Headless Soldier of Cooches Bridge - Newark, Delaware

During the Revolutionary War, British and Hessian troops were advancing on Philadelphia.  Brigadier General William Maxwell led a small force on a mission to delay the British advance so that Washington could evacuate Philadelphia.  One of those soldiers still marches on the road to Philadelphia to this day.

Cooches Bridge near Newark, Delware long ago

On September 3, 1777 American forces met up with advancing British forces on Old Cooches Bridge Road in what some refer to today as The Battle of Cooches Bridge or The Battle of Iron Hill.  After several skirmishes, the Colonial forces pulled back to Cooches Bridge where another skirmish ensued.  During the battle, fighting was fierce.  It is said that one British soldier killed on the bridge, literally had his head blown off.  Subsequently, the American forces were overrun and the British forces eventually captured Philadelphia.  However, General Washington was able to pull out of the city before hand.

Phantoms of Old House Woods near Mathews, Virginia

On the eastern U.S. Coast along the shores of Virginia just outside of the village of Diggs, there lies a stretch of woods that has been the center of many paranormal experiences since the late 18th century.  Legend has it that there are several different treasures that were buried here and then subsequently abandoned, unable to be retrieved by their owners.  Over the past two centuries there have been reports of phantoms of various sorts roaming these woods and waters.  

The road through Old House Woods near Mathews, Virginia

First of all the name, Old House Woods may seem a bit strange, however for years in the middle of these woods off of Haven Beach Road, there was an old dilapidated house that stood for over a century and was subject of many ghostly encounters.  As early as 1798 there have been eye witness accounts of strange happenings in and near this stretch of woods.  Travelers on horseback have claimed that their horses were spooked and very fearful as they passed through these woods.  Many say that some who entered the house seeking treasure or otherwise, were never seen again.  Folks living near the woods would report that their children would return from playing there all day telling tales of seeing many strange things such as ghostly Revolutionary War soldiers, skeleton pirates wielding swords and strange glowing balls of light.  Some of the tales prompted local residents to forbid their children from entering those woods, especially at night.  The old house burned to the foundation long ago, but the eerie stories continue to this day.

A Favorite Hiding Place for Treasure

The first treasure that was lost according to legend, was that of pirates who were attracted by the allure of the marshy expanse of woodland off of Whites Creek, decided that it would be an excellent place to bury some of their treasure.  So they tied up along the banks of the creek and buried their booty there in the woods.  It is said that unfortunately for the pirates, they perished at sea in a terrible storm and was never able to retrieve their treasure. However, they return on occasion searching for their lost loot as you will see.

Ghosts of Fort Mifflin

Almost a ghost itself, Fort Mifflin still stands along the banks of the Delaware River on the outskirts of Philadelphia as if watching for a phantom enemy from the past.  Built in 1771, the fort was the scene of a large naval bombardment by the British during the Revolutionary War.  The fort held off the British assault on Philadelphia until General George Washington and his troops could retreat to Valley Forge.  The fort was active through the Civil War up until 1952 when it was abandoned as a military installation.  It is now home to many ghosts from various eras.

Entrance to Fort Mifflin

A ghostly image of a lamplighter can be seen strolling near the soldier's barracks.  During the days of yesteryear, he must have fulfilled his duties nightly by walking around lighting the lanterns and light fixtures around the fort.  Not wanting to relinquish these duties, he still wanders the grounds.

A captain from the civil war era can also be seen inspecting the gun emplacements, making sure all is ready for the next ethereal assault.

Near the powder magazine, a revolutionary era soldier can be seen sitting cleaning his gun.  Many folks have returned from their tour and complimented the staff on the revolutionary re-inactor, only to be told that there was no re-in actors at the fort.  They have nicknamed him "Amos".

Fort Mifflin powder magazine

At one point during the active lifetime of the fort, a blacksmith named Jason liked to keep the doors to his shop open all of the time.  The commander of the fort wished them to be closed for obvious reasons.  Today the doors to the blacksmith shop seem to open all by themselves.

Blacksmith shop at Fort Mifflin

The outer casements seem to be the site of a concentration of civil war phantoms. What appears to be a confederate prisoner of war can be seen in this area.  The fort was used to house confederate prisoners during the Civil War. Just outside the casements a Federal soldier has been spotted sitting. When a closer approach is taken, it becomes apparent that the man does not have a face.

View of the Delaware River from Fort Mifflin's walls