Bristol, TN is the birthplace of country music. Bristol, VA is the home of the Bristol Train Station. The current structure was erected in 1902 and is it’s fourth depot. The first was built in 1856 and burned during Stoneman’s raid in 1864. After the Civil War a new one was built and opened in early 1866. Bristol soon outgrew this structure and one was completed in 1882.
Located on the Bristol Virginia/Tennessee line, this depot received goods, news, mail, and new residents via train. College students came and went by rail. At one time, more than 72 brothels were located close to the depot. With it’s illustrious past, it’s no wonder that the train station has so many permanent residents. Paranormal readings have identified at least 68 spirits in the building!
Last summer, I was attending a wedding professionals meeting at the depot. We were asked to go downstairs to the cellar to record some video footage for our businesses. While waiting my turn, I was talking to a couple of the photographers. They began to tell stories of photographing engagement sessions and wedding there, and specifically where we were standing. When they would bring the images up on their computers, there were many orbs in the photos. After spending hours editing the images out of the pictures, their efforts were futile. When the pictures printed, the orbs were still there! I spoke with the current marketing manager who said she knew that was true, because she has had the same thing happen to her with her snapshots.
One of the previous marketing managers told the story of hearing someone walking on the main floor while he was in his office upstairs. When he went to see who it was, he could still hear the footsteps, but did not see anyone. The spirit coughed before exiting the building. It seems the elevator has a mind of it’s own! It runs up and down the elevator shaft at random times throughout the day and night, transporting invisible passengers. Others have heard the scream of a lady at 1:00 am on the railraod tracks outside. There are numerous reports of sightings and sounds coming from various areas of the train station. Clocks stop at the same time every night, 8:50. Former manager says that he can’t explain some of the things he has seen and heard there; like laughing and coughing from disembodied spirits.
The building has been restored to it’s 1930′s state. It is a very nice location with lots of history. To read more about it and see pictures, click HERE.
To book a wedding or event:
Train Station
101 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Bristol, VA 24201
276-644-1573
Come back tomorrow and read the story of Banq-The Gathering Place. Though teams have come to measure paranormal activity, the current owners do not have the reports, however I uncovered some interesting history.
Thanks for stopping by!
Pam Archer
Pamela’s Event Design
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