If you are a ghost enthusiast and have visited Fredericksburg, Texas before, you may have heard tales of haunted landmarks in the area.

These include the Kerr County Courthouse, Fall Hill Plantation, Baby Head Cemetery, and the Rising Sun Tavern.

Kerr County Courthouse

Among the most popular sights are the Kerr County Courthouse and the Oscar Ruffini courthouse, both of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Kerr County Courthouse is the oldest county courthouse in Texas, dating back to 1882. This is not the only haunted landmark in the city, however, and there are several more.

If you’re looking for a good old fashioned ghost tour, try this one. While it’s not haunted in the usual sense, it’s rumored that there are strange noises in the courthouse, and some people have claimed to see a ghostly prisoner lingering there after dark, rattling his manacles and trying to prove his innocence to a long-dead jury.

St. George’s Episcopal Church

You might have heard the stories of the headless ghost of a man who hanged himself from a tree outside the courthouse, but there are other tales of phantoms and apparitions that are rumored to live at these sites.

St George’s Episcopal Church is a historic building in downtown Fredericksburg. It was originally constructed in the 18th century. In 1849, it was rebuilt and added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The church is said to be visited by a ghost of a woman dressed in white. She appears to kneel at the altar. According to one account, she may have been a church parishioner who prayed for Col. Fielding Lewis, a member of the vestry.

Another ghost is thought to be an apparition of a headless actor who was buried in the cemetery and gave his head to science. He is also reputed to have moved objects around the church and tugged on dresses.

Chatham Manor

The property has seen many important moments in American history. During the Civil War, it served as the Union Army’s headquarters. In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln visited the mansion.

After the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Chatham property was used as a field hospital for wounded soldiers. Hundreds of volunteers served as army surgeons and helped tend to the wounded.

Initially, the bodies of Union soldiers were buried on the grounds. But, after the war, the graves were moved to Fredericksburg National Cemetery.

During the Civil War, the Lacy family owned the Chatham estate. They had tried to emancipate the slaves, but were unable to do so. However, after the war, they were able to return.

While Chatham was a slave plantation, it has also been a thriving, wealthy community. In the early 1900s, the estate was restored to its former glory. Various outbuildings were added to the property, including a stable, barn, mill, and dairy. An orchard, fishery, and racetrack were also constructed.

Despite its restoration, at night its fields still echo with the ghostly groans of soldiers who died while undergoing surgery without anesthetic.

Fall Hill Plantation

Fall Hill Plantation is one of the most famous haunted locations in the area. This historic plantation was owned by the Thornton family until 1999. Over the years, the house has been extensively renovated several times.

The Fall Hill Mansion is a two-story Georgian style home. It features two exterior chimneys. Many residents have reported seeing the apparition of a Native American woman known as Katina. She was a servant to the Thornton family and acted as their nanny.

When the mansion was first built, the Thornton family lived on a plantation on 8,000 acres. One of the children, Francis Thornton, II, is said to be the favorite.

Fall Hill is rumored to be haunted by the spirit of the Sioux princess, Katina. During her time at the plantation, she taught the Thornton children about nature and connection to the earth.

The children adored her, and she them. After her passing in 1777 she was deeply missed. It is said that she still wonders the grounds, looking after the manor and protecting any children who visit.

Rising Sun Tavern

The historic tavern is said to be haunted by the ghost of the former owner, John Frazier.

The tavern is a popular attraction for tourists and history buffs alike. It was originally built in 1760. It was converted into a tavern in 1792. Today it is one of the Washington Heritage Museums in Fredericksburg.

There is a ghost that is said to be haunting the tavern, and this one has been described as a playful apparition. In the late 1700s, the tavern served as a stagecoach stop, and a number of important people frequented the tavern.

Throughout the centuries, visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices. They have also reported seeing disembodied objects move by themselves. Тhe tavern staff reports that one of the tavern’s ghosts tugs on the dress hems of guests.

A Relieving Lunch after the Ghost Stories

After spending time exploring these historic and frightening sites, you can find respite from the ghosts at any one of the best restaurants in Fredericksburg, TX.

No matter what your taste buds crave after your encounters with the supernatural, you can find something to satisfy them in the city’s diverse selection of eateries.

For Italian food lovers, there are Italian restaurants like Antonella’s and La Trattoria that offer classic dishes with a local twist.

If you’re a tourist looking for a more traditional American experience, check out places like Hardee’s or Cracker Barrel.

If you want to try something new, many of the city’s locally owned restaurants offer unique takes on regional dishes.

The Smokehouse Grill serves up mouth-watering local BBQ with a variety of side dishes and desserts. Just make sure to mind your cholesterol levels – the food might be to die for but you don’t want to join the ghosts of Fredericksburg too soon after your tours!

Takeaway

Exploring the Haunted Landmarks of Fredericksburg, TX is an adventure like no other. Whether you’re a believer in ghosts and ghouls or just an observer looking to experience some of the most unique and spine-tingling sites in Texas, Fredericksburg has something to offer everyone.

From the old buildings of downtown, to the mysterious and ancient graveyards that dot the landscape, Fredericksburg is a city of secrets and stories waiting to be discovered.

No matter your level of interest in the supernatural, take the time to explore these haunted landmarks and experience a little bit of Fredericksburg’s unique history.

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