Thomas Nelson House

Stories & Folklore

Stories & Folklore are just that. Stories and personal accounts that have been reported about the location and passed down from generation to generation. This section could also contain research notes as well.

The Thomas Nelson House in Yorktown is known not only for its Revolutionary War legacy but also for its longstanding reputation as one of the most haunted locations in the area. With its deep connection to war, death, and sacrifice, many believe the house retains echoes of its storied past in the form of paranormal activity. Visitors and staff have reported strange occurrences within the home and around its grounds, particularly after dark, when the atmosphere becomes noticeably heavy and still.

One of the most frequently mentioned paranormal experiences involves disembodied footsteps echoing through empty hallways. These footsteps are often heard ascending the stairs or pacing slowly through rooms, even when the house is closed or unoccupied. Some visitors have also reported hearing voices—muffled conversations, whispers, or even shouts—coming from rooms they believed were empty. These auditory phenomena are most often reported in areas where British officers were said to have lodged during the 1781 siege.

Apparitions have also been seen throughout the home, including the ghostly figure of a man in colonial dress standing at windows or walking near the front entrance. Many believe this spirit could be Thomas Nelson Jr. himself, lingering out of duty or unfinished business. A woman in period clothing has also been spotted weeping quietly near one of the upstairs bedrooms. Guests describe these apparitions as solid yet silent, vanishing without a trace when approached.

Physical sensations are another common theme in reports from the house. People have experienced sudden chills, even during warm months, and unexplained pressure in the chest when walking through certain rooms. There are also accounts of doors creaking open by themselves and cold spots lingering in corners where no air flow exists. Some report a sense of dread or intense sorrow washing over them, particularly when standing near the site of the home’s original fireplace or near the old servant quarters.

Paranormal investigators who have studied the Thomas Nelson House have recorded unusual electronic voice phenomena (EVPs), captured unexplained temperature shifts, and witnessed flashing lights or orbs on infrared cameras. While skeptics may question the source of these reports, the consistency and frequency of the experiences suggest that the home’s long and turbulent history has left behind a spiritual imprint. Whether these occurrences are residual hauntings or active presences, the Nelson House remains one of Yorktown’s most compelling sites for those drawn to the supernatural.

Added by: sdonley on 07/27/2025 DB#: 1754
Source(s): Various

Paranormal Claims

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