In September of 2019, we traveled down to Marietta, Ohio, and spent some time visiting several historical and haunted locations. One of the houses on our list that had reported paranormal claims was a former home, now a museum, called the castle.

When we planned our trip to Marietta, Ohio, our goal was to explore the historic and haunted side of the city. Marietta has always fascinated us with its connection to early Ohio settlement, the riverboat era, and the layers of history that seem to linger in every brick and shadow. One location that quickly caught our attention was the Mortuary Museum, but our trip turned into much more than that.

After spending time learning about funeral customs and artifacts at the Mortuary Museum, we found ourselves drawn deeper into Marietta’s haunted reputation. We joined a local ghost tour that evening, walking through the quiet streets and listening to stories of lingering spirits, tragic pasts, and haunted homes that still stand proudly today. The atmosphere was perfect—cool river air, dimly lit streets, and stories that seemed to come alive as we moved from stop to stop.

One of the sites that stood out during our tour was The Anchorage, a large and imposing house often called one of Marietta’s most haunted buildings. Its connection to love, loss, and lingering energy had us both intrigued and inspired. But as we continued our exploration, another landmark caught our attention—the Castle.

We had heard of The Castle before, known for its beautiful architecture and its deep ties to Marietta’s elite 19th-century families. What we didn’t realize until talking to locals was that The Castle also carried a reputation for the paranormal. Once we learned that, we knew we couldn’t leave town without paying it a visit.

When we arrived, the exterior of the building immediately impressed us. The Gothic Revival design, the pointed arches, and the sense of grandeur made it feel like we had stepped back into the 1800s. Standing on the lawn, we could easily picture the carriages arriving and the elegant gatherings that must have taken place inside.

Before starting the tour, we asked if we would be able to record or take photographs for our video. Unfortunately, the staff informed us that photography and videography inside the mansion were not allowed. For us, that was a bit of a disappointment since we always love sharing visuals with our audience.

We stood outside for a few moments debating whether to still go inside. Part of us wanted to continue to our next stop, where filming would be allowed, but the other part couldn’t resist exploring such a historic and mysterious place. In the end, curiosity won, and we decided to take the tour anyway.

As soon as we stepped through the doors, we were glad we stayed. The interior was absolutely stunning, with preserved woodwork, period furniture, and a quiet air that seemed to carry whispers from the past. Each room told a different part of Marietta’s story—from the city’s early prosperity to its ties with the river trade and influential residents.

Our tour guide was wonderful, sharing both the architectural details and the legends that have grown around the house. Some visitors, we were told, have reported hearing footsteps when no one else was around or feeling sudden cold spots in certain rooms. Others have claimed to see shadow figures along the staircase or reflections in mirrors that quickly vanish.

We listened carefully, taking mental notes for our video narration. Even though we couldn’t film inside, the stories themselves were powerful enough to capture the imagination. There was something haunting about standing in the same space where generations had lived, laughed, and perhaps lingered long after death.

Throughout the tour, we couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched—nothing negative, just that unmistakable presence that sometimes accompanies places with long and emotional histories. It’s a sensation that paranormal investigators often talk about, and here, in The Castle, it was subtly present.

When the tour ended, we stepped back outside into the warm evening air, grateful for the experience. We may not have left with footage, but we left with stories, impressions, and a deeper appreciation for Marietta’s layered past. Some places don’t need a camera to leave an impression—they do it on their own.

Later, when we began editing our trip video, we made sure to include our thoughts about The Castle. Even without interior shots, we wanted our viewers to understand how significant and intriguing this place truly is. The history, the elegance, and the unexplained phenomena all make it a destination worth visiting.

Marietta continues to surprise us every time we visit. From the Mortuary Museum to The Anchorage and The Castle, the city offers a perfect blend of beauty, history, and lingering mystery. It’s no wonder so many people return here searching for the echoes of the past—and sometimes, for the spirits that never left.