Virginia is one of oldest states in America, battles, and legends. With so much past behind it, it’s no surprise that ghost stories are a part of Virginia’s culture.
One of the most famous haunted places in the area in Fairfax is the Fairfax County Courthouse. Built in the 1790s, it’s the oldest courthouse in the region and has been linked to ghost sightings for decades. People claim to have seen shadowy figures wandering the halls, possibly spirits from the civil war, when soldiers used the building as a camp.
Closer to Reston there’s the legend of the “Bunnyman Bridge” in Clifton. The story goes that in the 1970s, people reported seeing a man dressed in a white bunny suit carrying an axe near a small railroad bridge. Over time the tale grew into one of Northern Virginia’s most famous urban legends. While there’s no proof, the eerie story still attracts visitors every Halloween.
Virginia also has older ghost tales, like the Lady in White of Church Hill. Church hill, located in Richmond, is one of Richmond’s oldest neighborhoods. Known for its cobblestone streets, old houses, and ties to early American history, Church Hill has long been considered one of the most haunted places in Richmond. At the center of its legends is the mysterious Lady in White.
The story goes back to the 1800s, when a devastating fire swept through the area. In one of the houses, a young woman became trapped inside and was unable to escape the flames. Neighbors tried to help, but by the time the fire was put out, it was too late. Ever since, people say her spirit has never left.
Sightings of the Lady in White describe her as a pale figure dressed in old-fashioned clothing, wandering the streets of Church Hill at night. Some say she glides silently across the cobblestones, while others claim she appears in windows of abandoned houses, staring out with a sorrowful expression. When approached, she vanishes without a trace.
Many Richmond locals and visitors have shared their own eerie experiences. A few even believe she appears as a warning—guiding people away from danger, much like she herself once faced. Others think she lingers because she never found peace after her untimely death.
Whether she is a true ghost or simply a legend passed down through generations, the Lady in White has become an unforgettable part of Virginia folklore. She adds to the mystery and character of Church Hill, reminding us how stories of the past still echo through the present.
Whether or not you believe in ghosts, these stories are a fun part of Virginia’s history and culture. So next time you’re walking around Reston or driving through Fairfax at night, keep your eyes open-you never know what you might see.
