The Governor's Mansion in Dover May Be Delaware's Most Haunted House

The Governor's mansion in Dover, Delaware, also known as "Woodburn", is one of Delaware's most famous haunted places. The mansion was built in 1790 and has quite a history, including the harboring of slaves as part of the Underground Railroad during the 1840's and 50's while Daniel Cogwell was owner.

There are claims to several sightings of ghosts, apparitions, screams and other sounds in and around the mansion. The most famous, and probably the first sighting was made by a Methodist preacher, Lorenzo Dow. Around 1815 he was asked to bless the meal at breakfast. He asked if they should wait for the other guest. When he was told there were no other guests at the time by Mrs. Bates, the builder of the mansion's daughter, Dow described the mystery guest, describing Charles Hillyard, Mrs. Bates father.

Charles Hillyard is said to have made many appearances over the years, often sitting by the fireplace, drinking wine. Attempts by residents to bribe Mr. Hillyard with wine into appearing have not produced any results lately.

Another claim is the apparition of a young girl dressed in a red checkered dress and bonnet that walks the grounds and plays near the reflecting pool. The first sighting of this girl was in the 1940's, she has never been identified.

On the south lawn, near the porch is a large tree with a hole in it. It is said that moaning and screams have been heard coming from this hole. There is some debate over the source of the screams. One story is that it is a slave that was discovered hiding in the hole during the Underground Railroad days. There are also claims of an apparition of a man hanging from the tree, his head between two branches. This is said to be a slave kidnapper and trader who, while hiding, had slipped and fallen, catching his head between the two branches and dying there.

There have been claims of moaning and the rattling of chains in the basement of the mansion. These sounds have been attributed to the link the mansion had to the Underground Railroad as well.

There have been several investigations throughout the years, attempting to prove or disprove the existence of paranormal activity at the mansion, all of which did neither. Governors themselves have admitted ghostly encounters, teachers and their students have conducted investigations. These events have produced personal experiences that have frightened people, but no concrete evidence has been documented.

When you visit Woodburn, make sure you call ahead. Tours of the mansion can be arranged Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, by appointment. If you go, maybe you will see the mansion's builder or the little girl playing by the reflection pool.

Woodburn - The Governor's House
151 Kings Hwy
Dover, DE 19901-7307
302-739-5656
woodburn.delaware.gov/

Ghosts and Legends of Woodburn (Official Site)