1852 Linville Manor Ghost Hunt & Sleepover, Upper Marlboro, Maryland

Step into the shadows of history at Linville Manor, where the veil between worlds grows thin each night as the clock strikes 1:11 AM! Once known as the Bowie-Johnson House, this imposing Greek Revival mansion in Upper Marlboro, Maryland has been a sanctuary for spirits since its construction in 1854.

A Legacy Steeped in Mystery

The story of Linville Manor begins with tragedy. The original home, dating back to the late 1600’s, burned mysteriously and suddenly; however the farmhouse was rebuilt and now sits upon the charred remains of an earlier plantation home. The basement intact from the incident, whose bricks hold witness to the flames which brought the original goliath to the ashes. The energy in this part of the house is heavy and at times the hint charred wood can be detected.

The property, originally part of a 190-acre tract called Thorpland, remained in the Bowie’s family possession until the 1950s.

What makes this property particularly rich with paranormal energy is its long-standing impression on early American soil. There were surely many unknown hardships tending the large tobacco and hog farm. At one point in the historic records as many as 52 enslaved individuals also resided on site and worked the property, many unnamed to this day, though some have made contact with a “Rose” and “Frederick” mentioned in local record. In addition to its long, sordid history, the property is home to the second oldest beech tree in Maryland, and many psychics have deemed this tree a portal of energy, which in many ways feeds the paranormal energy within the manor’s walls.

Not far from the home the family cemetery houses prominent Bowie family members dating back to both French and Indian War as well as Revolutionary War times, with several causes of death being “unknown”. Many guests have experienced the spirit of a young girl named Lily, perhaps one of the children named “Eliza” found in the back graves. And more curious still, the cemetery holds a space for “Shadow” the cat who lived on site for 19 years and continues to make appearances on the property to this day.

The mansion passed through generations of the Bowie and McCeney family from 1889 to 1951 before being purchased by U.S. Congressman Calvin Johnson, who dramatically altered the structure. Johnson removed all nine original fireplaces, added wings to both sides of the house, constructed a full-height portico on the façade, added a grand “solarium” (ballroom), added steel beams to the basement, and renamed the property “Gladacres” in honor of his wife Gladys.

Many to this day report interactions during investigations with these monumental figures, especially in the historic “birthing room” (live birth)… what would later become Gladys’ glamorous bedroom. These renovations and many still being made to this day, while modernizing the home, continue to alter its architectural integrity and perhaps disturbed whatever spirits had made the house their eternal home.

The current owner, knowing nothing of the past history, renamed the estate once more to “Linville Manor”, but quickly became aware of the many presences that also occupy the mansion.

Encounters with the Other Side

The spirits of Linville Manor aren’t shy about making their presence known. As darkness falls each night, the supernatural activity intensifies, reaching its peak at precisely 1:11 AM. This is when guests report hearing invisible figures gathering in the lounge, mysterious crashes echoing through hallways, and witnessing furniture moving of its own accord.

Among the manor’s most persistent ethereal residents is “The Lurker,” a mysterious eyeless figure who watches from doorways, stairways, and occasionally from the foot of beds. This former nursery, now a bedroom, is overwhelmed by a male presence so powerful that guests often report feeling crushing pressure on their chests while trying to sleep.

The Library harbors its own supernatural secrets, including the gentle spirit of a child named Lily who has a special affinity for dogs. Late at night, visitors often hear the eerie sound of sweeping coming from this room when no one is present. Meanwhile, in the Ballroom, the heated exchanges between two male entities can be heard echoing across time, and chairs occasionally move by themselves to face the double doors as if watching for someone’s arrival.

Even the most steadfast skeptics find their beliefs challenged at Linville Manor. The “Non-Believer’s Bathroom” has earned its name by converting doubters after they experience unexplainable lockings and other phenomena that defy logical explanation. Outside, the property’s ancient beech tree – reportedly the third-oldest in Maryland – pulses with supernatural energy, which sensitive visitors describe as a gateway between worlds.

Witness the unexplained sounds, lights, sensations, temperature fluctuations, and energy shifts yourself, and decide whether you’re face to face with someone or something from the 1800s, mid-century 1900s, or possibly traces of a rogue entity imprinted from an undocumented murder of the 1980s. Linville Manor and all those within await your arrival.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg to this house of mystery, which paranormal experts have deemed “a fully charged battery of paranormal manifestation”.

Choose Your Paranormal Adventure

We offer brave souls two distinct ways to experience Linville Manor’s haunted history. General Admission provides six hours of heart-pounding paranormal investigation from 8PM to 2AM, allowing you to witness the terrifying activation of spirits at the witching hour of 1:11 AM.

For the truly courageous, our Exclusive VIP Overnight Experience accommodates only 10 guests per night in five luxury haunted suites. This premium option includes extended ghost hunting with no time limits, allowing you to investigate as long as you desire.

The spirits of Linville Manor have been waiting to share their secrets with you. From the mysterious cat that vanishes into thin air to the arguing voices that echo through empty halls, every corner of this historic estate pulses with paranormal energy waiting to be discovered. Will you answer their call?

Book your encounter with the unknown today and prepare to question everything you thought you knew about the boundary between this world and the next!

What’s Included

• A full night of paranormal investigation with a Haunted Rooms America team member.
• Free time to investigate on your own.
• Ghost Hunting Vigils in the most active locations.
• Structured Vigils with experienced investigators.
• Use of Paranormal Equipment, including trigger objects and EMF meters.
• Unlimited Refreshments throughout the night to keep you energized and alert.
• VIP Overnight (for two)*: Includes accommodation for two people in one of five haunted rooms (Each room includes either a Queen bed or a King bed.)