Rotherwood Mansion, located in Kingsport, Tennessee, is a historic mansion with a rich and fascinating history. It was built in the early 19th century and has been the home of several prominent families over the years. The mansion has a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in Tennessee, with many reports of ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and strange phenomena. In this article, we will explore the haunted history of Rotherwood Mansion and the stories that have been passed down through the generations.

The Founding of Rotherwood Mansion

Rotherwood Mansion was built in 1818 by Frederick Ross, a prominent landowner in the area. Ross was a successful businessman who owned several plantations and was one of the wealthiest men in East Tennessee. He built the mansion as a symbol of his success and as a way to entertain guests and dignitaries. The mansion was built in the Federal style and features a large portico with six columns, a large central hallway, and several spacious rooms.

The mansion was originally named “Rotherwood” after the Ross family’s ancestral home in England. The name has since become synonymous with the mansion itself and has been passed down through the generations. The mansion was sold to several other families over the years, including the Phipps, Simpson, and Sparger families.

The Legend of the Lady in White

One of the most famous legends associated with Rotherwood Mansion is the legend of the Lady in White. According to the legend, a young woman named Rowena Ross, the daughter of Frederick Ross, fell in love with a young man who was not of her father’s choosing. Her father forbade her from seeing him and arranged for her to marry another man. Rowena was heartbroken and, on her wedding day, threw herself from the second-floor balcony of the mansion.

Since then, visitors to the mansion have reported seeing a ghostly apparition of a young woman in a white dress. She is said to roam the halls of the mansion and is often seen standing on the balcony where she supposedly fell to her death. Some have even reported hearing her voice calling out for her lost love.

The Curse of the Ross Family

Another legend associated with Rotherwood Mansion is the curse of the Ross family. According to the legend, Frederick Ross made a deal with the devil to become wealthy and successful. In exchange for his riches, the devil cursed his family and the mansion. The curse is said to bring misfortune and tragedy to anyone who owns or occupies the mansion.

Over the years, several tragedies have befallen the families who have owned the mansion. The Phipps family lost their fortune during the Great Depression and were forced to sell the mansion. The Simpson family, who owned the mansion in the 1960s, experienced several tragic deaths, including the death of a young girl who drowned in the swimming pool. The Sparger family, who owned the mansion in the 1980s, also experienced tragedy when their daughter was killed in a car accident.

Paranormal Activity at Rotherwood Mansion

There have been numerous reports of paranormal activity at Rotherwood Mansion over the years. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling a sense of unease or being watched. Some have reported the feeling of being touched or pushed by unseen hands, and others have reported seeing strange lights or orbs.

One of the most famous paranormal events at Rotherwood Mansion occurred in the early 20th century when a group of young girls visited the mansion for a slumber party. They reported seeing the ghostly apparition of a man in a top hat and tails, who appeared and disappeared before their eyes. This sighting sparked widespread interest in the paranormal activity at Rotherwood Mansion, and many more visitors began reporting their own encounters with ghosts and other supernatural phenomena.

In addition to the ghostly apparitions, there have also been reports of unexplained noises and strange occurrences throughout the mansion. Visitors have reported hearing footsteps, doors opening and closing on their own, and the sound of laughter and music coming from empty rooms. Some have even claimed to have seen objects move on their own or felt a mysterious presence in the room with them.

Over the years, numerous paranormal investigators and mediums have visited Rotherwood Mansion to try and uncover the secrets of the hauntings. Many have reported feeling a strong energy in certain areas of the mansion, and some have even claimed to have communicated with the spirits of former residents.

Despite the spooky reputation of Rotherwood Mansion, it remains a popular destination for history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts alike. Whether you are interested in the rich history of the mansion or the reported hauntings and supernatural activity, a visit to Rotherwood Mansion is sure to offer a unique and unforgettable experience.