Because Maryland has such a long history, it's no surprise that the Old Line State also has a long history of hauntings. And one of the most haunted places in the entire state can be found right outside of Sharpsburg -- Antietam Battlefield. This Halloween, brave the ghosts of the past and find out why this site is so filled with paranormal activity.

You may not realize that the bloodiest single day in American history took place here on September 17 of 1862. More than 22,000 people died, went missing, or were wounded in the battle, which took place across the sunken road known now as Bloody Lane and the farmlands beyond. Those who believe in ghosts maintain that there are spiritual remnants on the site because of the intense loss of life.

Visitors have reported hearing phantom cannon booms and smelling unexplained scents like tobacco and gunpowder. They've also seen orbs in photos taken in the battlefield, both day and night. Famously, a group of schoolboys exploring the battlefield during a field trip reported hearing 'Christmas music' -- specifically, Deck the Halls. Their teacher realized that what they were hearing was the battle cry of the Union's Irish Brigade, which featured the Gaelic words that sounded like fa-la-la-la-la. 

After the battle, the Dunker Church nearby was the site of a truce between the Confederate and Union troops in order to care for wounded soldiers and bury those who had perished. Ghost hunters have reported hearing voices and footsteps, even when the church is empty. 

If you're planning to visit, there are plenty of options. Aspiring ghost-hunters can tour the Dunker Church, the cemetery, the field hospital, and of course the grounds upon which the battle took place. It's part of the National Park Service, and it's open all year round. You can even bring your dog! Be respectful, take only pictures, and keep an open mind. You may just see something you can't explain...