THE ANCHORAGE
The Anchorage is a one of a kind, stunning architectural marvel nestled quietly on the side of Harmar Hill in Marietta, Ohio. Originally known as the Putnam Mansion, the home was built in 1859 by Douglas Putnam, a prominent real estate, banking and railroad magnate, for his wife, Eliza. The home was inspired by Eliza Putnam’s love of Italian-style architecture.
Despite the care and vision behind its construction, Eliza was only able to enjoy the home for a short time, sadly passing away in 1862 from heart disease. Some believe, however, that she never truly left and that her presence still lingers within the house she helped bring to life. Douglas remained in the mansion for the rest of his life, remarrying after Eliza’s death and living there until he passed away at the age of 88.
Colonel Harry Knox purchased the mansion in 1894 for $12,000. The Knox family, known for their successful boat-building business, added the now-iconic anchor-shaped driveway and gave the property its enduring name “The Anchorage”. Over the following decades, the home passed through several hands.
Oilman Edward Roberts and his family lived there for seven years, his daughter, Dorothy Roberts, would later draw inspiration from the house for her novel Marshwood. In 1918, Edward MacTaggart acquired the property and undertook significant restoration work, filling the home with pieces collected from his world travels. As great lovers of music, the MacTaggart family often welcomed the Marietta Junior Music Club into the home, hosting concerts and encouraging young musicians.
After the death of Sophia MacTaggart, the house entered a very different chapter. It was purchased by the Christian Anchorage Nursing and Rest Home and operated as a care facility until 1986. During this time, the building deteriorated and although the exact number of deaths is unknown, many lives ended within its walls. In the 1990s, the Washington County Historical Society acquired the property, preserving its legacy and opening it to the public for tours.
HAUNTINGS OF THE ANCHORAGE
The Anchorage is not only known for its striking design but also for the spirits said to inhabit its halls. In the tower, faces and apparitions have been seen peering from the windows, widely believed to be Eliza Putnam, watching over her beloved home even in death. Inside, Eliza’s presence is often felt in the parlour and at the top of the stairs, where she has been seen lingering as if performing some unfinished task.
The spirits of former nursing home patients are also said to wander the property, with both patients and orderlies occasionally sighted roaming the corridors. Visitors and staff alike have reported hearing the eerie squeak of a gurney moving through the hallways.
The attic is considered one of the most active areas of the house. Disembodied voices, soft humming and sudden screams have been heard at various times, adding to the house’s haunting and unsettling reputation.
Shadow figures are often seen moving among the rafters, and the apparitions of young girls, sometimes referred to as Henrietta and Clarabelle, have been reported throughout the space. Toys have been left behind as offerings, small gestures meant to acknowledge and comfort these child spirits.
Throughout the house, subtle disturbances continue to be reported. Footsteps echo where no one stands, voices drift through empty rooms and fleeting shadows pass just beyond sight. All these experiences contribute to the Anchorage’s enduring reputation as a place where the past remains ever present.
VISITING THE ANCHORAGE
With a history shaped by love, loss, creativity and decline, the Anchorage continues to draw visitors eager to explore its stories and secrets. Over the years, the house has been home to lively gatherings as well as a place of solitude. Under the care of the MacTaggart family, its rooms were once filled with music and celebration, hosting performances and bringing the community together. Today, it invites visitors to imagine the lives once lived within its walls and become part of its continuing story. Tours of the Anchorage are now available, offering both public experiences and private investigations on select dates. Whether drawn by its architectural beauty, its rich history or its reputation for the unexplained, a visit to the Anchorage promises a unique journey into the past.
If you enjoyed reading about the history and hauntings of the Anchorage, you may also be interested in the stories surrounding England’s Four Crosses Inn.
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