General Lafayette Inn's Spirits

In 1778 the history of the Bunker Hill Hotel would forever be altered. During this time the historic inn would operate as headquarters for General Lafayette and his troops.

Built in 1732, the Inn is one of the oldest operating inns in the United States. It was once a very popular stop for travelers going to and from Philadelphia. It was originally known as the Three Tuns and went through many hardships. But the Barren Hill Battle of 1778 would forever place the inn on the map of American History. General Washington sent General Lafayette and 2200 troops to the hilltop. From there they were to keep watch for the British troops. One early spring morning the British came, outnumbering General Lafayette and his troops as well as approximately 50 Native Americans battling on the United States side. The American troops boldly fought back and were able to force the larger more experienced British Army into retreat.

The Bunker Hill Inn was severely damaged during the battle and needed to be substantially restructured. The Inn has since suffered from many hardships. It has changed hands numerous times, as well as had several periods of abandonment.

In 1946 the Inn was changed to the General Lafayette Inn to forever commemorate the brave soldiers and their fearless leader who fought for our freedom.

Many believe General Lafayette still enjoys paying visits to his former headquarters. Former owners and workers have seen doorknobs rattle with no one on the other end. They have also heard phantom footsteps sneaking throughout the building. There have even been sightings of an older woman seen roaming the hallways at night. I guess when you’re the fifth oldest tavern in America and have hosted historical battles, you deserve a few friendly spirits!

History & Mystery at Inn 422

Inn 422 is a Victorian style Bed and Breakfast with enough history and mysteries to fascinate even the most skeptical. The original home on the property was built by Robert and Anna Coleman. The Coleman family was one of the wealthiest and most prestigious families in the nation. The home would be for their daughter Anne Caroline, a recent law school graduate of Dickinson College. Anne would have only a short time on this world, but she definitely made her impact felt.

During her short and tumultuous life she had practiced law at what would eventually become the Lebanon Historical Society. Besides being a successful lawyer, she also caught the eye of a young man full of aspiration; a man her family didn’t approve of. Even though this young lad was a recent law graduate himself, the Coleman family felt he was only after their money. In those times most wealthy families pre-arranged marriages, so when the two became engaged, her parents became enraged. After being forced by her parents to split, Anne became quite depressed and eventually committed suicide on an overdose of Laudanum while visiting Philadelphia. Her would be suitor who was deemed not good enough for the family became heartbroken and vowed to remain a bachelor forever. He stuck with that vow until the day he died, and is forever remembered as the only bachelor President, James Buchanon. Upon President Buchanon’s death, he had all memories and photos of Anne burned and destroyed.

By the 1880’s, the former home of Anne was replaced by the current residence that now sits in its place. The home was built for the Superintendents of the Lebanon Coke and Iron Plant. Eventually the home was transformed into the Bed and Breakfast it is today. Though the home has changed, not all believe the history or the mystery is forgotten. Anne’s spirit is known to still frequent the Inn, keeping overnight visitors restless as she opens and closes windows and doors, and is particularly fond of rearranging the pillows on the bed.

More on Inn 422 and other Outta the Way spots

Cross Dressing Spirits of Rexmont, Pennsylvania

The tiny village of Rexmont is quite easy to miss. There's not even a signal light in this sleepy town. But this village is full of history and quite a bit of mystery as well.

The town was founded in the 1870's by a successful financier named Cyrus Rex. Cyrus wanted to give the local furnace workers a chance to own property as opposed to living in factory villages. He began to sell one acre plots for the men and their families to build homes on. In 1875 Cyrus had his very own home built. He shared the home with his niece Susan Amanda.

Cyrus didn't spend much of his life in the town he founded, he preferred to travel abroad with his partner Dr. Andrew Glenninger. When he was in town, Cyrus was known to be seen parading around in elegant gowns.

Today the residence is private, but has been a Bed and Breakfast in the recent past. Even so there always seems to be an uninvited overnight guest. Former visitors to the Inn have often spotted a spirit roaming the hallways and rooms. This apparition seems to enjoy sporting long elegant victorian gowns. Perhaps it's Cyrus' niece who spent much of her life in the home, many believe it's Cyrus himself re-visiting his former home the way he was most comfortable.

More on the Rexmont Inn and other local Outta the Way spots

History and Mysteries of Lebanon, Pennsylvania

In the upcoming Outta the Way travel zine, we'll discover the history and some mysteries in Lebanon county Pennsylvania. We'll take you on a tour through the historic Cornwall furnace where many men and women worked for a better life, but some may still be lingering around in the after-life.

Next we'll take a look to see if dinosaurs ever roamed through the central Pennsylvania area, and if so where can you find some hidden fossils. Than we'll visit a Jurrasic rock formation that was formed long before the dinosaurs, but shares a striking resemblance to one.

Lastly we'll show you two historic inn's where you may bravely spend the night. One of these places has a unique history of a woman still mourning the loss of a broken heart, even a century after her passing. The other historic inn we visit is located in a small town where not all is as it seems, even the spirits that are still active in this bed and breakfast are not exactly what you perceive.