The Haunted Landon House in Urbana, Maryland

The Landon House, located in Urbana, Maryland, is an isolated structure that many claim to be haunted. Constructed in the year of 1754, this home has sat along the Rappahannock River among the shadows of immense shade trees. Originally, the intention for the construction was to create a silk mill. However, the structure was relocated to Urbana, Maryland. It was there that it served as SHIRLEY academy for females and then it was transformed into THE LANDON Military Academy. It was not uncommon, at the time, for the basement of the beautiful building to be used to confine slaves. Here, you will learn about the haunted history of the ever-popular Landon House.

As the Civil War came into the picture in American History, the rebel calvary general by the name of J.E.B Stuart stopped at the house during the confederate invasion of Maryland.  STUART hosted a party at the structure in the year of 1862, the second day of September. Many refer to this as the “Sabers and Roses Ball”. This occurred just weeks before the Battle of Antietam, September 17th, 1862, the deadliest day in american history with over 23,000 causulties.  War suddenly wasn't so glamorous.

Once this deadly battle took place, the Landon House transformed from a place for the socially elite to a makeshift hospital. Individuals who were injured or dying were often taken to the home in order to receive care, if care was available for their injuries, infections, and sicknesses. Many soldiers who were confined to the house for care met their fate within the walls of the structure. The emotional tension in the home was absolutely immense. It was not uncommon to hear painful prayers yelled out from what was left of soldiers lying on the cots, or to hear them begging for help because of the extreme amount of discomfort that they were in.

Since the days in which the Landon House served as a hospital for these soldiers, employees and individuals who have visited the structure have witnessed many paranormal events and/or heard of paranormal events that have taken place in and around the building. One area where there are many accounts of paranormal events is the basement area. It is believed that the slaves who were held in this area suffered tremendously and that many of them died due to sickness, abuse, and less than sanitary conditions. Today, if you visit this area of the house, it is likely that you will encounter a strange cold sensation, the feeling as if you are being watched, or even a slight tap from an unseen force.

Many individuals have witnessed apparitions that appear to be soldiers dressed in Civil War attire. These soldiers have been seen both in the property surrounding the Landon House, as well as in the house itself. Based on the witness accounts, paranormal investigators seem to believe that these spirits are residual hauntings. Residual hauntings occur when emotional energy remains strong in a particular area. It is a type of energy that is left behind in such a way that the memories appear to be visual to the individuals that experience them.