In a secluded nook, on a strip of land behind a motel, you will find the grave site of Laura Ratcliffe Hanna.

The shady grave site is adorned with an aging holiday wreath.

Laura Ratcliffe was a Confederate spy.  She helped John Mark Singleton Mosby, also known as the Gray Ghost, during the Civil War.  She left messages containing critical information for Mosby at a rock formation near her home.

Laura also was known to be a local great beauty.

Heavy Iron Fencing Around the Grave Site

Her granite grave stone is marked with the names Ratcliffe, Coleman and Hanna.

The enclosed grave site measures 20 feet by 20 feet and is surrounded by huge holly trees.

Because of the foliage, the grave site is not visible from the busy roadway.

There is an ornate wrought iron fence which surrounds the grave site.

Laura Ratchiffe married her husband Milton Hanna at the age of 54.

Grave Stone for Laura Ratcliffe Hanna Grave Site

Laura Ratcliffe Hanna passed away at her home at Merry Brook on August 3, 1923 at the age of 87 years old.

Tree Near Grave Site with Large Exposed Roots

Laura’s grave site, in an odd location, sparks interest in our history from long ago.

A Farmhouse Magic Blog Hello to Portugal.