Ghosts of Alexandria

Haunted America

by Michael Lee Pope

The ghost of a Revolutionary War spy that fosters a centuries-old grudge against the British, two young lovers parted by fire but reunited in death and Union and Confederate soldiers who still battle at the Hotel Monaco are among the haunts of Alexandria, Virginia. Beside the Potomac and the twice-blooming wisteria, local author Michael Lee Pope takes readers on a thrilling journey with his collection of historic ghost lore. Join him as he searches for the identity of the Female Stranger of Gadsby's Tavern and wanders the lonely halls of Woodlawn Plantation to encounter Alexandria's restless souls.

Genres: Paranormal

112 pages, Paperback

First published August 27, 2010

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a fair bit of good history in here. I really enjoyed the chapter about a place that may or may not have hosted Washington (not doing spoilers). If you have read L. B. Taylor Jr, Pope, understandably, draws heavily from his work. (Pope does give credit, so it all above board). There is also some discussion about how the Confederacy is remembered and the problems with that.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasn't too sure if this would be all gloss, but it has substance.
Loved learning all the local lure of lore.

[Stacia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Included a good amount of actual history with the ghost stories. I'd actually say it was 50/50 fact and hauntings.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to a Ghost tour in Old Town this weekend I hope to see the site described in this book. Already talked to someone mentioned in the book, one of the tour guides

[Dabney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barely mentions slavery which one would think would be a major aspect of the history of this area, paranormal or otherwise, but aside from that it's quite an interesting read

[Lisa Shower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good old fashioned ghost stories!

This book was very well researched and told in a satisfactory way. Referencing Mr. L B Taylor sealed it for me. Fun and educational read all in one book!

[Trevor Comeau · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do not traditionally write reviews; however, there was one sentence that made me say, “You know what, respectfully, I need to join the reviews on this.” We will get to that later.

Let's answer the questions: where did I find this book, and why am I reading it? I borrowed the book from my local library for research purposes. It was so stiff, I’m convinced I may be the first to check it out. What am I researching? I am a tour guide in Alexandria, Virginia, and I wanted to enhance some of my stops and also explore adding stories to my Ghosts of Alexandria tour.

I’d like to note to all future visitors that, as of this review, the book is nearly 16 years old, and while I don’t want to encourage an updated version, I do want you to do a quick Google search to answer some questions and concerns I’ve seen in other reviews.

When it comes to ghost stories, I believe it is best to hear them. The best part of the book was the story of the two lovers. I thoroughly enjoyed the way Pope told that tale. It was the only one that felt like a ghost story, while much of the book felt like a history lesson, with the ghost part being a simple “some people hear footsteps. Had the rest of the book's structure been similar to that chapter, I believe the book would have been more compelling. 100 pages felt like wading through a swamp, and the various structure choices made it hard to stay with the book for long periods of time.

Let's get to why I really felt the need to write a review. Pg 93. While telling his drawn-out history of Woodlawn Mansion, the “most haunted building in Virginia,” he tells us about the well in the basement. When covered spirits get confused and linger He then says, “These days, the well is left open permanently, with a clear plexiglass cover.” I had to pause and read the sentence several times. I completely understand what he means. Visitors to the mansion can see into it, but a see-through cover is still a cover, and tragically, that really bothered me. With years of tour experience, I could hear tourists going… that's…that’s not how that works.

Is this book for you? Maybe, if you like ghosts and history but lean more into history, then yes! Do you like a bit of town gossip between bickering historians? Then Yes! Are you visiting Alexandria, have a ghost tour booked, and want to prepare? No, let your guide do the hard work for you. It is also worth mentioning that, unless the tour is using a bus, several locations in this book would not appear on a walking tour.

Honestly, though, I must say, while I have never encountered Michael Lee Pope or any of the guides quoted in the book, I would love to! I would love to go on a tour with him, and if you happen to be in the DC (or DMV area), look up tours for Old Town Alexandria; you will not be disappointed.

[Natasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I learned a lot about Old Town Alexandria’s history. However, this book was poorly written and jumped around in tone and voice. Part storytelling, part journalistic, and part high school report. Most of the book was historical and little to do with ghosts at all. The most intriguing section was Chapter 3. It recounted the tragic love story of Laura Schafer and Charles Tennessean. After reading this story I’m convinced that my great-grandfather may have been named after Charles!

[Brandi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this little book full of history about the town I’m living in. While the stories themselves are interesting and seem well-researched, the writing style was so clunky and unnecessarily showy that I had a very difficult time getting through each short chapter.

[Lauren Elden-Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting short read!

[gretchen ziegler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Previously lived near Alexandria so it was interesting. Great book when you want an easy read and don’t want to think too much.