Appalachia is commonly known for its history of paranormal activity, haunted historic buildings and unexplainable events. The Appalachian Mountains have been around for billions of years, making them geographically ancient. Being so old, they are full of mystery and stories. Just in the area of Morgantown, West Virginia, there are so many places on the WVU campus that are considered haunted. Take a visit to these locations to celebrate this upcoming Halloween… If you dare.
Hotel Morgan
Hotel Morgan was built in 1925, making it over 100 years old. According to Haunted Rooms Co., it is considered one of the most haunted hotels in West Virginia. Specifically, room 314 has the most reports of paranormal activity by hotel guests. It is said that a little girl drowned in the bathtub of 314 many years ago, and her spirit remains haunting the room. As someone who has had multiple stays at Hotel Morgan, I can confirm that I feel very eerie and mysterious energy radiating from the entire building. This is definitely a location worth visiting if you’re looking for historic and spooky fun this October.
The Woodburn Hall Cow Ghost
This is a WVU ghost story no one expects. A cow ghost near the infamous Woodburn Hall. In the earliest years of WVU’s existence, a group of students planned to play a prank on the rest of campus. They stole a cow from the agricultural department and led it all the way up the tower to the bell. They wanted people to hear moos coming from the bell with no explanation. While their prank worked, they failed to consider a safe method of returning the cow. He was stuck with no way down. Some say he was euthanized. He never came down from that tower. Next time you’re in Woodburn Circle, listen to see if you can hear the faint cries of the Woodburn Hall cow ghost.
Elizabeth Moore Hall
This hall is said to be haunted by, you guessed it, the ghost of Elizabeth Moore. Before WVU, there was the Woodburn Female Seminary. As Confederate troops flooded the campus during the Civil War, Moore’s mission was to protect all the women around her. She bravely pretended to be a troop and saved the school. However, in the process, she died. Elizabeth Moore Hall was named after her, and her ghost haunts the entire building. William Dean, a staff writer for The Morgantown News, says that “Sightings have been reported by employees; others have found her portrait moved without being touched; and Moore’s ghost has been seen floating above the basement pool.” Elizabeth is not just any ghost, though. Just like her physical being, her ghost also protects the women of the WVU campus and ensures their safety, especially in Elizabeth Hall.