Whipple Company Store – Haunted Company Store in Scarbro, West Virginia

The Whipple Company Store, a foreboding relic of West Virginia’s coal mining past, stands as one of the most haunted locations in the state. Built in the early 20th century, this eerie structure once served as the lifeline of the mining community, providing food, supplies, and even medical services to workers.

However, it also has a darker history—rumors of worker exploitation, secret tunnels, and unexplained deaths have fueled ghostly legends. Today, visitors report chilling encounters, making it a hotspot for paranormal investigators.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1900s
• Original Purpose: Company store and business hub for coal miners
• Significant Events:
  • The store was not just a marketplace but also a location where miners were paid in company-issued scrip, trapping them in financial dependence.
  • There are whispers of secret underground tunnels where workers who fell behind on debts were taken—many never returned.
  • The second floor reportedly housed a doctor’s office and a hidden room, possibly used for illegal activities, further cementing its dark past.
  • Tragic deaths of miners and their families over the years have contributed to reports of lingering spirits.

Paranormal Activity Summary

• Visitors frequently report shadowy figures, disembodied voices, and phantom footsteps echoing through the halls.
• Many feel an overwhelming sense of dread when stepping inside, particularly near the basement and second floor.
• Some claim to hear whispered conversations, often in a language resembling an old Appalachian dialect.
• Objects are said to move on their own, and cold spots appear even in the height of summer.
• A ghostly child’s laughter has been recorded near the stairwell, leading to speculation that young spirits remain trapped in the building.

Ghost Stories & Reports

• The Shadow Man: A towering black figure with glowing eyes has been seen lurking in doorways and hallways. Some believe he is a former overseer, ensuring no one steps out of line.
• The Crying Woman: A ghostly woman, dressed in old-fashioned clothing, is often seen near the former doctor’s office. Witnesses say she vanishes into thin air after emitting a sorrowful wail.
• Mysterious Handprints: Visitors have reported seeing small handprints appear on dusty surfaces, only to disappear moments later.
• Miners’ Voices: Some claim to hear the desperate murmurs of coal miners, as if they are still trying to escape the fate that befell them in the tunnels below.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The basement is regarded as the most terrifying area in the building. This dimly lit space, rumored to contain hidden tunnels used for secret dealings, has an oppressive energy. Paranormal investigators have recorded EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) of what sound like cries for help, and visitors have reported a heavy feeling of being watched.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: Varies by tour type
• Tour Availability: Guided paranormal tours are available on select weekends. Private ghost hunts can also be arranged.
• Photography Allowed? Yes
• Visiting Hours: Check official schedules, as hours vary depending on the season.

Best Time to Visit

Most paranormal activity is reported during the fall and winter months, particularly on stormy nights when the atmosphere in the building feels even more unsettling.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

• The Whipple Company Store has been featured on paranormal television shows and has drawn attention from ghost-hunting teams across the country.
• Several investigators have captured EVPs, unexplained thermal images, and eerie shadow movements on camera.
• Some investigators have attempted spirit box sessions, with responses that allegedly include miners calling out for help and chilling warnings like “Get out.”

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

• Visitors are advised to stick with guided tours, as certain areas of the building may be structurally unstable.
• The basement and upper floors are particularly risky, with uneven flooring and weak supports.
• Due to the intense paranormal activity, individuals prone to anxiety or heart conditions should proceed with caution.

The Whipple Company Store remains one of West Virginia’s most enigmatic and chilling locations. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, a visit here promises an experience you won’t soon forget.