Davis and Elkins College – Haunted Campus in Elkins, West Virginia

Nestled in the mountains of Elkins, West Virginia, Davis and Elkins College is more than just a historic campus—it’s a hotspot for paranormal activity. With buildings dating back to the early 1900s, the college has accumulated ghostly legends that send shivers down students’ spines. From eerie footsteps echoing through the halls to shadowy figures appearing in dorm rooms, the spirits of the past seem to have never left.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1904
• Original Purpose: Founded as a liberal arts college
• Significant Events:
  • The campus was built on land once owned by Henry Gassaway Davis and Stephen Benton Elkins, two influential political figures.
  • Halliehurst and Graceland mansions, both part of the campus, were originally private homes filled with lavish gatherings—and, some say, secrets.
  • Over the years, tragic deaths, including accidents and untimely passings of faculty and students, have contributed to the hauntings.

Paranormal Activity Summary

• Reports of shadowy apparitions seen wandering the halls at night.
• Students frequently experience cold spots and the unsettling feeling of being watched.
• Disembodied voices and whispers echo through empty rooms.
• Doors slamming shut on their own, particularly in Graceland Mansion.
• Objects moving mysteriously, including books flying off shelves and lights flickering without explanation.
• A woman in white has been spotted in Halliehurst Mansion, believed to be a former resident who met an untimely demise.

Ghost Stories & Reports

The Ghost of Halliehurst Mansion

Halliehurst Mansion, one of the most famous haunted spots on campus, is said to be home to a mysterious woman in white. Some say she was a former resident who lost her life in the home under tragic circumstances. Students have reported seeing her standing near the windows, gazing out into the night, only to vanish when approached.

The Spirits of Graceland Mansion

Graceland Mansion, once a luxurious home, is now a place of ghostly encounters. It is believed that a former owner or an unknown spirit still lingers inside. Visitors have reported hearing furniture moving on its own and feeling a presence near the grand staircase. The lights flicker inexplicably, and some have even heard faint piano music playing when no one is around.

The Phantom Professor

In one of the academic halls, legend has it that a former professor who was deeply devoted to his work still roams the building. Students pulling all-nighters claim to have seen a shadowy figure pacing back and forth, as if still preparing for lectures.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The Graceland Mansion’s second-floor hallway is considered the scariest place on campus. Those who dare to walk through it at night report feeling an icy chill, hearing whispers, and sometimes even seeing an apparition standing at the end of the corridor.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: None for general visits, but ghost tours may have a fee.
• Tour Availability: Paranormal tours are occasionally offered, especially around Halloween.
• Photography Allowed? Yes
• Visiting Hours: Standard campus hours for public buildings; restricted access to private dorms.

Best Time to Visit

Fall and winter nights seem to be the most active for paranormal encounters. Many reports of ghost sightings come from students and faculty walking the campus during late evening hours.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

Davis and Elkins College has been featured in local ghost-hunting documentaries and is a favorite spot for paranormal investigators. Many EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) recordings have captured unexplained whispers and ghostly voices inside Halliehurst Mansion.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

• Some buildings, especially Graceland Mansion, have restricted access at night, so visitors should stick to designated areas.
• While the campus is open, unauthorized entry into locked buildings may lead to trespassing violations.

Davis and Elkins College is more than just a place of learning—it’s a historic campus with lingering spirits. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or just love a good ghost story, the hauntings here are enough to keep even the bravest visitors looking over their shoulders.