The Haunting of Rock Ford

This episode explores the haunted legacy of Historic Rock Ford, a Georgian-era home where Revolutionary War history and supernatural lore have become deeply intertwined. Built in the late 18th century, Rock Ford was the longtime residence of Edward Hand, an Irish-born physician who served as Adjutant General under George Washington and remained a prominent figure in early Lancaster until his death in 1802.

The mansion’s haunted reputation took hold just a few years later, following the tragic 1807 suicide of Hand’s eldest son, John Hand. The event cast a long shadow over the property, discouraging future residents and inadvertently preserving the home much as it stood in the early republic. Over time, Rock Ford became known not only as a historic landmark but as one of Lancaster County’s most mysterious sites.

Drawing on modern accounts from staff and visitors, this episode examines reported paranormal activity throughout the house—apparitions in period dress, unexplained footsteps, phantom scents of tobacco and food, and sounds echoing through empty rooms. Today, under the care of the Rock Ford Foundation, the site operates as a museum that balances its Revolutionary War significance with the persistent stories that suggest some parts of its past may never have fully departed. Learn more when you visit UnchartedLancaster.com.

Read More! 

Uncharted Lancaster’s Ghosts, Monsters, and Tales of Adventure takes readers on a 283-page spine-tingling journey through Lancaster County’s haunted history, eerie legends, and hidden treasures. From ghostly apparitions to outlaw loot, these 64 true local stories blend real history with gripping folklore.