Max Meadows, VA
In 1826 Squire David purchased the initial parcel of Cedar Run and the Perry Mount iron furnace from the Joseph Baker and the Crockett families. In the 1770s, Joseph Baker’s cabin was located where the mansion now sits. Based on Montgomery Courthouse documents, Baker was murdered by his slaves, Bob and Sam, on this very property in 1786. Bob and Sam were hung from a Hickory tree on the hill overlooking the mansion and it is said they still roam these hills to this day!
The mansion was Built in the 1830s, it is said that the original owner, Major Graham lived there all of his life. The Grahams went on to amass an empire of 12 iron forges and furnaces, thousands of acres of land, a mill, general store, part ownership of the local mines, as well as complete the construction of this beautiful mansion.
From the finely detailed scroll work on the original rear staircase to the beautiful huge oak doors in the dining room, this massive mansion was built to reflect the owner’s wealth and refinement. In fact, the legend, the lore, ghost stories, paranormal data, and history of this 250 year old property has quite a tale to tell with many a twist and turn. Legend has it that Confederate officers actually held secret meetings in the third floor attic “Confederate Room,” plotting battle strategies against the Yankees. From murderous slaves, to wounded Civil War soldiers and shackled servants, to the creation of an empire, the Major Graham Mansion holds a vast amount of local lore, ghost stories, and historical accounts to pique the interest any history buff.
June 29, 2013
Investigators: Beth Rosen, Matt Rosen & Heather Olsen with guest Will Ishee.
Location Photos: (click to enlarge)
Home to Major David Graham, a Civil War hero, this incredible mansion was built in the 1830s by the Major’s father, Squire David. With amazing architecture displayed throughout, this building allegedly played host to secret Confederate meetings – and more than a few officers are thought to revisit the grounds to this very day. Close A closer look at how intricate this breathtaking structure actually is. View from the building below as the summer sun sets. (If that’s not an ominous photo – I don’t know what is.) This is the summer kitchen and slaves’ quarters adjacent to the main structure. Presenting our investigator, Beauregard Jebidiah William Ishee, standing on guard and proudly calling the GCP troops to arms. Partial view of Martha Graham’s room, who was mother to Major Graham and eventually locked away in this space as madness slowly set in. Another photo of Martha Graham’s room – featuring hundred-year-old etchings on the window obviously fueled by Martha’s dementia. Basement area where two former slaves, Bob and Sam, reportedly haunt. This is the slave shackle room just off the basement. For the unfortunate souls kept here, the war’s end simply couldn’t come quickly enough. Memorabilia left by one of the Graham family members – found on the walls of the Confederate room on the top floor. We discovered this timeless piece of taxidermy standing on the first floor. Although we tried – the ghost of Bambi never made contact. Photo of another room on the first floor. And yes folks, that’s a deer in the bathtub. (Can’t a Buck get any privacy around here? JEEZ!)
Findings: Nothing to report
Grave Concerns Paranormal does not view findings presented on this page as evidence of ghosts or the paranormal. These are merely experiences that we can not explain at this time.