Charlottesville’s historic Court Square hides a dark past, and the "Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour" aims to uncover its chilling secrets. Led by an experienced guide, you will explore seven haunted sites, delving into the city’s colonial history and the lingering legacies of slavery. From the eerie Maplewood Cemetery to the most haunted store in the downtown mall, this captivating tour promises a blend of spine-tingling tales and historical insights – a must for anyone intrigued by the paranormal.
Good To Know
- The 1-hour walking tour explores haunted locations in Charlottesville’s historic downtown area, including the most haunted store on the pedestrian mall.
- The tour departs from The Paramount Theater and is guided by an experienced leader who shares insights on the area’s dark history and paranormal activities.
- The tour delves into the dark legacy of slavery in colonial Charlottesville, highlighting the inhumane conditions and abuses faced by enslaved individuals.
- The tour includes a visit to Maplewood Cemetery, where participants can search for the spectre of Thomas Jefferson and experience reported unexplained phenomena.
- The tour is suitable for individuals interested in the area’s dark history, including the legacy of slavery, and the paranormal activities that are said to haunt Charlottesville.
Tour Overview
The Charlottesville: Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour is a 1-hour exploration of the city’s most haunted locations.
A 1-hour exploration of Charlottesville’s most haunted locations, including the city’s downtown pedestrian mall and Maplewood Cemetery.
Priced at $24-$32 per person, the tour departs from The Paramount Theater. A knowledgeable guide, wearing a US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and carrying a lantern, leads participants through the downtown pedestrian mall, including the most haunted store, and Maplewood Cemetery.
Guests may see the apparition of Thomas Jefferson and learn about the area’s dark history of slavery. The tour runs rain or shine and isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues.
Cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Looking for more options in Charlottesville? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Meeting Point and Guide
The Charlottesville: Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour meets at The Paramount Theater, located at 215 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
The meeting point is easy to find on the downtown pedestrian mall. Participants will be greeted by a knowledgeable guide wearing a US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and carrying a lantern.
This guide has extensive experience leading haunted tours and will share insights about the area’s history and paranormal activities.
The tour’s duration is 1 hour, allowing enough time to explore the most haunted locations in the heart of Charlottesville.
Haunted Locations
Participants on the Charlottesville: Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour will explore seven haunted locations throughout the historic downtown area.
These include:
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The most haunted store in the downtown pedestrian mall where visitors may encounter ghostly apparitions
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A search for the spectre of Thomas Jefferson, the nation’s third president, who once lived in Charlottesville
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The eerie atmosphere of Maplewood Cemetery, where unexplained phenomena have been reported
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Historical sites related to the area’s slavery past, offering a glimpse into colonial Charlottesville’s haunting history.
All under the guidance of a seasoned tour guide well-versed in the town’s paranormal activity.
Slavery in Colonial Charlottesville
As the tour explores the haunting history of colonial Charlottesville, it delves into the dark legacy of slavery that permeated the region.
Charlottesville’s economy was heavily reliant on the labor of enslaved Africans, who toiled in the tobacco fields and domestic work. Visitors learn about the inhumane conditions and abuses these individuals endured.
The tour also highlights the influential role of slave-owning figures like Thomas Jefferson, whose estate, Monticello, was built using slave labor.
Through this somber exploration, the tour provides insight into the complex and troubling history underlying Charlottesville’s colonial past.
More Great Tours NearbyApparition of Thomas Jefferson
On the tour, visitors search for the apparition of Thomas Jefferson, whose prominent role in colonial Charlottesville’s history looms large.
The ghostly sightings are said to occur:
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Near the steps of the Albemarle County Courthouse, where Jefferson once argued cases
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Inside the Rotunda of the University of Virginia, which he designed
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Around the gravesite where Jefferson is buried at Monticello
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In the gardens and along the walkways of his iconic estate
The tour guide shares chilling tales of these rumored encounters, inviting participants to keep a keen eye out for the founding father’s ghostly presence.
Eerie Atmosphere at Maplewood Cemetery
The eerie atmosphere at Maplewood Cemetery captivates visitors on the Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour. The guide leads the group through the historic graveyard, highlighting its haunting ambiance.
Headstones and monuments cast long shadows as the group explores, creating an ominous mood. Participants may feel the hairs on their necks stand up, sensing an unseen presence.
The guide recounts tales of ghostly apparitions spotted among the tombstones, sending shivers down spines. Though the tour continues on, the chilling energy of Maplewood Cemetery lingers long after the group departs.
Booking Information
Customers can reserve their spot on the Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour without upfront payment.
The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can check the availability of starting times to find the best option for their schedule.
The tour operates rain or shine, and in case of cancellation, you will be notified.
Here are the key booking details:
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Reserve now & pay later
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
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Check availability for starting times
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Tour operates rain or shine
What to Bring and Restrictions
Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for the Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour. The tour covers about a mile of walking, so sturdy footwear is essential.
Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited during the tour. Audio recording is also not allowed, as it may disrupt the eerie atmosphere.
The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or those unable to walk more than a mile. In case of any issues or concerns, guests are encouraged to inform the guide immediately.
The tour operates rain or shine, so participants should be prepared for various weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I Be Able to Take Photos During the Tour?
According to the tour information, audio recording is not allowed during the tour. However, the instructions do not specifically mention whether participants can take photos. It’s best to confirm this with the tour operator prior to the event.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour may not be suitable for children. It includes visiting haunted locations and exploring the eerie atmosphere of Maplewood Cemetery, which could be unsuitable or frightening for younger participants. Parents should use discretion when booking this tour with their children.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
The tour does not explicitly mention student or senior discounts. However, the tour offers up to a 25% discount, which could potentially apply to those groups as well. Interested parties should check with the tour operator for any available concessions.
How Reliable Is the Guide’s Knowledge of the Haunted Locations?
The guide’s knowledge of the haunted locations is likely reliable, as they are described as "knowledgeable" and wear a US Ghost Adventures t-shirt, suggesting expertise in paranormal investigations. Customers have also left positive reviews about the tour guide’s expertise.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour information does not indicate an option to extend the duration beyond the listed 1 hour. The tour appears to have a fixed length, though customers could potentially arrange a private or customized tour for a longer experience.
The Sum Up
The Charlottesville: Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour offers a captivating and spine-chilling experience for those interested in the city’s haunted history. Guided by an experienced leader, participants uncover eerie tales at seven haunted locations, delving into the dark legacies of slavery and experiencing the paranormal intrigue of the region. This unique blend of historical insight and spooky exploration makes for an unforgettable evening stroll through Charlottesville’s past.
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