to plan ahead!

Copy of Victorian Mourning Latimer House

 

Ghostly Wartime Legends

The area’s rich military history echoes with ghostly lore surrounding battles on land and sea. Wilmington was named the nation’s first WWII Heritage City for its contributions to U.S. wartime effort – a legacy honored by the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. Formerly described as “the greatest sea weapon in the world,” the vessel now rests across from the Riverwalk on the Cape Fear River. The ship welcomes both believers and doubters aboard to search for supernatural activity.

With a ticket to join the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Ghost Hunt and Tour, which usually sells out quickly, you can step below deck and face the unknown as you investigate haunted areas of the ship that are normally off-limits to the public. Guided by a psychic medium and equipped with electromagnetic field radiation (EMF) readers and trigger objects, you might just encounter the ghost of a young blonde sailor who is said to have lost his life during a Japanese torpedo strike. As night falls, some swear they hear footsteps echoing across empty decks, as if the ship itself is remembering those who never returned home. Over the years there have been many reports of doors mysteriously swinging open and shut, lights flickering, and unsettling sensations of movement in the ship's narrow passageways.

Just a short drive away you can explore the dark past of Kure Beach’s Fort Fisher State Historic Site, which was the stage for the largest land-sea battle of the Civil War. Legend maintains that certain fallen soldiers’ restless spirits linger on long after the fateful Battle of Fort Fisher. Reports from visitors suggest sightings of a uniformed soldier fulfilling his duty by standing guard along the fort. Another spectral presence, known as “the sentinel” or “the watcher of the woods," is said to protect Fort Fisher State Recreation Area’s grounds and maritime forest. This elusive spirit has been spotted several times and is rumored to open doors without apparent cause.

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Fright-Free Family Fun

Wilmington’s haunted history offers frights for serious thrill seekers, as well as several not-so-scary activities everyone can enjoy. Visit Trask Family Farms from mid-September till November for endless family-friendly fall themed fun. This 30 acre farm offers a variety of activities from pumpkin picking to hay rides in Wilmington's Largest Corn Maze. Enjoy baked goods and listen to live music that everyone can enjoy. On Halloween day, enjoy the Eek! Week Festival at the Children's Museum of Wilmington for a morning of themed activities and treats. 

In nearby Carolina Beach experience Alley-Ween on October 31, a family-friendly party until 7pm with a live band, game booths, vendors and more. For the littlest ones, have beautiful princesses read to them while wearing costumes at Halloween Story Time by the Sea in Kure Beach on October 24.

From haunted houses and bars to spine-chilling ships and forests, there is no shortage of paranormal activity in Wilmington and its nearby beaches. Plan your trip to discover the historical depths and captivating darker tales of this must-see Southern destination. Check out all the halloween happenings in Wilmington here.

 

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