McRaven House
Vicksburg, Warren County, Mississippi
Entrance to McRaven House.
McRaven House in Vicksburg is reputed to be the "most haunted house in
Mississippi." Experts have been studying paranormal activity here for 25 years.
The house was built in three primary sections. The first, a brick structure,
was built by Andrew Glass about 1797.
The grounds surrounding McRaven House are a literal jungle of Magnolias and other
trees, ferns, crepe myrtle, and assorted southern flora. The approach to the
house is through this thick flora on a brick path.
One section of the home was built in the Empire period around 1836 by Sheriff
Stephen Howard. The Greek Revival section of the house, shown above, was built
about 1849 by John H. Bobb. John Bobb was murdered on the grounds of his own
home in 1864. It is believed that at least five of the inhabitants of the house
died in or near the house. Many soldiers died on the grounds as well. A field
hospital was set up here during the Siege of Vicksburg, which accounts for
many of the deaths.
This bedroom is in the section of the house built around 1836, and is Mary Elizabeth
Howard's bedroom. She was the wife of Sheriff Stephen Howard, and died in this room
in 1836. The tour guide swore the hair was standing on his neck while in this room,
a sure sign of a "hant" being present. He warned that strange images may appear
in photos!
Mary Elizabeth Howard's funeral notice is framed and hangs on the wall of the bedroom.
It is said that she haunts this room and other areas of the house. William Murray, who
acquired McRaven in 1882, is also a frequent paranormal "visitor," along with his
daughters, Ella and Annie, on the staircase and grounds.
When a young man came to court, he found a "courting candle" on the porch. He could
stay as long as the father had cranked up the candle. If he arrived and the candle
had not been raised, he might as well go home, because he was unwelcome.
This room showed cannon damage from the Siege of Vicksburg. It is part of the Greek
Revival section of the house, and is occupied by the present owner, Leyland French.
The original kitchen, to which a stove was added, replacing a large fireplace, is
part of the 1797 portion of the house. It contains a great many odd instruments, but
the guide knew the name and use of all of them.
Photos by Margaret & Michael Bates, August 2001
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