Farnsworth House Inn

Background compiled from public sources. Reference ↗

The record

The Farnsworth House was built in two stages — a log section around 1810, the brick structure in 1833 — and by July 1863 was owned by the Sweeney family. During the Battle of Gettysburg, Confederate sharpshooters occupied its attic and upper floors, firing down Baltimore Street toward Union positions on Cemetery Hill; more than 100 bullet holes still scar the south brick wall. The house is often said to be where the shot that killed civilian Jennie Wade was fired, though this is local tradition rather than established fact. It was renamed for Union Brigadier General Elon J. Farnsworth by later owners, the Shultz family, who bought it in the 1970s; historians note the house was not actually associated with the general during the war. Today it operates as an inn, restaurant, and tavern that runs ghost tours and "mourning theater" performances. The current owners describe more than a dozen named resident spirits, and guests report cold spots, the scent of cigar smoke, and a dark figure in the garret room. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

• Reported · Apparitions of Confederate soldiers reported patrolling the house and staircase
• Reported · A child spirit called 'Jeremy' associated with the cellar; visitors leave coins donated to St. Jude's
• Reported · A phantom midwife, the scent of cigars, disembodied heavy breathing, and notes of a jaw harp