Prepare yourself for a night of unparalleled fear aboard the Haunted Majestic, a floating haunted attraction moored on the Ohio River near Huntington, West Virginia. This ominous vessel, comprising two historic river barges, has a dark history that spans over a century. The Haunted Majestic is not just any haunted house; it is a living relic of the past, steeped in sorrow, death, and the restless spirits of those who perished within its confines.
LOCATION HISTORY
The Haunted Majestic’s story begins in 1912 when two sand dredge barges were constructed by the Majestic Steamship Line to assist in the canalization of the Ohio River. These barges, Davy Crockett and Mark Twain, were considered cursed from the start, believed to have disturbed a massive Native American burial ground hidden beneath the river’s waters. Crew members reported ghostly chants and apparitions that plagued the vessels throughout their service.
During World War II, the barges were repurposed as floating hospital ships, renamed the Douglas Lee and Eugene Morris, in honor of West Virginia veterans. Moored side by side with a two-story hospital structure built atop their hulls, they served as a triage unit for Allied soldiers during the harrowing D-Day invasion in Normandy. The vessel earned the grim nickname “The Ship of Death” as more than 300 servicemen lost their lives aboard during the war. The ghosts of those who died, unable to find peace, are believed to still haunt the ship today.
After decades of service and countless hauntings, the barges were returned to the Majestic Steamship Line and later fell into disrepair. In 2020, Dana Tomes, the current owner and a man with a unique connection to the barges’ namesakes, rescued the vessels from a junkyard fate. Upon discovering the vessel’s haunted history, Tomes dedicated the Haunted Majestic to preserving the memories of those who perished aboard.
The Paranormal
The Haunted Majestic is more than just a haunted attraction; it is a gateway to the past, where the spirits of soldiers and crew members still roam. Paranormal investigators have documented a range of unsettling phenomena, including:
- Ghostly Chants and Apparitions: Echoes of the Native American burial grounds disturbed during the barges’ early years.
- Spirits of Soldiers: The intelligent hauntings of soldiers who died aboard, many of whom do not realize they are deceased. They continue their duties, unaware of the passage of time.
- Poltergeist Activity: Objects moving on their own, unexplainable noises, and an overwhelming sense of being watched.
- Unfinished Business: Entities attempting to “run out” investigators who they believe are interfering with their work or disrupting the ship’s operations.
In a chilling recount by paranormal investigator Joedy Riffe, he describes encounters with entities aboard the Haunted Majestic that seem oblivious to their own demise, acting as if they are still part of the ship’s crew. These spirits are intelligent, stubborn, and refuse to acknowledge that their time has passed.
What's Included?
- Overnight Access to the most haunted areas of the vessel.
- Ghost Hunting Vigils in the most active locations.
- Structured Vigils with experienced investigators.
- Use of Paranormal Equipment, including trigger objects, EMF meters, and more.
- Private Time to explore and conduct your own investigations.
- Unlimited Refreshments throughout the night to keep you energized and alert.
Join Haunted Rooms America for an unforgettable night aboard the Haunted Majestic. Experience firsthand the chilling encounters that have made this floating attraction a legendary haunt. Book your spot now and prepare for a night that will test your courage and uncover the mysteries of this haunted vessel. Will you brave the Haunted Majestic and face the spirits that refuse to leave? Come aboard—if you dare!