Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historic State Park – Haunted Civil War Battlefield in Rice, Virginia

Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historic State Park in Rice, Virginia, was the site of one of the most brutal battles of the Civil War. On April 6, 1865, over 7,700 Confederate soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured in what became known as the last major battle before Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox.

Today, the battlefield remains eerily silent, yet many visitors report phantom soldiers, gunfire echoes, and ghostly apparitions still reliving the battle’s chaos.

Historical Background

• Year Established: 1934 (as a historic site)
• Original Purpose: Civil War battlefield
• Significant Events:
  • On April 6, 1865, three separate battles took place, leading to thousands of casualties.
  • The Confederate defeat at Sailor’s Creek marked the beginning of the end for the Confederacy.
  • The fields were left littered with fallen soldiers, many buried in unmarked graves, contributing to the site’s haunted reputation.
  • The battlefield has since been preserved as a historic park, where visitors can walk the grounds and experience the lingering energy of the past.

Paranormal Activity Summary

Many visitors claim the battlefield is far from empty. Reported supernatural activity includes:

• Disembodied voices and cries, often heard at dusk.
• Shadowy figures resembling soldiers, spotted moving through the fog.
• Sudden temperature drops, especially near known battle hotspots.
• Phantom sounds of gunfire and cannon blasts, despite no reenactments occurring.
• Unexplained footsteps, as if invisible soldiers are still marching.
• Feelings of being watched or followed, particularly near the burial sites.

Ghost Stories & Reports

The Phantom Regiment

One of the most chilling reports involves a spectral formation of Confederate soldiers, seen marching through the fields at dawn and dusk. Witnesses describe them as semi-transparent, their uniforms tattered and torn, before fading into the mist.

The Cries of the Wounded

Visitors often hear agonizing screams and moans, especially near the Hillsman House, which served as a makeshift field hospital during the battle. Paranormal investigators have recorded EVPs of desperate voices begging for help.

The General’s Ghost

Some believe General Richard Ewell, a Confederate commander captured at Sailor’s Creek, still lingers on the battlefield. A few visitors claim to have seen a tall, commanding figure standing motionless on a hill, only to disappear moments later.

The Mysterious Gunfire

Many have reported hearing sporadic gunfire, distant shouts, and even the sound of galloping horses, as if the battle is still replaying itself in time.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The Hillsman House—a former battlefield hospital—is considered the most haunted area. Many report cold spots, ghostly touches, and eerie whispers in and around the building. The bloodshed that once stained its floors seems to have left a permanent imprint.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: Free
• Tour Availability: Self-guided walking trails and seasonal guided tours
• Photography Allowed? Yes
• Visiting Hours: Daily from dawn to dusk

Best Time to Visit

Ghostly activity is most commonly reported at dusk and during early morning hours, particularly on April 6, the battle’s anniversary. Foggy evenings tend to heighten the eerie atmosphere.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

Sailor’s Creek Battlefield has been visited by paranormal teams, capturing:

• EVP recordings of moaning, commands, and cries for help.
• Infrared camera footage of shadowy figures moving across the field.
• EMF spikes in areas with no electrical interference.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

• Stay on designated trails—some areas are historically preserved and off-limits.
• Night visits are not allowed unless part of an official event.
• Some visitors report feeling lightheaded or emotionally overwhelmed after walking through certain areas.

With its tragic past and lingering spirits, Sailor’s Creek Battlefield remains one of Virginia’s most haunted war sites. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a paranormal seeker, this battlefield offers an experience that’s hard to forget.