The Graffiti House at Brandy Station

At the Graffiti House, located in Brandy Station, Virginia, you will learn a thing or two about the Civil War. In case you skipped history class or need a refresher, the Civil War was the culmination of animosity and turmoil between two halves of the nation. There was a heated tension between the North and the South that raged on for years.

In 1861, tensions between the South and the North finally climaxed. The nation finally had to address the big issue of slavery, but both sides preferred battle over compromise. Thus, the United States would divide between the free states versus the slave states. But the American Civil War divided up more than just the nation; it separated soldiers from their families and tore them away from their homes.

It is difficult to imagine both the physical pain and mental suffering they endured. From trekking long miles by foot, to witnessing comrades being killed right in front of them, these men left each battle with scars, shell shock, and stories.

Outside the Graffiti House at Brandy Station.

Image Source: Uploaded by trmdwelk to Trip Advisor

Why is the Graffiti House at Brandy Station Haunted?

The Graffiti House, originally built as a dwelling for families, eventually became a place for Confederate troops to rest during the battle. It even served as a hospital for a short while during the Civil War. But like most hospitals of that era, many soldiers didn’t leave the building alive.

With its many years in existence and blood that has been spilt both in and around the building, it’s not surprising that it is very much haunted. Coupled with the creepily crude doodles and chicken scratch signatures on the wall, it makes for an unsettling environment.

Paranormal investigators have seen these drawings move, as well as a presence in the room when looking at them. But before we dive into the history and creep factor of the Graffiti House, book a tour with Colonial Ghosts for an unforgettable haunted adventure!

The History of the Graffiti House

Brandy Road is located right by the Orange & Alexandria Railroad, so it became a frequent stop for both Union and Confederate troops during the Civil War. This Civil War graffiti house, constructed in 1858 by James Barbour, first served as a dwelling for local families. Eventually it would be converted into an official field hospital in 1863.

This was where the wounded sought refuge after various scrimmages, including the important Battle of Brandy Station. The Battle of Brandy Station, also known as the Battle of Fleetwood Hill, is famous for being the largest cavalry engagement the American nation has ever seen.

On June 9, 1863, Union officer General Major Alfred Pleasonton launched a surprise attack the Confederate army’s Major General James Ewell Brown (J.E.B.) Stuart. Five cavalry brigades of tired and hungry Confederates had spent an exhausting night camped along the Rappahannock River; they were notably unprepared for General Pleasonton’s well-planned assault.

At the crack of dawn, Pleasonton split his forces into two groups, such that the Confederates would wake up to be surrounded on both sides. Luckily for Stuart, Pleastonton had underestimated his enemy’s numbers, and thus was thwarted from an easy victory.

The battle that ensued lasted all day. Confederate General William E. Jones was the first to rise from the sounds of gunfire and horse hooves; he quickly marshaled his forces to face the oncoming Union soldiers led by Major General John Buford.

As cannons whistled through the sky and the air thickened with gun smoke, the two armies were thrown into a state of chaos and confusion. Unsurpisingly resulting in casualties on both sides. About ten hours later, the Confederates would retreat and seek refuge at the Graffiti House.

Why is it Called The Graffiti House?

The Graffiti House unsurprisingly gets its name from the sheer amount of writing, doodles, and etchings littering the walls. Nearly every room in the house has some sort of signature or art piece. Much of the Civil War-era graffiti that has been successfully identified includes the names and work of the soldiers seeking refuge in the house. In fact, J.E.B. Stuart’s signature is among them.

Image Source: John Banks Civil War Blog

Other officers who have “signed” the house include Lieutenant William J. Marshall, Colonel John Egbert Farnum, and Sergeant Henry Thomas. Of course, lower ranking soldiers have penned their names as well.

Signature of Lieutenant William J. Marshall at the Graffiti House.

Image Source: Uploaded by w:en:Rutke421 to Wikipedia

Renovators of the house, planning to transform it into a commercial property, put a stop on their plans upon the discovery of its graffiti back in 1993. Unfortunately, about half of the Graffiti House’s historical significance had been peeled off or severely damaged.

Expert architectural conservator Christopher Mills would swoop in to rescue remaining artifacts. The Brandy Station Foundation, a non-profit organization, purchased the property in 2002 and has made it its mission to preserve these important pieces of American history.

Drawings on the Walls

Besides autographs, crude drawings and doodles line the house’s walls as well, all of which are indeed a sight to behold. The Maryland Scroll is perhaps the most famous. It is a sketch of an unfurling piece of parchment. It listed the names of men who would later fight at the Battle of Kelly’s Ford, another significant Civil War skirmish that occurred in Virginia’s Culpeper County.

Though the scroll had been previously peeled from the plaster to be added to a collector’s private set of Civil War artifacts, the Brandy Station Foundation returned it to its rightful home in January 2004. Today, visitors can see it in a glass display featured in the house’s south room.

One room, known as the Marshall Room, is named after one of its most significant signers: Lieutenant James Marshall, a Confederate officer who was killed during the famous Battle of Gettysburg. The room also features simple sketch of a downcast looking Confederate soldier.

Rendering of a Confederate soldier with an impressive mustache.

Image Source: Jaunting Jen

Another room, this one named after Sergeant Allen Bowman of the 12th Virginia Cavalry, includes a much more intricate charcoal drawing, called the “Dancing Lady.”

The Graffiti House's "Dancing Lady." — The Graffiti House’s “Dancing Lady.”

Image Source: Jaunting Jen

The final room, which is where Stuart practiced his penmanship and the Maryland Scroll was originally sketched, is perhaps what draws the most crowds. On one of its walls, a clever Union soldier had written in flourishing script “United States of America” over a Confederate’s previous scribble, “Yanks caught hell.”

“Yanks caught hell” / “United States of America.”

Image Source: Jaunting Jen

Renovating the Graffiti House

When the Brandy Station Foundation acquired the house, it was in a state of severe dilapidation. It has undergone a remarkable transformation; thanks to the foundation’s efforts, tourists can now visit a structure that’s in much more solid and beautiful condition. It’s the only place where graffiti in Williamsburg is not only acceptable, but brings tourists in to see it.

The Graffiti House, before renovations took place.

Image Source: Brandy Station Foundation

Image Source: Brandy Station Foundation

However, don’t think that such improvements have impeded the house’s supernatural activity; strange events have been occurring at the Graffiti House for decades. As a matter of fact, renovations tend to stir the ghostly pot even further.

One report that has been passed down concerned two young girls who were living in the house in the 1930s. They decorated a Christmas tree in an upstairs room and when they finished, the decorative balls began to swirl on their own. But there was no wind, and, of course, no air conditioning or central heating at the time.

One volunteer leader, Della Edrington, openly admitted to the house’s haunting, and even invited the Virginia Paranormal Institute to conduct an investigation back in 2007. What they found upstairs was certainly more than graffiti. Everyone in the group experienced something paranormal: ghost hunter Jackie Hicks felt a force tightening around her wrist; journalist Donnie Johnston witnessed a picture frame move on its own

The team’s ghost-detecting instruments were “racing off the charts.” In fact, Research and Investigation of the Paranormal (R.I.P.) featured the Graffiti House during one of their Internet television segments, “The R.I.P. Files,” and the Graffiti House Foundation has itself hosted events (complete with psychic readings and a “Ghosthunting 101” class) which celebrate the property’s spooky past.

Haunted Williamsburg

Fascinated by the haunted Graffiti House? There are plenty more spooky stories waiting for you! These historical spots are rich in eerie legends, ghost sightings, mysterious occurrences, and restless spirits.

Want to dive deeper? Check out our blog for more ghostly tales and book your next Colonial ghost tour today! Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more spine-chilling content!

Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/event/American-Civil-War
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfMHWBgysEw
https://www.brandystationfoundation.com/the-graffiti-house
http://john-banks.blogspot.com/2014/04/american-graffiti-what-soldiers-left.html
http://www.brandystationfoundation.com/
https://www.brandystationfoundation.com/post/the-maryland-scroll
http://jauntingjen.com/2013/09/03/yanks-caught-hell/
https://www.insidenova.com/culpeper/archive/paranormal-group-visits-graffiti-house/article_02c6c567-4bc1-5bde-946e-557976771b48.html

The Graffiti House at Brandy Station