A House Divided
The Rupps owned and operated a tannery on their property, and the house wasn’t far from the base of Cemetery Hill. Much of the action of the Battle of Gettysburg occurred on Cemetery Hill, leading to what many ghost experts consider a mass disturbance of the spirits.
The Rupp House became a battleground during the Battle of Gettysburg. One night, Union armies advanced from one direction, and the Confederacy advanced from the other. John Rupp sent his children and wife away and hid in the basement.
For days on end, he operated a house divided, Union men shooting at Confederates from the porch, and the Confederates returning fire from the rear of the house. All the while, John Rupp hid for his life.
Ghosts of Battle
Though none of the Rupp family died during the Battle of Gettysburg, many men died upon its grounds. Many visitors who have stayed at the bed-and-breakfast next door claim to hear artillery fire, knocking, and even wailing coming from outside. Some have taken photos of ghostly faces of male soldiers peering out from the windows.
Museum staff frequently hear steps creaking and shuffling along the floorboards in the middle of the day. The spirits trapped in the Rupp House are so active, they don’t even wait for night to fall to come out and haunt.
Haunted Gettysburg, PA
To get a history lesson alongside your dose of haunted frights, take US Ghost Adventures’ tour of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Only in a city as historic as Gettysburg can you commune with ghosts from four different historical eras.
About US Ghost Adventures
Since 2013, US Ghost Adventures has offered entertaining, historic, and authentic ghost tours of America’s most haunted cities. We deliver fun yet honest accounts of hauntings across the nation for curious people of all ages. Our ghost stories are based on historical research, but that doesn’t mean they won’t send a chill down your spine.
This video gives you a small taste of what you might experience on your ghost tour — subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more.
US Ghost Adventures also offers virtual tours, a self-guided mobile app, and an Alexa voice app.