Exploring the Ghostly History of Lees-McCrae College

Whispers in the Halls: The Haunted History of Lees-McCrae College in Historic Banner Elk, NC

I have to tell you that I have personally experienced ghostly activity on this campus as I was a student/athlete there in the mid 1980’s. I personally saw what appeared to be a ghostly girl standing in a hallway window and activity at bell tower located in the heart of campus. Nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Banner Elk, North Carolina, Lees-Mcrae College boasts a rich history, academic excellence, dedicated students, and a stunning small town environment. However, according to some, a spectral presence of ghostly activity and sightings takes place there on that awesome campus in those old rock buildings that date back to the 1800’s or beyond. Beyond the beautiful campus located between two of the premier ski mountains on the east coast of America (Beech and Sugar Mtn) whispers of paranormal activity have lingered for generations, transforming the college into a haven for ghost stories and chilling tales. So, are the halls of Lees-Mcrae truly haunted? Let’s explore some of the most talked-about locations on campus and delve into the lore that surrounds them.

The Chilling Case of Virginia Hall:

Perhaps the most well-known haunted location on campus, Virginia Hall is a dormitory that has played host to countless tales of restless spirits. Students have reported experiencing unexplained phenomena, including:

• Unexplained Noises: Footsteps echoing in empty hallways, doors slamming shut on their own, and disembodied voices whispering in the night are common occurrences. I had a friend that got into an argument with her roommate in this hall. They left to go to class and when they came back their room was trashed. Things had been thrown on the floor, pictures of both on the floor and the room felt very cold. They claim the room was locked tight and both were in class the entire time.
• Objects Moving on Their Own: Items disappearing and reappearing in different locations, or objects seemingly thrown across the room, fuel the belief in a mischievous, unseen force. See the above story for the room that was torn apart.
• The Spectral Figure: Many students have claimed to see a shadowy figure lurking in the halls or standing at the foot of their beds. Descriptions vary, but the overall impression is a figure of a young woman, possibly connected to the building’s past. This is supposed to be a woman and I have personally seen what I thought was a ghostly figure standing in a hallway window at the end of a hallway and she was gone in the blink of an eye.

While the identity of this spectral resident remains a mystery, theories abound. Some believe it’s the ghost of a former student who tragically passed away in the building, forever tethered to the place of her untimely demise.

Mystery and Mayhem in the Old Infirmary (now an office building):

Before modern medical facilities were available, Lees-McCrae had its own infirmary. This building, now used as office space, is said to hold lingering echoes of suffering and loss. Reports from those who work there include:

• Cold Spots: Sudden drops in temperature in specific areas, especially in the basement, are frequently reported.
• The Scent of Medicine: The distinct aroma of antiseptic and other medical supplies sporadically fills the air, despite no such substances being present.
• Feelings of Unease: Many describe a general feeling of being watched or an overwhelming sense of sadness and discomfort while in the building, particularly late at night.

It’s speculated that the lingering energy of past patients and medical staff has imbued the building with a tangible sense of unease. The basement area of one of the dorms was used as a morgue (supposedly) and that could be what is creating the lingering spiritual and ghostly activity in that dorm. There were some civil war patients also that were in that hospital and they died agonizing deaths. My guess is the spiritual activity is related to those horrible deaths and having to have limbs cutoff and surgeries with no way to stop the pain.

The Grandfather Mountain View Dorm (formerly a hotel):

Before becoming a residence hall, the Grandfather Mountain View Dorm served as a hotel, and its history seems to have carried over into its current incarnation. Stories include:

• Phantom Guests: Reports of disembodied footsteps and the sounds of luggage being dragged across the floor, as if unseen guests are checking in and out.
• Unexplained Lights: Flickering lights and the appearance of shadowy figures in empty rooms have led residents to believe they are sharing their space with spectral hotel patrons. I had a roommate that claimed he saw lights on campus walking back one night from the store down the road. He said it looked like a civil war era lantern flickering in the wind.
• The Perfume of the Past: The distinct scent of old-fashioned perfume, that no current resident uses, often wafts through the hallways, suggesting the presence of a glamorous, but unseen, guest from the building’s past.
• Old Banner Elk Hospital- There is a hospital down the road a half mile or so from campus that is known worldwide as a very haunted location. It is one that has been visited by several of the biggest television shows that investigate haunted locations. It has a dark history of bad vibes, juju and paranormal activity.

Belief and Skepticism:

While these ghostly tales are captivating, it’s important to approach them with a healthy dose of skepticism. Many factors can contribute to perceived paranormal activity, including suggestibility, misinterpretation of natural phenomena, and the power of folklore. However, the sheer volume of consistent reports from students and staff over the years suggests that something unusual may be at play.

Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or a staunch skeptic, the haunted history of Lees-McCrae College adds a unique and intriguing layer to its already rich tapestry. These chilling tales serve as a reminder of the past and a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. So, the next time you find yourself on the campus of Lees-McCrae, take a moment to listen closely – you might just hear a whisper from the other side.