Was Halloween Celebrated in Gettysburg During the Civil War Era?
September 29, 2025Since all the reported ghost sightings and paranormal activity surrounding our haunted historic city are often amped up from Halloween through Thanksgiving, one would understandably ask: Was Halloween celebrated in Gettysburg during the Civil War era?
The short answer: Yes, somewhat.
Halloween’s notoriety and popularity continued its ascent during Civil War times. There are reports of Civil War era soldiers partaking in customs attributed to Halloween during the time, but who and how the ghoulish holiday was celebrated national wide is another story.
Halloween Origins, Brought by Boat
Halloween’s origins can be traced all the way back to the beginnings of Christianity. Back then there was All Hallow’s Eve, was before All Hallow’s Day – now attributed to Saints Day and Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The day popped up here and there throughout history.
As Scottish and Irish immigrants made their way America in the 1830s and on, they brought about them several of their customs and superstitions. Many of those traditions were predated the introduction of Christianity as well as those festive Celtic / Galic folk customs that celebrated seasonal events and warding off spirts.
Several of those immigrants and their descendants settled down in Pennsylvania and fought in the war.
First Mentions of Halloween in the US
Variations of the name we all celebrate began popping up, likely more than coincidentally, when the Civil War began.
- An October 1861 edition Harper’s Weekly magazine included a political cartoon of Jefferson Davis “Reaping the Harvest,” with the Confederate President himself as the grim reaper harvesting a cornfield topped with skull heads
- November 2nd, 1862 edition of The Peoria Morning Mail [Peoria, IL], described an “All-Hollow E’en,” with pranks by “..some of our wild boys.”
- November 2nd, 1862 edition of the San Joaquin Republican mentioned Catholic Services being held on All Saints Day with mentions of “Hallowe’en.”
And then there are the Kate Stone Diaries from the Civil War. In her, “Brokenburn: The Journal of Katie Stone 1861-1868,” where she described how soldiers celebrated ‘All Hallow’e’en.’
“No bearded face looked over our shoulders as we ate the apples before the glass. No knightly forms of soldiers brave disturbed our dreams after eating the white of an egg half-filled with salt.”
Halloween in Gettysburg, Immediately After the Battle…
As you know, in 1863 the City of Gettysburg was still suffering the aftermath of the historic battle. Our residents were worried about subsistence and surviving a brutal winter moreso than festivities.
That said…
Halloween was in fact celebrated during the Civil War era in Gettysburg, but not in the usual form of public gatherings. Private gatherings featuring fortune-telling and other dorms of divination were extremely popular due to the uncertainty of the time. We page homage to those small gatherings with several of our events during the season. Please visit our event calendar today to learn more.
Is Gettysburg More Haunted During Halloween?
Another great question. While it certainly does feel like Halloween through Thanksgiving is a second peak period for hauntings,
Tell you what: Come visit us and Gettysburg and you tell if you think it’s more haunted.