Greenbrier Ghost – Haunted Grave in Greenbrier County, West Virginia

The Greenbrier Ghost is one of the most famous supernatural cases in American history, as it’s the only documented instance where a ghost’s testimony was accepted in a court of law.

This eerie legend centers around the spirit of Zona Heaster Shue, a young woman whose tragic death in 1897 led to a shocking revelation—from beyond the grave. Visitors to her burial site claim to experience strange sensations, ghostly whispers, and an overwhelming feeling of unease.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1870s (burial site established)
• Original Purpose: Cemetery
• Significant Events: In 1897, Zona Heaster Shue was found dead under mysterious circumstances. Her husband, Erasmus Shue, insisted it was from “natural causes,” but her ghost reportedly appeared to her mother, revealing she had been murdered. A second autopsy confirmed foul play, and Erasmus was convicted. The case became known as the “Greenbrier Ghost Trial.”

Paranormal Activity Summary

• Visitors near Zona’s grave report cold spots, an odd sudden stillness, and a faint smell of perfume.
• Some have heard whispering voices, while others claim to feel an unseen presence watching them.
• Paranormal investigators note fluctuations in electromagnetic readings around the grave.
• A ghostly figure in a long dress has occasionally been spotted lingering near the site, believed to be Zona herself.

Ghost Stories & Reports

• Zona Heaster Shue: The restless spirit said to have appeared to her mother, Mary Jane Heaster, detailing how Erasmus had strangled her in a fit of rage.
• Reports from visitors: People claim to feel an invisible force pressing down on their chests, a sensation linked to the injuries Zona suffered before death.
• Local folklore: Many believe that Zona’s spirit lingers to ensure no one else meets a similar fate. Others say her ghost only appears when someone questions her story.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

• Zona’s Grave: Located in the Soule Chapel Methodist Cemetery, this is where visitors experience most of the paranormal activity. Those who dare to linger too long sometimes report hearing a faint, desperate voice whispering, “He killed me.”

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: None
• Tour Availability: No official tours, but local ghost tours sometimes include the site.
• Photography Allowed? Yes
• Visiting Hours: Cemetery is open from dawn to dusk.

Best Time to Visit

• Late fall and winter nights are rumored to be when Zona’s spirit is most active, particularly around January 23, the anniversary of her death.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

• The Greenbrier Ghost case has been featured in books, documentaries, and paranormal TV shows.
• EVP (electronic voice phenomena) recordings have picked up soft murmurs near the grave, though no clear messages have been confirmed.
• Some investigators reported unexplained battery drains on their equipment when trying to record near the grave.

Local Legends & Myths

• Some claim that Zona’s ghost will only appear to those who truly believe in her story.
• A local legend suggests that placing a red flower on her grave ensures she will not follow you home, while leaving a black object might invoke her wrath.

Final Thoughts

The Greenbrier Ghost remains an unsettling piece of paranormal history, forever tied to a courtroom conviction. Whether you visit for the chilling ghost story or the fascinating legal precedent, one thing is certain—Zona’s spirit will not be forgotten.