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Southern Gothic

Legend of the Female Stranger

Southern Gothic

Southern Gothic Media LLC

History, Documentary, Society & Culture, True Crime

4.7975 Ratings

🗓️ 19 February 2024

⏱️ 32 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In 1816 a mysterious couple arrived in Alexandria, Virginia and isolated themselves in Room Number 8 at the now historic Gadsby’s Tavern. Unfortunately, the young woman was deathly ill and despite receiving assistance from a local doctor, she passed away. After burying his supposed wife, the man then disappeared, but the headstone he purchased for her remains, complete with an eerie inscription that has fueled centuries of speculation surrounding the mystery as to the identity of that poor woman.  Key Highlights Historical Significance of Gadsby's Tavern: An introduction to Gadsby’s Tavern's role in early American history and its transformation into a museum and dining establishment. Arrival of the Female Stranger: The enigmatic tale of a young woman and her companion's arrival in Alexandria, seeking refuge at Gadsby's Tavern due to her grave illness. Death and Burial: The circumstances surrounding the Female Stranger's death, her extravagant funeral, and the mystery of her companion's sudden departure. The Mysterious Tombstone: Examination of the unique and cryptic epitaph on the Female Stranger's tombstone in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church cemetery. Ghostly Encounters: A collection of ghost sightings and paranormal experiences reported by visitors and staff at Gadsby’s Tavern, suggesting the lingering presence of the Female Stranger. Legends and Theories: Exploration of various theories about the Female Stranger's identity, including connections to Theodosia Burr Alston and other historical figures. Sponsorship Acknowledgement: Head to FactorMeals.com/SouthernGothic50 and use code southerngothic50 to get 50% off. That’s code southerngothic50 at FactorMeals.com/SouthernGothic50 to get 50% off! Want to Listen to Southern Gothic Ad-Free? Patreon: Ad-Free Episodes, Premium Releases, Bonus Content & More  Southern Gothic Premium on Spotify Southern Gothic Premium on Apple Podcasts Into History: History Without Interruption Additional Resources for This Episode: Ghosts of Alexandria by Michael Lee Pope Haunted Virginia: Ghosts and Strange Phenomena of the Old Dominion by L.B. Taylor Connect with Southern Gothic Media: Website: SouthernGothicMedia.com Merch Store: https://www.southerngothicmedia.com/merch Pinterest: @SouthernGothicMedia Facebook: @SouthernGothicMedia Instagram: @SouthernGothicMedia X: @SoGoPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

The Fall Line is a true crime podcast covering the coldest cases in the southeastern United States and occasionally beyond.

0:08.4

We focus on the missing persons, the unsolved murders, and the unidentified doze that don't get media attention.

0:15.7

Empathetic and intensively researched, the fall line will take you on deep dives into unsolved cases that you've never heard of,

0:22.8

and make you wonder why you haven't.

0:25.6

Find us wherever you listen to podcasts.

0:32.5

I'm Rob Kirkup, and I am the host of How Hounded, the podcast where we explore the dark history and terrifying ghost stories of some of the UK's most haunted places, with the occasional trip overseas.

0:47.9

Every other Friday, you'll hear tales of horror, chilling investigations with real audio from ghost hunts, and even the occasional

0:56.4

guest, or polter guest, as I prefer to call them. Every October, we go weekly for spooky season,

1:04.9

with a month of themed episodes building up to a huge Halloween spookacular. And at Christmas, I share your own real-life ghost stories

1:13.9

in the nightmare before Christmas special.

1:17.2

So search for How Haunted, wherever you get your podcasts.

1:21.5

And join me every fortnight as we ask the question.

1:25.8

How Haunted.

1:45.0

Thank you. as we ask the question, how haunted? Southern Gothic is a podcast that explores the history behind some of the American South's darkest days, greatest mysteries, and most chilling ghost stories.

1:49.0

The Gadsby's Tavern is located on North Royal Street, an Town, Alexandria, Virginia, and has been in operation

2:19.8

for over two centuries.

2:22.9

It holds a significant place in American history as it once served as a hub for the social, political,

2:29.5

and economic life of this bustling port city.

2:32.9

And due to Alexandria's proximity to the brand new nation's

2:36.0

capital, it was frequented by some of the United States first leaders.

2:44.0

Today, the Gadsby's Tavern Museum consists of two conjoined red brick buildings,

2:50.0

the first of which having been built by Maryland

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