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What We Know:
The Haunted Octagon Mansion at 585 in Wytheville, Virginia, also known historically as the Bowyer-Gleaves House, was originally constructed around 1870 and is a rare example of the 19th-century octagonal architectural movement. Over the years, the mansion was expanded, including the addition of its side wings in 1890 and its distinctive front portico around 1910. Although the house itself was built after the Civil War, Wytheville was the site of the bloody Toland’s Raid in 1863, creating a deep Civil War connection to the surrounding area. The mansion later became home to a massive collection of historical artifacts, particularly items connected to the Civil War and American military history. Local lore also claims that an addition to the mansion was constructed over eight graves, although this has not been firmly documented historically. The property has gained a reputation for reports of apparitions, disembodied voices, footsteps, moving objects, and other unexplained activity. Today, the combination of its unusual architecture, layered history, artifacts, and paranormal claims has made The Octagon Mansion at 585 a well-known destination for paranormal investigators.
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Our First Encounter
We had the privilege of investigating the Octagon Mansion on two separate occasions, and both times we experienced compelling evidence that something intelligent was present within its walls.
Whether it was the spirit of a former resident, an attachment connected to the extensive collection of historical artifacts belonging to John Cushman, or perhaps even a visitor from the portal believed to exist on the property, the activity we encountered was difficult to dismiss.
During our first investigation, we were fortunate enough to experience the mansion while it was filled with artifacts from John’s collection. When we returned for our second investigation, the mansion had been completely emptied. Despite the dramatic difference in the environment, the activity remained unmistakable—and in some ways, seemed even more intense. There was an uncanny feeling that whatever was present knew its time to make its presence known was running short.
Among the activity we documented were unexplained orbs captured on camera, with our equipment seemingly reacting to their presence; whistling that appeared to originate from different areas throughout the mansion; the unmistakable sound of Civil War-era drums being struck; and the sighting of a human-like shadow figure sitting inside the office of the mansion’s original owner.
Each experience added another layer to the mystery of the Octagon Mansion, leaving us with far more questions than answers.
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Taryn Kerper with Paranormal Brew
"Octagon Mansion was one of my most memorable and exciting investigation I've done. From phantom noises, disembodied voices, and very interactive on cue responses with our equipment when asking questions. Hands down SUPERB location."
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