Major Graham’s Mansion – Haunted Plantation in Wythe County, Virginia

Major Graham’s Mansion in Wythe County, Virginia, is one of the most paranormally active locations in the state. Built in the 19th century, this sprawling estate has a dark history of tragedy, slavery, and mysterious deaths.

Visitors and paranormal investigators have reported ghostly apparitions, chilling voices, and poltergeist activity, making it a prime destination for ghost hunters. The mansion’s eerie atmosphere and sinister past contribute to its reputation as one of the most haunted plantations in the South.

Historical Background

• Year Built: Early 1800s
• Original Purpose: Private residence and plantation
• Significant Events:
  • The mansion was home to Major David Graham, a wealthy landowner.
  • It was built on land worked by enslaved people, many of whom suffered cruelty and hardship.
  • Reports of tragic deaths, including suicides and mysterious disappearances, have fueled ghost stories.
  • The property was later used for various historical and social events, further embedding its reputation in local folklore.

Paranormal Activity Summary

Paranormal occurrences at Major Graham’s Mansion are frequent and intense. Visitors and investigators report:

• Disembodied voices and whispers, often heard in empty rooms.
• Doors slamming shut on their own, even without a breeze.
• Cold spots and temperature fluctuations in otherwise warm areas.
• Apparitions of former residents and enslaved individuals, appearing in hallways or near windows.
• Mysterious footsteps on the stairs, sometimes accompanied by heavy breathing.
• Objects moving by themselves, including furniture shifting overnight.

Ghost Stories & Reports

The Weeping Woman

A ghostly woman in a long dress has been seen wandering the mansion, her face hidden by a veil. Witnesses claim to hear soft crying, believed to be the spirit of a former resident who lost her child.

The Tormented Spirits of the Enslaved

Several visitors have described seeing shadowy figures in the basement and lower levels. Many believe these are the restless spirits of enslaved individuals who suffered on the plantation grounds. Some report hearing chains rattling or faint cries echoing from the walls.

The Poltergeist Activity

One of the most chilling reports involves furniture moving on its own. Some visitors have returned to a room only to find chairs flipped over or objects displaced. Paranormal teams have captured footage of unseen hands pushing objects in real-time.

The Phantom Horseman

A dark figure riding a horse has been spotted on the property, particularly near the edge of the woods. Some believe this is Major Graham himself, forever patrolling his land.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The basement and lower levels are considered the most active. Many visitors report an overwhelming sense of dread and despair, with some even experiencing difficulty breathing or an unexplained urge to flee.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes (for special events and ghost tours)
• Entry Fee: Varies depending on the event
• Tour Availability: Seasonal ghost tours and historical tours
• Photography Allowed? Yes
• Visiting Hours: Limited, based on scheduled tours and events

Best Time to Visit

Ghost activity is most intense in the fall, especially around Halloween. Many visitors report increased encounters during late-night tours.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

Major Graham’s Mansion has been featured on several paranormal shows and investigated by teams who have recorded:

• EVP recordings of whispered names and cries.
• Infrared images capturing shadowy apparitions.
• Poltergeist activity, including objects moving without explanation.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

• Visitors should stay with their tour group—some areas are off-limits due to safety concerns.
• Some guests report feeling dizzy or lightheaded, especially in the basement.
• Unauthorized visits are prohibited, and trespassers will be removed.

With its haunting history and chilling ghostly encounters, Major Graham’s Mansion remains a hotspot for those seeking an authentic paranormal experience. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, this mansion offers an unsettling glimpse into Virginia’s ghostly past.