There are many tales of benevolent and malicious spirits haunting old structures and streets in downtown West Chester. Apparitions have been wandering the halls of The Historic Lincoln Building, home of the Chester County Community Foundation, since its construction in 1833. This Halloween we’re bringing these spooky stories to you through the Hauntings of West Chester video series, narrated by Malcolm Johnstone.
The Resident Ghost, John Tully
In 1788 John Tully was convicted and punished for stealing a horse, and his ghost haunts the streets of West Chester to this day.
The Guardian Angel of Brandywine Battlefield
How did the ghost of a child save Revolutionary soldiers stationed at Brandywine Battlefield from an enemy attack in 1777?
The Ghost in the Clock Tower
Every once in a while the bells of the Historic Chester County Courthouse ring for no apparent reason… Is this the work of a very mischievous spirit or is there a secret that needs to be told?
The Red-Headed Girl on Market Street
No collection of ghost tales is complete without the appearance of the specter of a red-headed girl. Hers is a gentle soul, but her soft shadow belies a tale that could not be more tragic or more terrifying.
Malcolm Johnstone is the Senior Program Officer of the Cultural Alliance of Chester County (CACC) who delights in telling ghost stories during the Halloween season. For several years he led Ghost Tours from the Lincoln Building and is considered a bit of an expert on West Chester’s haunted past. Malcolm is also the author of “For the Union: How Quaker abolition, a hanging, a slave riot, and a small newspaper in West Chester helped launch Abraham Lincoln’s quest for the presidency”. It’s the true and complete story of the Lincoln Building connection to our greatest president. Learn more: https://chescocf.org/fortheunion/.
Today, Malcolm is working with the Cultural Alliance of Chester County to elevate Chester County’s arts & culture and historic preservation activities by building engagement, audiences, and support. Visit CACC’s website to learn more: https://www.culturechesco.org/.
Chester County’s Brandywine Valley