Hager House: One of Maryland’s Most Haunted Places?

Nestled in the heart of Hagerstown Maryland’s City Park, the Jonathan Hager House stands as a historic symbol of the town’s origins, while also being known as one of Maryland’s most haunted locations. Built in 1739 by the city’s founder, Jonathan Hager, the limestone homestead, originally named “Hager’s Fancy,” has since become a museum and is known for its historical significance and reported paranormal activity.

The house, constructed over a natural spring, provided Hager with a strategic location for his trading post and home. After Hager sold the property in 1745, the property passed through several hands, but it wasn’t until it was opened as a museum in 1962 that stories of ghostly encounters began to surface. Many visitors and paranormal investigators believe the house is still inhabited by the spirits of its former occupants, with some reports suggesting as many as 13 spirits may linger in the home.

“As the City Parks & Rec, we cannot say or confirm that it is actually haunted. What we can say is, that people do believe that the Hager House is haunted,” stated Amy Riley, Recreation Supervisor, “and it is considered one of the most haunted places in the region, by those who make lists of haunted places in the area.” Riley went on to say that their ghost tours are for entertainment purposes only, with the goal of providing a memorable, safe experience.

Frequent reports from visitors include hearing disembodied footsteps, voices, and the unsettling sight of objects moving on their own. A cradle has been said to rock without cause, and a corn doll is often seen mysteriously changing positions throughout the house. These sightings have led to the belief that the spirit of a child may be among the paranormal residents. Additionally, apparitions of a woman in green, thought to be one of the house’s former occupants, have been spotted gazing from windows or moving through the halls. Another recurring figure is a man in black, sometimes seen smoking a pipe on the porch or walking the grounds of City Park.

In recent years, the Hager House has become a focal point for paranormal enthusiasts, particularly during the Halloween season. The City of Hagerstown’s Parks and Recreation Department offers ghost tours of the house and surrounding park, giving visitors a chance to experience the eerie atmosphere firsthand. These guided tours take place on several evenings throughout October, with lantern-wielding guides sharing the chilling stories tied to the home’s history.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, a special Beginner Paranormal Investigations night will be held on October 19, 2024 where participants will learn the basics of ghost hunting using professional equipment. Led by the Calico Spirit Investigation Team, this event will be held at the nearby Train Hub, which has its own share of ghostly tales.

The Hager House’s ghost tours, which sell out quickly each year, provide a unique opportunity to explore one of Hagerstown’s most notable landmarks in a new light—by delving into the stories that make it one of Maryland’s most haunted locations. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, the Hager House offers a captivating glimpse into both the historical and supernatural side of this Western Maryland town.

“During our Ghost Tours, we are telling the history of the stories of the house being haunted. The stories have been passed down over the years from previous tour guides who have worked there,” Riley informed us. “The stories are of paranormal type experiences that they have experienced themselves or have heard from others who have been in the house.”

For those interested in joining the tours, pre-registration is strongly recommended due to limited availability. Tickets are available online at www.hagerhouse.org, and the tours are open to participants aged 10 and above. Tours often sell out, so plan accordingly.

For up-to-date tour times and additional details, follow the Jonathan Hager House Museum and Hagerstown Parks and Recreation on social media.

Story by multiple RFHC contributors

[wtpsw_carousel]