By: Ellie Cooper
Did you know that the National Museum of Civil War Medicine used to be an embalming building? Or better yet, that there are over 40 underground tunnels running through the downtown area? You can learn about that and more during the downtown Frederick ghost tours.
The longest-running ghost tour in Maryland is in downtown Frederick and has been operating for almost 25 years. Locals and visitors alike can take a glimpse into what life was like in the past on tours that run from April to December.
The tour lasts about 90 minutes and explores several historic buildings. It is led by candlelight, which along with the captivating storytelling adds to the ambience.
The tour begins at Brewer’s Alley on North Market Street. The tour guide collects tickets as the wind picks up and tickles the leaves into dancing. The first stop is at city hall, where stories of hangings and torture fill the air with eerie energy.
There were stories of men dragged to the execution post where they were hung. Some had their intestines cut out and burned in front of them. These stories help paint a picture of some of the darker history Frederick has to offer.
In addition to the hauntingly freaky stories, the tour guide makes jokes about the “horseless carriages” that drive past during the journey, helping further immerse tour members into the experience.
The tour guide admits that people have experienced eerie encounters with potential spirits not only during the tours but also after. Allegedly, if one happens to immediately return to the sites they just visited, they are likely to happen upon a mischievous specter.
The guide also shared the rich history Frederick has to offer as a historic town throughout the tour, so it’s not only spooky but also educational. Stories about several important people in American history, such as Dr. John Tyler, Barbara Fritchie, and Jane Hanson, the first lady of the original United States government were intermingled throughout the tour.
The downtown Frederick ghost tour is an affordable activity the whole family can enjoy; just be sure they have a stomach that can tolerate mentions of bloodshed.
Tickets can be purchased in advance online, or you can reserve your tickets and pay on-site. Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for kids. The tour is not recommended for children under the age of 13 due to some mature content described during the tours.
An additional incentive to give this ghost tour a try is the 10% discount applied to your entire order at Brewer’s Alley that is attached to your ticket. The offer is only valid for a month after your tour, so it’s recommended to treat your party to dinner after the tour, which can work up an appetite.
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