The Reginald Raynott House

First Ward
Charlotte, North Carolina
men holding rifles
men holding rifles

A Historic Site

The Reginald Raynott House is a residence located in the First Ward of Charlotte, North Carolina. It is renowned for its haunting history and the numerous paranormal phenomena reported by its residents and visitors.

The house is believed by many to be connected to the famous quote attributed to General Cornwallis during the Revolutionary War, referring to Charlotte as a "hornets' nest of rebellion." This association stems from the tragic death of British soldier Reginald Raynott which occurred on the site.

a close up of the bark of a tree
a close up of the bark of a tree

The site of the Reginald Raynott House has deep historical roots dating back to the Revolutionary War era, specifically the Battle of Charlotte in 1780.

It is believed that Reginald Raynott, a British soldier fighting under General Cornwallis’ command, found himself fleeing the battle in fear of the approaching Patriots. Seeking sanctuary, Raynott is said to have stumbled upon the grounds where the house now stands. Unknown to Raynott, the area was home to a large hornets' nest. He unintentionally disturbed the nest, unleashing a swarm of hornets that relentlessly attacked him until his demise.

A Scared Solider's Untimely's Death

A Perpetual State of Unrest

Over time, the Reginald Raynott House has become synonymous with paranormal activity and unsettling occurrences, adding to its reputation as one of the most haunted houses in the region. Witnesses have recounted various supernatural phenomena.

Screams of Pain

Inhabitants of the house have reported hearing agonizing screams, particularly during tea service. These chilling cries of torment are believed by some to echo the suffering endured by Reginald Raynott during the fatal hornet attack.

a cup of tea sits on a saucer on a table
a cup of tea sits on a saucer on a table

Apparitions on the Second Story Porch

person holding brown hunting rifle
person holding brown hunting rifle

Witnesses have claimed to observe ghostly apparitions on the second-story porch of the Reginald Raynott House. The spectral figures bear a striking resemblance to a British soldier, thought to be the restless spirit of Raynott himself. They describe the apparition pacing back and forth, clutching a musket, possibly trapped in a perpetual state of unrest.

A peculiar phenomenon associated with the house involves mirrors. Visitors who gaze into certain mirrors within the property have reported brief, vivid hallucinations. These unsettling visions depict the viewers' own reflections marked with severe hornet stings and wounds, reminiscent of the fate that befell Reginald Raynott. It is believed that these mirror hallucinations serve as a supernatural connection to Raynott's tragic end.

brown wooden table with chairs
brown wooden table with chairs

Mirror Hallucinations

Hornet's Nest of Rebellon

Legend has it that General Cornwallis would later refer to Charlotte a “Hornet's Nest of Rebellion” when describing the stiff opposition that the local patriots mustered in the Battle of Charlotte. Charlotte proudly embraces this moniker to this day. A hornet's nest appears on the flag and seal of the City of Charlotte, and the local NBA basketball franchise is the Charlotte Hornets.

Many speculate that Cornwallis' reference to Charlotte as a "hornets' nest of rebellion" was a subtle nod to the tragic death of Raynott.

view of buildings at night
view of buildings at night