Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery

Posted: 04.03.2025 | Updated: 04.03.2025

The Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood is a small, historically significant burial ground. The cemetery was established in 1895 as a final resting place for Union Army veterans and their families. The cemetery is known for holding the stories of those who fought in arguably America’s bloodiest wars. 

Whether you are enthralled by the ghostly tales or just curious about Seattle’s unique history, the Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery creates a unique glimpse into the lives of those who shaped our nation.

For those looking to explore more haunted locations in Seattle, consider joining a Seattle Terrors tour to uncover the city’s eerie past and ghostly legends.

Is the Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery Haunted? 

The Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery is one of Seattle’s most haunted locations. Just over 500 graves reside on this hollow site, and multiple reports of ghostly activity have persisted for years. Those visiting the cemetery claim to hear disembodied voices, cries, and even shouting, sounds widely attributed to Civil War soldiers who may not be resting. 

Some even report seeing apparitions of men in the Civil War period walking among the graves, standing guard over their comrades. 

History of the Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery 

The small but mighty cemetery was established in 1895 by Seattle’s five G.A.R. posts, fraternal organizations formed by Union Army veterans after the Civil War. Two early Jewish settlers, Huldah and David Kaufman, donated the land. 

As time went on after the war, membership in G.A.R. posts dropped drastically due to age and infirmity. The maintenance responsibilities shifted to Lake View Cemetery and finally to Seattle’s Department of Parks and Recreation. 

Coast Artillery forces used the cemetery during World War II for anti-aircraft searchlights and barracks. Community involvement through groups such as the Friends of GAR Cemetery Park began to see an uptick in restoration during the 1990s. 

Notable Burials and Memorial Features

The cemetery, rich in history and hauntings, is home to various notable burials and memorials. One of the most notable is Frank Bois. This Medal of Honor recipient was honored for his heroism on the USS Cincinnati during the Battle of Vicksburg. Many visitors have felt an unexplainable sense of heaviness near his grave. Some even claim o hear faint echoes of cannon fire or distant voices calling out commands.

Further notable burials include soldiers from the US Colored Troops and an Andersonville Prison survivor. These graves are often associated with cold spots and fleeting shadows, leading many to believe their spirits linger. 

Memorial of the Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery

• Obelisk by Woman’s Relief Corps
  • The obelisk is a tribute to Union veterans and is a focal point for ghostly activity. 
• Oliver Wendell Holmes Quote Rock
  • Engraved with the poignant words, “In our youth, our hearts were touched with fire.” 
  • This rock is believed to emit eerie energy at night, with some claiming they’ve heard faint whispers or felt unseen presences while standing nearby.

These graves and memorials honor the sacrifices of those who fought in the Union. But they also serve as focal points for unexplained phenomena. Whether these experiences are genuine encounters with restless spirits or products of urban legends remains to be seen. Regardless, they contribute to the cemetery’s reputation as one of Seattle’s most haunted locations.

Hauntings of the Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery 

The cemetery is known for its eerie and intriguing history, with many locals and visitors reporting ghostly encounters. Many people have claimed to see apparitions of soldiers or hear the cries and wails of those injured during the Civil War. These phenomena create a link to the tragic events of the past throughout the country’s history. 

Apparitions of Civil War Soldiers

One of the most common hauntings at the Grand Army of The Republic Cemetery is the apparitions of several figures dressed in Civil War uniforms. These apparitions are commonly spotted walking amongst the graves or standing near the flagpole. 

Witnesses have described them as shadowy figures that vanish quickly when approached. Others have claimed to see full-body spirits that appear startlingly lifelike before fading into thin air. 

The apparitions sighted at the cemetery are thought to be residual hauntings, echoes of soldiers who fought but never found peace after death. Investigators have noted a spike in electromagnetic fields close to graves marked for unknown soldiers. 

Psychics are known to visit the cemetery and report sensing strong emotional energy tied to these apparitions. Whether these sightings are tricks of light or genuine encounters with spirits remains a mystery, which continues to intrigue visitors and ghost hunters alike. 

Disembodied Voices and Cries

The apparitions are not the only source of eerie conditions. Multiple stories of voices and cries have been told throughout the cemetery. Visitors have also reported hearing faint whispers and quiet conversations from empty areas of the GAR. 

Even more chilling than the faint whispers or quiet conversations are the cries and wails echoing through the grounds. These sounds are thought to be from soldiers injured in battle, later succumbing to their wounds. 

The auditory experiences are most often heard during quiet hours at dusk or on overcast days when the atmosphere feels heavy. Investigators have reported that the sounds are consistent with residual hauntings rather than intelligent spirits actively communicating. 

Shouting has even been heard, similar to commands being issued in preparation for battle. While skeptics have argued the sounds could be explained by noise pollution from the surrounding area, many believe they are evidence of lingering spirits tied to the cemetery. 

Ghostly Investigations

The Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery is widely known to attract ghost investigators throughout Seattle. In a recent investigation by Ghostly Activities, researchers used minimal equipment, including an infrared camera, Mel Meter, and an audio recorder. 

The investigation yielded intriguing results despite challenging conditions like rain and wind. The team discovered temperature fluctuations near graves marked for unknown soldiers during EVP sessions, with the readings increasing by two degrees. Furthermore, electromagnetic field spikes were detected near graves near the flagpole, which faded within seconds. 

While the team found no audio or photographic evidence during this investigation, these anomalies suggest potential ghost activity in specific areas within the cemetery. Many investigators believe the environmental factors make it difficult to determine conclusively whether the cemetery is haunted or if its reputation stems from urban legends. 

Haunted Seattle

The Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery is a long-standing solemn reminder of Seattle’s contribution to America’s Civil War history. However, its reputation as a haunted cemetery only adds another layer to its mystique, attracting visitors curious about ghostly encounters and lingering spirits. 

Join a Seattle Terrors tour today for those eager to explore more about Seattle’s haunted locations or uncover stories that blend history with mystery! Our expert guides will share captivating tales from across Seattle that will leave you questioning what lies beyond our understanding.

Book your Seattle ghost tour now for an unforgettable journey into Seattle’s eerie past! Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and keep reading our blog for more real California hauntings.

Sources:

1. https://www.seattle.gov/parks/allparks/grand-army-of-the-republic-cemetery
2. https://fgar.org/
3. https://ghostlyactivities.com/ghost-hunt-grand-army-of-the-republic-cemetery-in-seattle/
4. https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/experiences/washington/beautiful-and-haunted-cemetery-wa
5. https://www.historylink.org/File/1508