HAUNTED

Uncover the tragic tale of Belmont County’s resident ghost and find out where you might catch a glimpse of her.

In 1869, a murder shocked Egypt Valley — once known, simply, as the farming village of Egypt. Louiza Catharine Fox, a 13-year-old housemaid, was murdered by Thomas Carr, a 22-yearold coal miner. A member of the Union army during the Civil War, Carr had a history of violence; he often fought other Union soldiers and was even sentenced to be shot twice throughout his military career. There are conflicting reports as to the exact nature of Carr and Fox’s relationship, but it is known that Carr relentlessly pursued the young girl until he realized his efforts were in vain, and he ultimately killed her.

Following Fox’s murder on January 21, 1869, Carr was sentenced to death in a highly publicized trial, where he confessed to an additional 14 murders — making him one of America’s first serial killers.

Carr’s public hanging was the first and only legal execution carried out in the county. According to local legend, Fox’s ghost still wanders two areas in Egypt Valley, unable to move on from her untimely death. Start on Starkey Road for a ghost hunt of your own, where a small stone marker commemorates the spot of Fox’s murder. Then, make your way to Salem Cemetery in Hendrysburg, where you can find Fox’s grave. Sightings are not guaranteed, of course, but if you’re lucky, you might spy a ghostly girl roaming the lonely countryside.

Haunted Hills of Belmont County

Louiza Fox isn’t the only ghost you might encounter in Belmont County; follow the Ghostly Legends and Lore Trail to learn about more spooky local tales. From a cursed gravestone and reports of hellhounds to historic haunted houses and a now-abandoned casket company, this paranormal trail is bound to give you a fright.

Learn more about the trail at visitbelmontcounty.com.