Haunted House on the Hill, Beaufort, North Carolina
Amy should know about the House on the Hill since she worked as a docent volunteer there recently. This is a wonderful localism piece about one of the many fun places to visit here at the Crystal Coast. Thanks Amy, for putting this together and for allowing us to re-blog it.
Haunted House on the Hill, Beaufort, North Carolina
The "Hammock House" is dated as being built in 1709 (but may have been built as early as 1700) and is the oldest house in Beaufort, North Carolina. In it's earliest years, it was referred to as "The White House" on area maps, but was later named the "Hammock House" for it's location on a hill or "Hummock". When the house was first built, the waters from Taylor's Creek were close enough that small boats would often be seen tied to the front porch. Over the years, the waters have receded and now Hammock House is considered third row from the Creek. There are still many original things in the house. One room in the lower level of the house has the original wood flooring and ceiling beams. In the kitchen area, many original beams still remain and actually reveal stamps from 1700. The stairs have been renovated, but are original to the house (more on the stairs in a bit). From what I have read and heard, No one knows for sure who built the house, but it is believed that Blackbeard built the house with plans brought from the Bahamas and Lumber, stones and other supplies from captured ships. Whether he built the house or not, The Hammock House is where he stayed while not at sea.
The one thing I remember hearing about Blackbeard was that he was very tall, very hairy, and MEAN! Atone point, Blackbeard took a wife (literally took her), kicking and screaming. Most women would marry him for his "Loot", but one young woman fought him and wanted no part of his life as a pirate. He took her to the Hammock House and left her to be "done away with" and she was hung and buried under a live oak tree in the front yard. Many people claim that her ghost still remains and when the moon is full her screaming can be heard. Other folks say that Blackbeard's Ghost also haunts the Hammock House. Blackbeard's Piratical Reign ended on November 22, 1718 when he was tracked down at the Ocracoke Inlet and killed in battle with the Royal Navy. Blackbeard's ship, The "Queen Anne's Revenge" was recently discovered in the Beaufort Inlet and many artifacts from the ship can be viewed at the Maritime Museum in Beaufort, NC.
Another tale frequently told about the Hammock House has to do with Richard Russell, Jr., who, upon his return from a sea voyage, decided to take a slave up into the Hammock
House attic to punish him. The slave overpowered Russell and pushed him down the stairs, breaking his neck...and now, his ghost remains!
One story has it that a British Navy Captain, engaged to a Beaufort woman, upon arriving in town mistakenly thought that his fiancée has been untrue when he found her dancing in the arms of another man. He killed her alleged lover (who turned out to be her brother) in the upper area of the house; traces of the victim's blood can be detected on the treads of the steps and he is referred to as the Ghost of the Handsome Soldier.
During the Civil War Union officers were quartered in the house. Three of them set out for the building and were never seen again. In 1915 workmen digging near the back porch found their remains. The Proof lies in the buckles and buttons from their uniforms found with their remains. It is believed that their spirits still haunt the Hammock House.
To hear more of these stories, and experience the tales of Historic and Haunted Beaufort, North Carolina, Check out the Ghost Walk and the Old Burial Ground this Halloween. You'll have a spooktacular time...It tons of fun for the whole family!
Pine Knoll Shores Realty
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Amy Hahn , Crystal Coast Real Estate - Amy's Crystal Coast Blog
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