Rams Head Tavern Ghost Investigation by Gerri Tipton
The Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis isn’t just about pints and pub grub—it’s a playground for the paranormal. This centuries-old hotspot has a ghostly resident named Amy, a mischievous spirit with a flair for theatrics. The tavern’s colorful history includes its stint as a brothel, where Amy’s tragic end left her lingering presence behind. Ghost hunters and staff report spectral pranks, from rearranged utensils to rattling bottles in the basement “cage.” Amy’s antics extend to playful light tricks, radio mischief, and even locking unsuspecting employees in the cellar. She’s the kind of ghost who keeps the night lively, leaving skeptics scratching their heads and believers reaching for their EMF detectors.
What better way to spend the evening then at Ram’s Head Tavern in Annapolis on a ghost investigation? That’s what we did on Monday, March 22nd 2005.
During a fabulous dinner, a few of the members took some great pictures; ghosts glided across the table as EMF readings went off the scale; orbs floating around in the air when their temperature gauges dropped from 85 degrees to a chilling 60 degrees; ectoplasms appearing outside in the garden area. At one of the tables, the ladies felt cold air swirling at their legs and feet. It was immediately checked out and there was no draft coming from windows or doors.
In 1792, the “Crown and Dial Tavern” opened. This was the original Ram’s Head Tavern, owned by William Faris. The pub went under the name of “The Dove.” The tavern at that time served single brand beer from a Coca-Cola chest. The tavern also served as a Brothel, where a young girl in her teens named “Amy” lived. Amy lived there for many years as the daughter of the woman of the house. Amy had died a horrible death by a sailor that came into town and had violent sex with her. The post bed still sits where it ruptured through the floor from the roughness. Still today, Amy haunts the Ram’s Head Tavern where she likes to be tricky, mischievous and play games with people.
An employee since 2002, Virginia Johnson, told some good stories of experiences she had with Amy. One evening while she was setting the tables in the part of the restaurant that is off to the side, she needed more utensils. When she came back moments later, all the knives and forks were turned around facing the other way
Virginia doesn’t like going down in the basement to the “cage.” The cage is a fenced off area where beer and liquor is stored way in the back part of the cellar. She was in the cage one night when the bottles started rattling. Then they stopped and then continued to shake again and again. She will not go down there by herself anymore. She told us one time a male employee was in there and the gate closed and locked all by itself.
The chef of the pub for twelve years, John Jennings, known as JJ, shared with us a few encounters that he had with Amy. One time he saw her standing out in the garden holding a basket of flowers. On another evening after closing, he wanted to play a trick on one of the employees. He hid behind the brewery and was going to scare her when she walked by. Then he saw someone else pass by and go down to where booth #56 stands. He decided he would scare that person instead. So he snuck to the booth to complete his prank and saw that no one was there. I guess the trick was on him. He says Amy likes to play with all of the electronics in the building.
When the building was going through some changes, a contractor had poured some cement in the basement where the supports are in the doorway. When he pulled off the wood, he amazingly saw carvings in the concrete. It looked like /\ /\/\ \/ had dug her named in the wall.
Amy continually likes to knock over glasses and drinking straws; turn the station on the radio that is locked behind a panel; dim and brighten the overhanging lights; and play with the sound equipment. Hard to believe but true, Amy is more drawn to the males. So, if you ever go there for dinner, take your EMF detector and call her name. She will be right there.
SOURCE: v5 MGSA Oct 2005
The Spirited Legacy of Rams Head Tavern
Annapolis, the city of sailboats and old-world charm, has a secret side—a supernatural one that calls the Rams Head Tavern its stage. This isn’t just a spot for beer and banter; it’s a hotspot for ghostly pranks, headlined by the tavern’s most infamous resident: Amy. This mischievous spirit has been haunting the joint for centuries, and if you’re not careful, she might rearrange your dinner plans—literally.
A Dame with a Dark Past
The Rams Head Tavern wasn’t always the cozy pub you see today. Back in the 18th century, this place had a shadier side as a brothel, and that’s where Amy’s tragic story began. The details are murky, like fog rolling off the harbor, but one thing’s clear—Amy never really left. Her restless spirit has been spicing up the place with her spectral shenanigans ever since.
Tricks, Not Treats
Amy’s repertoire of pranks is as colorful as the tavern’s craft beer menu. Staff and patrons alike have witnessed cutlery rearranging itself on tables, lights flickering like a bad B-movie, and radios tuning themselves to static-filled mysteries. The basement, lovingly dubbed “the cage,” is where things get real spooky. Bottles rattle without reason, and the air turns icy, leaving employees with goosebumps and a story to tell.
Locked In with a Laugh
One of Amy’s favorite tricks? Locking folks in the cellar. Picture this: an unsuspecting employee heads down for supplies, only to find themselves trapped behind a door that refuses to budge. When the lock finally gives, they’re left with more than just beer—they’ve got a ghost story to last a lifetime.
A Garden of Ghostly Delights
Even the tavern’s garden isn’t immune to Amy’s antics. On moonlit nights, her spectral silhouette has been spotted holding a basket of flowers, adding a touch of eerie elegance to the historic grounds. Is it a memory from her life, or just another playful act? That’s a question only Amy can answer.
A Haunting Worth Experiencing
Rams Head Tavern isn’t just another haunted pub; it’s a living, breathing piece of Annapolis history with a ghostly twist. Whether you’re here for the craft brews, the live music, or the chance to encounter Amy herself, one thing’s for sure—you’ll leave with a story.
So pull up a chair, order a pint, and keep your eyes open. In a place where the past and present collide, you never know what’s waiting around the corner. Or under the table.