It is named the Southern Part of Heaven, and on its hill sat New Hope Chapel. The magnificent city is vibrant and full of life! Now known as Chapel Hill, it would be an understatement to say that this place is one with nature. Visiting this area during the spring, you will see gardens filled with azaleas blooming in various colors, woodland wildflowers basking in the sun, and beautiful greenways. But like every town, the reality is not always sunshine and rainbows.
During the day, Chapel Hill is known for its churches. At night, the dark side comes alive. If you were to travel to the end of Gimghoul Road, you would find a castle still standing today. It’s like something out of a horror film. The castle is allegedly haunted, with plenty of bumps in the night, whether it be ghostly specters or mysterious members of a secret society.
“The story of Peter Dromgoole inspired him (Wray Martin) to use the name ‘Gimghoul.’ Dromgoole, a student at the university in the 1830s, supposedly fought a duel on the same promontory over the affections of a girl named Fanny, leaving his own or his opponent’s blood indelibly splattered on a rock at the site.” – Jerry Leath Mills, 2006
I wouldn’t advise crossing the No Trespassing sign. Not only could you be charged, but the locals believe that Peter was buried in a shallow grave somewhere on the property and that his spirit continues to roam around, unable to rest. Are there any other spirits there? Quite possibly. The alleged secret society that roams the abandoned quarters is known as The Order of the Gimghoul.
“The castle was constructed in the early 1920s at a cost of around $50,000. While many of the details of its construction are unknown, it was funded by the Order of Gimghoul, a collegiate secret society founded in 1889. The society is based on Peter Dromgoole, a UNC student who disappeared without a trace in 1833.” – North Carolina Haunted Houses
It’s a beautiful sight to see during the day anyway. At night, Gimghoul Castle seemingly takes on a life of its own. As stated earlier, do not try to enter. Because if the long arm of the law doesn’t come knocking, a member of the order just might!
Written By: Israel Petty
