About This Location
A historic Victorian home built in the 1860s, known as one of the most haunted places in Texas. The first residents to report strange incidents were the Burks family, who moved in during 1882 and left within months. T.C. Burks was visibly scared, offering only "We can't live there" as explanation. Charles Young, a well-respected barber, bought the house in 1885 and his family lived there for almost a century.
The Ghost Story
The Grove, also known as the Stilley-Young House, is an 1861 historic home in Jefferson, Texas, that has been called "the most haunted house in Texas" and was chosen by This Old House as one of the top twelve most haunted houses in America.
The ghost stories stretch back through generations of owners, beginning with Miss Louise Young, who lived in the house from the early 1900s until her death in the 1980s. She openly told friends about the "haints" living with her. In her later years, she became terrified of the spirits, installing a security light in the garden because she saw people walking outside who would vanish the moment lights came on. She called police multiple times to report intruders, but officers never found anyone.
According to the Handbook of Texas, during Reconstruction a violent event known as the Stockade Case occurred here, cementing The Grove's reputation as one of America's most haunted sites.
The most frequently reported apparition is a glowing white woman seen walking around the house or sitting on the porch. She has been observed passing through a sidewall that was once an entrance to the children's room. Some believe she is Minerva Fox Stilley, the original owner.
Previous owner Patrick Hopkins, who converted The Grove into a restaurant, documented mysterious events: mirrors falling off walls, loud wails from upstairs, and unexplained moisture appearing in spots throughout the house.
The Grove has been featured on HGTV's "If Walls Could Talk," Texas Monthly (named among the eight scariest places in Texas), William Shatner's "Weird or What?" in 2012, and Penn & Teller: Bullshit!
Current owners Mitchel and Tami Whitington purchased the house in 2002. Mitchel is an author who has documented the paranormal activity extensively. Jefferson itself is known as the "Most Haunted Small Town in Texas," and The Grove remains its crown jewel. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
Researched from 6 verified sources including historical records, local archives, and paranormal research organizations. Learn about our research process.
