Rams Head Tavern Ghost Investigation by Gerri Tipton
The Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis, with its colonial past and haunting charm, has one enduring resident: Amy, a mischievous spirit with a knack for pranks. On March 22, during a ghost investigation, EMF detectors spiked, temperatures plummeted, and orbs danced in the air. Amy’s antics include rearranging silverware, locking staff in the basement “cage,” and dimming lights. She’s even been spotted in the garden, holding a basket of flowers. While the tavern offers hearty meals and local brews, it also delivers an eerie sense of the past that refuses to stay quiet.
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. 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: v6 MGSA Oct 2006
Mischief and Mystery: The Ghost of Rams Head Tavern
Annapolis’s Rams Head Tavern is more than just a cozy spot for craft brews and hearty meals—it’s a stage for ghostly antics that have been delighting and startling patrons for decades. The star of this spectral show? Amy, a mischievous spirit who’s made the 18th-century tavern her eternal playground.
Amy’s Pranks: More Than Just Teasing
Amy isn’t your average ghost; she’s a full-fledged trickster. On March 22, during a ghost investigation, her presence was felt in ways that would make even skeptics shiver. Silverware rearranged itself on dining tables, as if Amy had her own dinner party in mind. In the basement “cage,” bottles rattled ominously, and staff found themselves inexplicably locked inside. Whether she’s dimming lights or making shadows dance across the walls, Amy keeps everyone on their toes—and she’s not shy about it.
Orbs, Chills, and EMF Surges
Paranormal investigators came prepared with high-tech gear, but even they were surprised by the activity. EMF detectors spiked wildly in Amy’s favorite haunts, and the room’s temperature dropped to spine-tingling lows. Orbs—those ghostly balls of light—were seen hovering near employees and drifting through the dining room, adding a visual flourish to Amy’s ghostly repertoire.
A Moonlit Garden Spectacle
While Amy’s tricks inside the tavern steal the show, she’s also been spotted in the garden. Under the glow of the moon, witnesses have described a faint, ethereal figure holding a basket of flowers. Whether she’s tending to long-forgotten blooms or simply enjoying the peaceful night air, Amy’s presence adds an eerie charm to the historic grounds.
A Haunting Worth Experiencing
Rams Head Tavern isn’t just a spot to grab a pint; it’s a living, breathing piece of Annapolis history with a ghostly twist. Amy’s pranks and presence make every visit an adventure, whether you’re a skeptic or a firm believer in the paranormal. From the dining room to the basement cage, she leaves her mark—and maybe even a few goosebumps.
So, the next time you visit Rams Head Tavern, keep an eye on your silverware and a hand on the basement door. You never know when Amy might decide to make your night unforgettable.