Mysterious voices whispering in the dark. Ghostly figures pacing the balcony on the lookout for approaching Union soldiers. Doors slamming and lights turning on by themselves. Take a tour of Vicksburg’s McRaven House—if you dare—and see for yourself why this architectural gem also holds the title of “Most Haunted House in Mississippi.”
Built in three distinct period styles, McRaven’s rooms invite visitors on a time-traveling journey—from Mississippi’s pioneer era, through Empire and Greek Revival architectural styles. Period antiques paint a richer picture of each era and hint at the comfort in which the home’s former owners lived. Troubled by their days among the living, the previous occupants appear to have remained at McRaven beyond their untimely deaths, agitating the home into a hotbed of paranormal activity.
First there was Highwayman Andrew Glass. A notorious robber of weary travelers traversing the Natchez Trace, Glass built the pioneer portion of the home in 1797, before Mississippi was even a state. His two-room brick structure featured a bedroom above the kitchen, complete with a removable ladder to prevent would-be attackers from approaching while he slept inside his hideout.
"Bobb opened his house as a field hospital during the Civil War and weathered the Vicksburg Siege at McRaven. His luck ran out a year later, when Union reconstruction troops murdered him over a brick-throwing incident."
Then came Sheriff Stephen Howard, who added the Empire-style portion of the home in 1836. He outfitted McRaven with another bedroom, a dining room, and a two-story covered porch, preparing the house for his young wife, Mary Elizabeth. Tragically, Mary Elizabeth did not survive childbirth, but her spirit lingers today, playing tricks on unsuspecting guests.
Prominent brick manufacturer and sawmill owner John H. Bobb constructed the home’s Greek Revival rooms in 1849. An elegant parlor, master bedroom, and flying wing staircase transformed the once simple pioneer home into a place of opulence. Bobb opened his house as a field hospital during the Civil War and weathered the Vicksburg Siege at McRaven. His luck ran out a year later, when Union reconstruction troops murdered him over a brick-throwing incident.
Dark secrets dwell within these walls, waiting for an opportunity to speak out. Discover the history of McRaven House on one of its tours, or search for your own answers in a “Ghost Hunt” paranormal investigation. Either way, don’t miss this must-see stop on Mississippi’s haunted trail. Learn more at visitmississippi.org/go/haunted-mississippi/.
