Before there was the Crowne Plaza, there was Wilson's Estate, one of the most frequented hotels in all of Virginia. It was originally opened in 1896, starting as a small boarding home. Owned by Jeremiah and Marie Wilson, it was quite the place to stay on your vacation. Since then, it has gone through many new owners and renovations.
In 1975 the estate was demolished, and later rebuilt in the state it is known today. This didn't stop the paranormal occurrences from stopping however.The first report of a ghostly encounter was back in April 1937. The McAllen family stayed a night, while on a trip to Washington, D.C. After settling in, the family noticed that the radio would sporadically turn off and on, when nobody was even near it. They heard the shower running in the middle of the night. Once checked, they found it not running… and dry. Many occurrences like these have been reported over the years, and supposedly stopped after the renovation in 1975. Could the wandering spirit have gone away?
Nearly a decade after the renovation, in 1983, another report was filed. Charlie Spurling, son of Amy and Fredrick, told his parents he heard a "voice telling him to hug me, son." Now, 4 year olds are known to have an overly imaginative mind, so this could easily be dismissed, right? Wrong. Many other small male children have been said to have heard this voice telling them similar statements over the past 20 years.
Local legend has it that the ghost attracted to these young boys is the spirit of Virginia Westerling, who was said to have died in the hotel many years prior, in 1914. Other people say it is just myth, but who can know for sure?
Virginia WesterlingVirginia was born in Bard, Maryland on March 15, 1898. She was the only daughter of Howard
Westerling and Mary Spaulding. Virginia was a bright and happy soul, who was said to have a strong interest in her male acquaintances. She was born into a wealthy family, and was spoiled through and through. She went on an annual trip with her parents, to various locations such as Boston, Orlando, and of course, Washington, D.C. On Virginia's 16th birthday, her family took her to D.C., and stayed at Wilson's Estate. She was in such excitement, for it was her "sweet sixteen." In much excitement, her parents gave her a drink of alcohol to celebrate. But one drink wasn't enough for Virginia. She apparently drank a whole bottle of rum that night, too much for a sixteen-year old body. Virginia died that night, before she even got medical attention.
Virginia supposedly haunts these grounds, looking for a boy to whom she can find love with. She is most often found on the third floor. Who knows what will happen next? Maybe you should go take a visit and see for yourself...
