Gettysburg, PA
The facility was created by Dr. John F. Bourns. It was visited by Ulysses S. Grant in a campaign to drum up donations. The beginning history of the homestead was prosperous, but after the initial head mistress was replaced by Rosa J. Carmichael, the history of the orphanage took a turn for the worse. Carmichael was a cruel disciplinarian who created a dungeon for disciplining children. This dungeon, along with the stories that accompany it have made the homestead notorious. By 1873, rumors began that Rosa was mistreating and abusing the children at the orphanage. Army of the Republic investigated the orphanage. Rosa was arrested and charged with cruelty to an orphan. She was convicted of aggravated assault and fined $20 plus court costs.
August 31, 2013
Investigators: Beth Rosen, Matt Rosen & Travis Spitzer with guests Will Ishee & Tammy Spitzer
Location Photos: Click to enlarge
Also known as The National Homestead at Gettysburg, this renowned orphanage opened in October of 1866. The facility was created in response to a dead Union soldier (Amos Humiston) being found after the three-day battle with a photo of his three children still clutched in his hands. 
Interior of the Soldier’s National Museum, adjacent to the area that we investigated. 
Photo of Ulysses S. Grant’s visit to the orphanage. He’s the third darkly-clothed figure from the left – just to the right of the entry door steps. 
This is a copy of the photo of the Humiston children that was found in Amos Humiston’s possession following the battle’s end. 
Monument to Amos Humiston and his children – located on Stratton Street and not far from where Amos’ body was found. 
First level of the orphange, opposite of the Soldier’s National Museum. 
This is ‘the pit’ where the sadistic head mistress, Rosa Carmichael, allegedly chained disobedient children. 
View of the basement area, where more misbehaving children were reportedly held. 
A closer look at a set of shackles that restrained unfortunate orphans. Not only had they lost parents, but a few also allegedly lost their lives in this very space. (And you thought Oliver Twist had it bad.)
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.