Dana Auditorium in Haunted North Carolina

The Haunted History of the Dana Auditorium

Dana Auditorium, located on the Guilford College campus in Greensboro, North Carolina, has a rich history dating back to its construction in 1961. Named after Charles Dana, a local philanthropist who generously donated $250,000 towards its completion, the auditorium has become a prominent cultural and educational hub within the community. However, beneath its modern facade lies a dark and intriguing past, marked by the lingering spirits of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, which took place on the very grounds where the auditorium now stands.

The History of the Dana Auditorium

The history of the location reveals a deep connection to the events of the Revolutionary War. In March of 1781, the Battle of Guilford Courthouse unfolded on the site where Dana Auditorium now resides. This significant battle, which involved forces led by General Nathanael Greene and British General Charles Cornwallis, resulted in 172 casualties. In the aftermath, a field hospital was hastily established to tend to the wounded soldiers. Tragically, many soldiers succumbed to their injuries within the confines of this makeshift medical facility.

Is the Dana Auditorium Haunted?

The existence of paranormal activity within Dana Auditorium has given rise to numerous reports and eyewitness testimonies of ghostly encounters. Among the most frequently mentioned apparitions is that of Lucas, believed to be the spirit of a soldier who perished at the field hospital during the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. Lucas’s presence is most strongly felt at the eerie hour of 2 AM, with his favorite locations being the choir room and the moon room. Witnesses have reported hearing the faint melodies of a piano being played in the choir room, accompanied by the distinct sound of doors being locked and unlocked. On occasion, security guards patrolling the premises have caught glimpses of a weathered-looking man resembling Lucas. When questioned, the apparition remains silent and retreats into the moon room or is seen on the auditorium’s balcony, leaving behind an air of mystery.

Another spirit believed to haunt Dana Auditorium is that of a little girl. Described as having dark hair and wearing a white dress, this mischievous apparition is rumored to take pleasure in playing pranks on unsuspecting individuals. One chilling encounter occurred when a student, who was practicing piano in the choir room late at night, noticed the presence of the little girl observing him from a distance. Feeling an increasing sense of unease in her presence, the student swiftly left the room, haunted by the memory of the encounter.

These stories of ghostly encounters within Dana Auditorium have piqued the interest of paranormal enthusiasts and intrigued members of the Guilford College community. While skeptics may dismiss these accounts as mere folklore or imagination, the consistency of the reports and the historical context lend credibility to the possibility of lingering spirits within the auditorium.

Address:  710 Levi Coffin Dr, Greensboro, NC 27410
Sources: 

1. “Battle of Guilford Courthouse” – National Park Service, www.nps.gov/guco/index.htm