Today on the Grave Talks, The Haunting of Shepherds Town, a conversation with Janet Hughes.

Shepherds Town, West Virginia may be small, but its history runs deep and dark. Founded in 1762 along the Potomac River,

it's one of the oldest towns in the state. On the surface, it's full of charm, brick sidewalks,

historic homes, and the quiet hum of university life. But behind the beauty lies centuries of

turmoil. Just three miles away, the battle of

Antietam became one of the bloodiest days in American history. When it ended, the wounded

poured in by the thousands, turning every home, church, and business into a field hospital.

Locals say the town was never the same. It seems that the ground itself remembers.

Ghostly figures are seen near the riverbanks, whispers echo from the churchyards, and even

Shepard University has its share of unexplained encounters. Janet Hughes, owner of Shepard's

town mystery walks, knows these stories better than anyone.

Through her tours, she reveals the layers of tragedy, resilience, and lingering energy

that makes Shepardstown one of the most haunted towns in West Virginia.

Is history holding on?

Or something that refuses to let go?

So Janet Hughes, you are actually perhaps maybe my long-loss cousin, we don't know.

Yes.

It would be nice to think maybe we're related somewhere along the way.

My dad's family is from Connecticut.

Do you have any family in that area? No, my husband's people are all from Ohio. So you married

into the family. I did, yes. I have a very Dutch maiden name. So, yeah. Well, you live in Shepherds town,

West Virginia, which is an interesting little town.

...