The Lady in Black is one of the most haunting tales in Virginia, which many are not familiar with, and it’s not widely known, outside of a few articles found online.
She was a mysterious figure who reportedly terrorized men in the early 20th century as they walked the streets of Roanoke. The Lady in Black was said to be a beautiful woman in a black dress, with a black turban and dancing eyes. She would mysteriously appear to accompany men walking home late at night. Once they reached their doorsteps, she would vanish into thin air.
The story reportedly appeared in a 1902 article in The Roanoke Times. While her story differs from other “Lady in Black” legends we have written about in the past, the Roanoke version instills fear due to her eerie, sudden appearances and ghostly disappearances, and the tale continues to add to the city’s urban folklore.
Many believe that The Lady in Black still walks and haunts the streets of Roanoke today.
Written By: John G. Clark Jr.