Virginia Paranormal Society discovers ghostly activities at Major Graham's Mansion

Major Graham's Mansion, located in Max Meadows, VA, offers historical and ghost tours.

Major David Graham, a Civil War hero, once owned the home and property that is known today as Major Graham’s Mansion, located in scenic Wythe County, VA. From the finely detailed scroll work staircase to the beautiful huge wooden doors, this structure is a sophisticated example of antebellum architecture. The spirits of the past may still linger here in this lovely house in southwest Virginia and ghost stories about the site are common among the local residents. But is there any proof? Some believe there just might be.

The Virginia Paranormal Society (VPS), based in southwest Virginia, was founded in 2006 with the goal of conducting investigations in order to disprove claims of paranormal activity. However, VPS has conducted a number of investigations at Major Graham’s Mansion in Grahams Forge, VA, and considers this site to be active.  According to Nick Ferra, VPS founder, VPS members and other paranormal teams have recorded and experienced many paranormal encounters at the Graham Mansion. 

Ferra, a self-described skeptic, says he has felt someone pull his hair while exploring the second floor of the mansion and he has also experienced someone “tugging” at his pants, like something a small child would do.  Nick adds, “I’ve also heard a voice whispering in my ear, but couldn’t quite make out what they were saying.  My entire team has heard talking upstairs or in nearby rooms when there was no one in the house but us.  As soon as we go to check it out, it stops.” Another VPS investigator reported being touched on the shoulder and yet another had her arm grabbed.   The team has also experienced and documented cold spots in the mansion.

EVPs from Major Graham’s Mansion

VPS reports that they have a total of 15 solid Class A EVPs captured in Major Graham’s Mansion during various investigations.  According to Nick, “This isn’t proof positive; but it raises the possibility that one or more spirits exist here and are attempting to communicate through our audio recording devices.”  Some of the EVPs are available here.  More will be added later, so check back on a regular basis as Nick and his team upload additional confirmed EVPs.

Psychic Impressions

According to a clairvoyant (not associated with VPS), there are a number of permanent residents in the mansion. The most active spirit is supposed to be “Clara,” a little girl who was apparently orphaned during the Civil War and eventually died of TB or pneumonia in the house.  VPS has not been able to confirm Clara’s identify through historical records. Another lively spirit may be that of Martha, who married Squire David Graham in 1835, and apparently went mad to the point that her husband was forced to lock her away from family and friends as her behavior became more and more erratic.  Martha’s identity and mental illness has been confirmed through Graham family records, along with recently discovered drawings and signatures in the house signed by Martha herself using her maiden name (Pierce). She is also responsible for a signed window etching dated February, 1864, that was created using her diamond ring as an etching tool.

Other active spirits may include a crying bride who has been seen by the clairvoyant and at least one other person, and Bob and Sam, two slaves previously owned by Joseph Baker, the original property owner. Apparently, Mr. Baker promised them their freedom upon his death, so Bob and Sam unfortunately decided to hasten that event.  One evening, after making and consuming a large quantity of moonshine, Bob and Sam murdered Baker.  They were quickly caught and hanged on the property as punishment for their crime. Prior to the sentence being carried out, Bob and Sam were forced to dig their own graves.  

Fourth of July GrahamFest

Josiah Weaver, the present owner of Major Graham’s Mansion, sponsors GrahamFest every year.  In 2010, it’s being held over the Fourth of July weekend. GrahamFest offers tours of the historic Major Graham Mansion, as well as the best in regional music/dance and outstanding food and merchandise vendors. Admission is only $10 for adult tickets, while children 6 years and younger and active duty military personnel are admitted FREE! 

Ghost Tours and Paranormal Investigations Also Available

VPS schedules and hosts ghost tours during GrahamFest and throughout the year.  Upcoming dates include:  June 13th, July 18th, and August 8th.  On July 4, 2010, VPS and GrahamFest will offer a 10:00 - 11:00 p.m. SPECIAL GHOST WALK TOUR!  The cost is $20 per person and the tour is limited to 10 persons.  Preregistration and payment are required. Guests must be 18 years of age or older. 

 VPS also hosts investigations with other paranormal groups and they are present for all promotional functions and events that are held at the mansion.  For scheduling information, contact:  Nick Ferra, VPS Founder and Lead Investigator, Phone: 276-613-4306, Email: vaparanormal@gmail.com.