Back in July, we shared the fascinating history of Heritage Square, which includes the Sandford House, the main house of Heritage Square situated at 225 Dick Street.
This charming building is not just known for its architectural beauty and historical significance; it also has a captivating ghost story associated with it. Many visitors and locals alike have reported eerie encounters, adding an intriguing layer to the rich narrative of this remarkable location. Read on if you dare to unveil the chilling legend of the Lady in Black and the haunting mysteries of the Sandford House in Fayetteville.
In the spring of 1865, Fayetteville was a hive of activity and anticipation. Rumors abounded that Union General William Tecumseh Sherman’s troops were advancing, and the Confederate Army was visibly active, preparing defenses and moving critical supplies. Soldiers were seen constructing earthworks, while large wagons transported machinery and ammunition from the local armory to safer locations.
The city was a crucial Confederate stronghold, and its citizens were no strangers to the chaos and uncertainty of war. The constant movement and preparation underscored the palpable tension in the air as the community braced for what was to come.
Amidst the turmoil, a young Confederate soldier found solace in the Sandford House, where he struck up a romantic relationship with a friend of one of the Sandford girls.
The couple often spent time walking through the garden or sitting hand in hand on the porch, dreaming of a future together despite the uncertainties of war.
Their budding romance provided a brief respite from the surrounding chaos, a beacon of hope and normalcy in a world that seemed to
be falling apart.
One day, news reached Fayetteville of the nearby battle of Monroe’s Crossroads and the imminent approach of Sherman’s troops towards the Cape Fear River. The young soldier, desperate to rejoin his regiment and defend the town, was led by his beloved to a secret tunnel beneath the Sandford House that led to the river.
Before entering the tunnel, he embraced her and promised to return after the battle. However, as Sherman’s forces advanced and wreaked havoc on Fayetteville, burning the armory and other significant structures, the young lady waited in vain. The soldier never returned, leaving her with a broken heart and an unfulfilled promise.
Many believe that the young lady who waited so faithfully for her soldier is the same figure known as the ‘Lady in Black.’ Legend has it that she continues to haunt the Sandford House, eternally dressed in her mourning attire, waiting on the staircase for her lover’s return.
Her apparition has been seen numerous times, embodying the sorrow and longing of a love story cut tragically short by the harsh realities of war.
Modern-day visitors and tenants have reported various paranormal activities. The Lady in Black is often seen on the staircase, while other accounts speak of unexplained indentations on couches and mysterious channel changes on televisions.
These eerie occurrences continue to fuel the legend of the Sandford House, making it a focal point for those intrigued by the supernatural.

(Photo courtesy of Kellie Jo Helget, CC By 3.0)