Gadsby's Tavern - Real Haunt in Alexandria VA

Gadsby’s Tavern consists of two buildings, an actual tavern that was built in 1785 and a hotel constructed in 1792. Many of America’s founding fathers visited the tavern, including James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Monroe, and George Washington. The hotel also housed two guests at the center of a small tragedy early in its lifespan.

According to local legend, a man brought a young woman to stay with him in one of the upstairs rooms, but she soon fell ill. He called for a doctor in an effort to save her; unfortunately, the doctor was not able to do so and the woman soon died. The man left behind enough money to cover her medical expenses and burial, then disappeared without ever sharing her name. The nameless woman’s grave can still be found in town, and staff at Gadsby’s say a mysterious candle in the room where the woman died will sometimes appear. There have also been reports of apparitions, phantom footsteps, and a woman crying.

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