Paxton Manor stands as a proud example of fine 1800’s architecture. The mansion fits nicely in its surroundings in the historic Leesburg, but there are legends surrounding this estate. This property has seen quite a bit over the years, but what is concerning is what ghosts still remain from long ago. Stories of dark figures moving through the shadows at night are enough to send a chill down your back, so let us learn more about this haunted house in Virginia.

Paxton Manor was built in 1872 for a gentleman named Charles R. Paxton and his wife, Rachel. This was a rather large home for a small family since the couple only had one child named Margaret. The last surviving member of the family was Rachel, who lived in the home until 1921. After the tragic loss of her child, Rachel devoted the rest of her life to taking care of children who were in need. The property became an orphanage that lasted long after Rachel died.

Like most things that have been around for a long time, there was a certain errieness to the property. Naturally, rumors and stories started to circulate about the potential hauntings happening in the Paxton Manor.

The property was located close to the Ball’s Bluff Battlefield, which was home to a bloody skirmish during the Civil War. Stories started to circulate that the ghosts of deceased soldiers had found their way into the manor. However, this battle took place years before the manor was ever constructed. 

Still, more legends circulated about the orphanage. There were reports of seeing ghosts of children wandering the halls of the mansion. Others mentioned feeling pushed, and items mysteriously went missing around the property. This surge of paranormal activity spawned a creative event that used to take place around Halloween called Shocktober.

The event played up on the storied past of Paxton Manor and offered a month-long haunted house for guests to enjoy. While the event took place, nerves were up, and many people reported having encounters with the dead while there. This spooky house offered more than they bargained for because you never knew when you might be terrified by the real thing. 

The event no longer takes place but the property is being put to good use. The Arc of Loudoun now owns the place and uses it to help children with disabilities. So even though Rachel, the original homeowner, had been gone now for over one hundred years, her home is still there to help children to this very day.

Not every ghost story ends in a tragic death. It certainly is not the case with the Paxton Manor in Leesburg, Virginia. This historic home had a heartwarming turn of events and is being used for good to this very day. You can’t go looking for ghosts on the land anymore but don’t worry, ghost hunters, we have plenty more scary places in Virginia to explore. You can even spend the night in this haunted Airbnb if you dare…