Eastern Shore Research Paper

When you think of the Eastern Shore, you may think of seafood, beaches, annoying tourists, and other attractions. But, a more interesting thing that people don’t immediately think of are hauntings. Hauntings of the Eastern Shore are unique and interesting things that also influence our culture. There are many myths, attractions, places, museums, and interesting stories from different people. Not all paranormal activity is the same, they all have a uniquely fascinating story behind them that makes the Eastern Shore unique. “Each year, in the Fall, haunted houses, hayrides, and trails find a new and creepier way to scare Marylanders” (Cockrum).
Point Lookout is one of the places I found the most information on. Point Lookout is a mysterious atmosphere on the southern tip of Maryland. Point lookout has a lighthouse that was established and used for 135 years. It began as one of the first Maryland governor’s properties. Also, it has been the sight of many unbelievable tragedies and paranormal activity. In the lighthouse, there has been “pictures taken of ghosts, various frightening EVPs, and

blatant encounters with apparitions.” (Canfield) Point lookout also served as a hospital during the Civil War. Some say a ghost in Civil war clothing has been seen on the grounds. For example, according to ABC reporter, Thompson, “Footsteps and slammed doors have been heard in the lighthouse, despite the witness being alone.”
Multiple haunted museums started as houses and other buildings. Each museum has unique sightings and strange presences. The Ocean City Life Saving Museum is in Maryland. It is interesting because some visitors believe “a ghost of a little drowned girl haunted the museum. When the staircase was painted, a footprint of a little girl was found (Schlosser). In Clinton, Maryland, is the Surrat House Museum. It dates to the eighteenth century and was once a tavern owned by a woman named Mary Surrat. Interestingly, meetings held there were said to be when the plot for assassination of President Lincoln evolved. “Muffled men’s voices and spirits floating” were reported. Another museum is in Waldorf, Maryland. It is the Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House. This place is found to be more interesting as it has been featured on the show Ghost Hunters. Visitors have evidence of a strange voice, they have felt cold presences and heard unexpected knocking. (Thompson)
Attractions make the Eastern Shore an interesting place to visit. Many people take special trips to visit these haunted attractions. Frightland is popular for adults 18 and older. Frightland is an attraction in Delaware. Included is a haunted barn, a zombie person, a haunted hayride, cemetery, an old mansion, and more. Another place, based on 1930 early American traditional retention, Legends of the Fog, is located in Hartford county, Maryland. Legends of the Fog offers 3 haunted attractions: sinister circus, the haunted hayride, and Carson’s Manor.
Burkettsville, Maryland is known for a strange phenomenon.

“Stories say if you put your car in neutral while at the base of the hill, soldiers will push it up the incline. Reports of laughter are heard from the woods” (Thompson). Another legend is in Annapolis. Witches grave is a legend that a witch once lived in Truxton Park. She was hanged and buried in the woods near a slanted tree. On past Halloweens, some say they’ve seen her victim’s apparitions hanging from the same tree she was buried under. Another interesting story is about the goat man. It is about a goat farmer that went crazy after teens killed his goats. It all started in Fletchertown road in Bowie. Visitors have seen a half-goat half-man covered in blood. He’s even been known to decapate dogs and scare teens parked in deserted areas. The goat man has appeared in other forests accompanied by ghostly people.

(Schosser)
Chesapeake Ghost Tours are a unique adventure also. These ghost walks are spread across the Delmarva peninsula on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Some tours are as close as 30 minutes from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and within 2-3 hours of Washington, DC, Philadelphia PA, Baltimore MD and Wilmington DE (Burgoyne). There are bus tours, ghost walks, storytelling and paranormal investigations. Even if meeting spirits isn’t interesting to you, there nearby Main Streets, Arts and Entertainment spots that all have historic architecture, great food, shops, cultural venues and recreational opportunities. As stated in the beginning, the Eastern Shore is full of things that influence our culture.
In conclusion, the Eastern shore offers some great museums, attractions, ghosts, and interesting facts that influence our culture and can create a unique experience for a visitor, or someone who already lives on the Eastern Shore. Rather than having a basic vacation in the Eastern Shore, why not explore the more interesting side? You won’t be disappointed.