Fort Warren’s massive stone walls have guarded Boston Harbor since the Civil War—but they may also hold Boston’s most famous ghost. Discover the legend of the Lady in Black, hear the ghost stories and haunted history of Georges Island, and decide if this Civil War fort is truly haunted. Vote now at ghostlypodcast.com/polls.

Fort Warren, perched on Georges Island in Boston Harbor, has stood guard since the Civil War—first as a fortress, then as a prison, and now as a historic landmark. But beneath its impressive stone walls lies a legend that refuses to fade: the tragic tale of Melanie Lanier, better known as the Lady in Black.

According to the story, Melanie braved the icy waters and the risk of execution to free her Confederate husband from the Union prison at Fort Warren. But her daring rescue ended in heartbreak—and her own death—leaving her spirit to roam the fort in search of the man she lost. Over the years, soldiers, rangers, and visitors have reported shadowy figures in uniform, phantom footsteps that begin and end in the snow, music with no source, and the scent of vintage perfume drifting through the tunnels.

Other ghostly encounters include heavy stones rolling across empty rooms, footprints in fresh snow that appear from nowhere and vanish the same way, and sightings of shadowy Civil War soldiers patrolling the island’s tree line. But the most chilling accounts are of the Lady in Black herself—standing atop the fort’s entrance arch, chasing soldiers from their posts, and wandering the dark corridors with her lantern.

Is the Lady in Black still walking the dark corridors, lantern in hand? Or are these sightings nothing more than stories carried on the harbor wind? Join us as we explore the history, the hauntings, and the evidence—and then you decide: is Fort Warren truly haunted?

Listen now and cast your vote at: ghostlypodcast.com/polls

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Music for this episode was performed by Michael Rivers

“Pat Facts” and “Ghost Story” themes by Mondo

“Time for a Debate” theme by Gail Gallagher gailgallaghermusic.com

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Fort Warren’s “Lady in Black”…Debunked | Historical Digression

The Haunted History of Fort Warren | Nightly Spirits

Boston’s Lady in Black – Boston Ghosts

Fort Warren, Massachusetts – Legends of America

Boston Ghost Stories

George’s Island – Boston Ghosts

Fort Warren | Boston Massachusetts | Real Haunted Place

Unveiling the Tragic Tale of Melanie Lanier: The Lady in Black Haunting at Fort Warren in Boston Harbor

Fort Warren (Massachusetts) – Wikipedia

Georges Island – Boston Harbor Islands

Fort Warren | Haunted Places | Boston, MA

Feature: Lady ghost haunts Boston island – UPI Archives

George’s Island (2025) – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)

The 10 Most Haunted Forts in America | Haunted Rooms America

Fort Warren | Forts, Fortifications, & Other Forgotten Places

Fort Warren – History and Facts | History Hit

The Legend of the Lady in Black – Caught In Southie

Haunted Island – Uechi-Ryu.com

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area | TOURING FORT WARREN (GEORGES ISLAND) |