In the year of 1880, the town of Rugby, Tennessee was founded by Thomas Hughes, an author out of Uffington, England. Hughes, along with Franklin W. Smith, designed the town of Rugby to fit Hughes idea of a new way of community life which was a form of Christian socialism utopia. Anyone who moved into the "colony" of Rugby was required to give $5 (roughly $127 in today's money) to the town in an idea that would make sure ownership was maintained by all of the public. The colony created their own newspaper, library, university and inn in addition to the many residences in the community. Rugby held the interest of those on the outside of the colony as well, with articles written often by some of the nation's biggest newspapers providing updates on Rugby's progress as a community.
The colony faced many struggles including countless lawsuits and a typhoid outbreak. By 1887, a pretty large number of original colonists had died, causing many of the remaining residents to flee for good.
Today, the area is said to be haunted by some of the residents who lost their lives during the typhoid outbreak in the 1880's. The old Newbury house in Rugby has had many reports of paranormal encounters. From the sounds of children laughing, to the sounds of phantom footsteps, to the shadows that seem to move in human form, the place has given visitor's a scare or two.
Other paranormal activity in Rugby include countless apparitions witnessed around the old town, feelings of dread have been reported on more than one occasion and objects have been known to move about on their own.
I can't wait to check out the town of Rugby sometime in the near future. Until then, I'd love to hear from you if you have ever visited the old community.
Photo by: 2Kahns Photo Arts
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