Fayetteville, North Carolina has been dubbed as a community of “History, Heroes, and a Hometown Feeling.” It has also been recognized many times as an “All-America City.” There are amazing places to go to in this area. Some of which are the Airborne and Special Operations Museum, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, the Museum of the cape Fear Historical Complex, and many more.

Downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina. (Link: https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g49136-i24255785-Fayetteville_North_Carolina.html)

Another are that people want to visit, but can’t, is the Sandford House. It is already owned by a club and they do not allow ghost hunters in the area. However, before it was exclusive for the club’s private use, many have witnessed paranormal activities and reported these events to others. If you want to know more about the ghosts, the spirits, and the activities at the Sandford House, keep reading below.

Sandford House in an undated photo. (Link: https://www.northcarolinahauntedhouses.com/real-haunt/sandford-house.html)

The History of Sandford House

The Sandford House is part of the Heritage Square in Fayetteville, North Carolina. It is one of the most historic buildings in the area. The land where the Sandford House is located is owned by The Woman’s Club of Fayetteville but they initially rented the Sandford House that was on their lot. They rented it from the years 1941 to 1945 as it served as the home of the unmarried working women during World War II.

A photo showing a sign about the Woman’s Club in Fayetteville. (Link: https://www.visitfayettevillenc.com/listing/heritage-square/6552/)

They later purchased the home, which was initially named Slocumb House, and changed its name to Sandford House.

In the past, the Sandford House remained open to the public. Now, however, only the members of The Woman’s Club of Fayetteville can go inside as they meet there once a month. They do not allow ghost hunters inside.

When Hauntings Began

According to reports, the hauntings at the Sandford House began man years ago. Legend says that the hauntings started during the Civil War after a young couple tried to flee from the home because of the Union Army that was fast approaching their home. They then used a tunnel under their home but it was blown up by the Union Army. The couple’s bodies never got recovered and since then, the apparitions, paranormal activities, and hauntings began in the Sandford House.

Another version claims that they used the tunnel as their meeting place. A young woman reportedly never got to see her lover again after they bid farewell when the soldier went to join his comrades so they can protect the bridge crossing at the Cape Fear River. The soldier never returned but the woman kept waiting. Allegedly, she touches the shoulders of the people who go to the tunnel but becomes disappointed when people turn around because none of them is the solider she has been waiting for.

The ghosts that could be seen at the Sandford House are reportedly the spirit of a woman in black that is why she is referred to as “The Lady In Black.” The Lady In Black wears a long black dress hence it was given such a nickname. The woman’s dress is the same black dress all other women wear during that time to represent their mourning for a lost husband, lover, or family member.

A man is also spotted around the house. They are believed to be the couple who died from being blown up by the Union Army.

The Lady In Black is said to be usually seen on one of the staircases at the Sandford House. The man reportedly lingers on the rented out apartments and watches the television with them. Many tenants in the rented apartments at the Sandford House claim that they saw hollows on the couches even if no one sat there. Others said the channels change without anyone actually changing the channel.

The earliest recorded time that the Lady In Black was spotted was in the year 1900. The most notable and recent appearances that she made was to a Woman’s Club trustee in the year 2004 and to a club member in the year 2008. Regarding the 2008 apparition, the secretary of The Woman’s Club of Fayetteville visited the Sandford House for the first time. She used the back door and stepped into the foyer by the staircase. She swore that she saw some movement from the stairs but she did not see anyone there. However, she was very certain that someone or something moved on the staircase. She believes she saw the Lady In Black during her first visit.

The couple’s ghosts aren’t the only ones living in the Sandford House.

The Ghost Of A Young Lady

Another incident when another ghost was spotted concerned a writer named Nancy Robots. She shared the story of Dr. John Allen McLean and said, “Dr. McLean was standing alone in the center hall, or reception room as it was then called, debating a drastic career change. Should he continue his practice of law or enter the ministry? As he stood deep in thought, he glanced up and was surprised to see a beautiful young girl descending the stairs. Assuming that she was one of the guests he had not met, he watched her reach the last step and survey the room as if searching for someone. Then, with an expression of sadness on her face, she turned and went slowly back up to the landing. There she paused and once more looked out over the room below. Then, as he stared, the edges of the girl grew dim and within seconds she had vanished. For the first time he realized he had not been watching a live young woman but an apparition!”

Sandford House at night. (Link: https://www.fayobserver.com/news/20181013/faywhat-whats-most-haunted-place-in-fayetteville)

Which of the ghosts at the Sandford House would you want to meet? Let us know in the comments below!

An aerial shot of Fayetteville, North Carolina. (Link: https://www.airbnb.co.in/rooms/46527872?source_impression_id=p3_1613019127_Jt%2B%2FKqAPbaIzwVH7&guests=1&adults=1)