Maryland was one of the first settled states in the U.S. and is also one of the most haunted. With it’s twisting, windy roads, and centuries-old farmhouses, Southern Maryland is a hotspot for paranormal activity. Specifically St. Mary’s County. With a rich history of seventeenth century colonists, bloody battles between Catholics and Protestants, and Civil War events, St. Mary’s County is the most haunted county in the state of Maryland. Not to mention the historic Native American sites and dilapidated cemeteries. In this post, we explore the Southern Maryland ghost legends of St. Mary’s City, Summerseat Farm and the Moll Dyer tale.
A Haunted St. Mary’s City
St. Mary’s City is a well-known spiritual hotspot in Southern Maryland. The capital of St. Mary’s County is St. Mary’s City and for good reason. St. Mary’s City was the first settlement in the county, established in 1634 by a group of English colonists. St. Mary’s City was actually the first capital of Maryland, until the capital was moved by force by Protestant colonists to Annapolis in the late seventeenth century. The colonists who founded St. Mary’s City were a mix of Catholics and protestants. Typically these two religious groups argued and fought. And had it not been for the freedom of religion act in St. Mary’s City, these two groups would have fought from the beginning. However, later in the seventeenth century came religious turmoil, ending St. Mary’s City’s heyday.
Fortunately today haunted St. Mary’s City is one of the most well-known archaeological sites in the country, as much of its original buildings are still intact below ground just
waiting to be uncovered. With such a thick history, it’s no wonder St. Mary’s City is a haunted location. There are ghost tours given every Halloween among the old buildings and digs. Seventeenth century colonists have been spotted many times on the paths in St. Mary’s City. Maybe you’ll run into a ghost of a Yaocomaco Native…who have since all died off by disease. There are reconstructed woodland hamlets, where visitors report goosebumps on their arms and cold spots. Or visit the abandoned Van Sweringen’s Inn in St. Mary’s City, another of Southern Maryland’s haunted places. More inexplicable cold spots and disembodied voices are reportedly common at the old inn. Visit and see for yourself!
Haunted Summerseat Farm in Mechanicsville
Isn’t it funny how you can live somewhere for almost 20 years and not know about a really special place? I was raised in Mechanicsville, MD. I never once heard of Summerseat Farm or that it was a haunted farm. Summerseat Farm’s first land records date back to the early seventeenth century, making it one of the oldest farms in existence in the United States. Summerseat Farm has seen its share of turmoil, including more than one of its owners’ deaths. One owner died in the Civil War and is buried on the property in the Summerseat Family Cemetery. Haunted Summerseat Farm is located on Three Notch Road in the heart of Mechanicsville, just down the road from Oakville Elementary School. It’s set back from the road, so most people don’t even notice it’s there.
Haunted Summerseat Farm is perhaps one of the most beautiful and interesting of Maryland’s haunted attractions, though most people don’t visit Summerseat because of its ghostly history. Some of the ghostly stories of the old farm include a swinging rosary necklace on a bedpost, sheets and blankets pulled off visitors at night, and lights being turned on and off. Summerseat Farm often takes volunteers to help out on the farm and they also take volunteers for photography and more! If you live near Summerseat Farm and are serious about helping out, give them a call. This is one of the Southern Maryland haunted attractions that’s also a beautiful place to work.
The Moll Dyer Ghost Legend
I was born in Leonardtown, MD and went to college there for a short period of time. Leonardtown, MD is another haunted town in Maryland and is one of my favorites.
A popular local legend is the witch and ghost Moll Dyer. There’s even a road named
after this woman, who’s said to have lived in Leonardtown in the late sixteen hundreds. Moll Dyer lived in a cottage in the woods and was accused of being a witch by the townsfolk. One night an angry mob lit her house on fire, but Moll Dyer escaped.
Unfortunately, it snowed that night and her body was found the next morning frozen to a rock. That rock is now known as Moll Dyer rock and is located in front of the historical society downtown Leonardtown today (see photo above). Moll Dyer Road (also shown above) is said to be haunted by Moll Dyer’s ghost. Some have reported seeing a misty substance floating along the road that suddenly disappears. Others have seen a white phantom dog running up and down the road. We’ve visited Moll Dyer rock and don’t experience the “sickly” feelings many visitors report. Others say camera and cell phone batteries are drained when taking pictures of the rock. You can check it out for yourself.