Spooked: "Gettysburg Ghost" Episode Summary

Release Date: January 17, 2025
Host: Glynn Washington
Produced by: KQED and Snap Studios

Introduction

In the episode titled "Gettysburg Ghost", host Glynn Washington delves into a chilling true-life supernatural encounter experienced by Trina and her husband during their visit to Gettysburg. This episode intertwines historical context with personal paranormal experiences, creating an engaging narrative that captivates listeners from start to finish.

Background: Gettysburg's Haunted Legacy

Trina and her husband, an archaeology graduate, chose Gettysburg for their honeymoon to immerse themselves in its rich historical significance. Gettysburg, known as the northernmost point of the South during the Civil War, was the site of a monumental battle with significant casualties. The town's history of bloodshed and mass casualties has cemented its reputation as one of America's most haunted locations.

Trina's Husband (07:00):
"Gettysburg is the furthest north that the south ever got. So there was a major clash there, huge amounts of casualties."

Narrator (07:24):
"So many men died on the battlefield in Gettysburg that four months later, vultures and hogs were still feeding on their corpses. Today, Gettysburg is considered one of the most haunted places in America."

Reports of phantoms in uniform, mysterious mists, and apparitions, such as Civil War-era nurses seeking wounded soldiers, contribute to the town's supernatural allure.

The Ghost Hunting Tour

Eager to explore the paranormal side of Gettysburg, Trina and her husband participated in a ghost hunting tour—a deviation from their usual walking tours. While Trina approached the experience with skepticism, her husband was a firm believer, influenced by ghost hunting shows.

Trina (06:44):
"But some people, people like Trina, well, their love is special. And they gotta do something totally different."

Narrator (08:21):
"With a couple of other tourists and a guide, she and her husband walked to the tour site. It was nighttime, so they used cell phones to light their way across a covered bridge and down an empty road."

Upon arrival, they were equipped with EMF (Electromagnetic Field) boxes—devices intended to detect and communicate with spirits by lighting up or making noises in response to paranormal activity.

Trina (09:44):
"This is probably something supernatural. I cannot recall who necessarily attributed it to Gettysburg, but where else would we go to pick up a ghost?"

Initial Paranormal Encounters

As they ventured into the designated field, the couple began to experience unsettling phenomena. Trina noted an ominous feeling, while her husband felt a pressing dread, prompting thoughts of leaving the area.

Trina (13:28):
"I wouldn't say fear, but definitely ominous. Like something suddenly was very heavy."

Their guide warned them about the presence of evil spirits in the field, recounting incidents where previous visitors had been physically harmed. This revelation heightened their apprehension, setting the stage for the eerie events that followed.

Escalating Supernatural Activity at Home

After their trip, Trina and her husband moved into an apartment, only to discover that the supernatural disturbances had followed them:

1. Erratic Shower Temperatures:
   Trina experienced sudden bursts of scalding water while showering, leading to physical discomfort and skin irritation.

   Trina (15:02):
   "Every shower was me ducking in and out, trying to figure out when I was going to get blasted by hot water so I could jump out of the way."

2. Blown Light Bulbs and Microwave Incidents:
   Light bulbs near water sources would inexplicably blow out. Additionally, Trina encountered bizarre incidents with her microwave and stove, such as water erupting unexpectedly from pans and appliances acting out of control.

   Trina (16:13):
   "I believe it was my husband that finally said, this isn't adding up. This is probably something supernatural."

3. Manipulated Kitchen Timer:
   A seemingly inanimate kitchen timer moved on its own, coming to eye level before dropping to the floor, intensifying their fear.

   Trina's Husband (19:18):
   "There were two hands with elongated fingers, very pointed at the end, very angular nose, very angular chin."

4. Disturbing Noises and Physical Manifestations:
   Late-night crashes and the sudden appearance of black masses in their apartment further convinced them of a hostile presence.

   Trina (22:01):
   "There was that initial crash, and then it hit the sliding doors... pooling into the carpet."

5. Health Issues Linked to Supernatural Activity:
   Trina developed severe health problems, including fluid accumulation that mimicked drowning, directly linking back to the history of Gettysburg's watery battles.

   Trina (24:32):
   "Some of the men in that field died of drowning. And basically, I was drowning in my own fluids."

Attempted Exorcism and Final Confrontation

Desperate to rid themselves of the malevolent spirit, the couple purchased a new house andcheduled a final ceremonial cleansing using sage:

Trina's Husband (28:21):
"None of the things that happened at the apartment have happened here. I do think, you know, it's very possible that we left our souvenir at the apartment."

Before completely moving out, Trina experienced a final terrifying encounter with a black, shapeless entity moving towards a nearby pond, solidifying their decision to leave Gettysburg behind.

Conclusion and Reflection

The episode concludes with Trina and her husband successfully moving away from the haunted apartment, yet lingering disturbances in their new home—such as a flooded basement—suggest that the malevolent spirit may have followed them or that the supernatural interference persists.

Trina (29:12):
"I don't know if I brought it on myself. I do acknowledge my responsibility and that I invited something to my home that I shouldn't have."

This haunting tale serves as a cautionary narrative about the lingering shadows of history and the unforeseen consequences of engaging with the paranormal.

Notable Quotes

• Trina's Husband (07:00):
  "Gettysburg is the furthest north that the south ever got. So there was a major clash there, huge amounts of casualties."

• Trina (24:32):
  "Some of the men in that field died of drowning. And basically, I was drowning in my own fluids."

Final Thoughts

"Gettysburg Ghost" is a compelling exploration of how historical tragedies can leave behind restless spirits. Through Trina and her husband's harrowing experiences, the episode underscores the thin veil between the living and the dead, reminding listeners of Gettysburg's enduring supernatural legacy.

For more spine-tingling stories, subscribe to "Spooked" on your favorite podcast platform and stay tuned for weekly episodes every Friday.