overview
Madison Dry Goods and Country Store is a historic building in Madison, North Carolina, that has served a variety of purposes over the years, including a general store, a hotel, a hardware store, and a funeral home. Today, it is a popular tourist destination known for its haunted history and its unique selection of merchandise.
The building was built in 1908 by Thomas B. Knight, who operated a successful general store on the first floor and a funeral home on the second floor. The general store sold a variety of goods, including groceries, clothing, and hardware. The funeral home was one of the only two funeral homes in Madison at the time.
In 1929, Knight’s son, Charles, murdered his wife and six children on Christmas Day before killing himself. The Lawson family massacre is one of the most notorious crimes in North Carolina history, and the Madison Dry Goods building is said to be haunted by the victims’ spirits.
After the massacre, the building was closed for several years. In the 1960s, it was reopened as a country store and museum. The store sells a variety of items, including antiques, souvenirs, and clothing. The museum tells the story of the building’s history and the Lawson family tragedy.
Madison Dry Goods has been featured in numerous television shows and documentaries, including “Ghost Adventures,” “Paranormal Lockdown,” and “28 Days Haunted.” The store is a popular destination for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts, but it is also a fun place to visit for anyone interested in history or unique shopping experiences.
The Haunted History of Madison Dry Goods
The Madison Dry Goods building is said to be haunted by the spirits of the Lawson family, who were murdered there in 1929. Visitors to the store have reported seeing apparitions of the Lawson family members, hearing strange noises, and feeling unexplained cold spots.
One of the most common paranormal experiences reported at Madison Dry Goods is the sighting of a little girl wearing a white dress. Some believe that this is the ghost of Charlie Lawson’s daughter, Della, who was only 12 years old when she was murdered.
Another common paranormal experience is the sound of footsteps on the second floor of the building. The second floor used to be the funeral home, and some believe that the footsteps are the ghosts of the people who were prepared for burial there.
Visitors to Madison Dry Goods have also reported hearing strange noises, such as whispers, crying, and laughter. Some have also felt unexplained cold spots in the building.
The Lawson Family Massacre
The Lawson family massacre was one of the most shocking and brutal crimes in North Carolina history. On Christmas Day 1929, Charles Lawson murdered his wife, Carrie, and their six children: Della, 12; Ernest, 11; Mary, 9; James, 7; Martha, 5; and Arthur, 3.
Lawson used a shotgun and a blunt object to kill his family. He then shot himself in the head, but survived. He was taken to the hospital, where he confessed to the murders.
Lawson’s motive for the murders remains unknown. Some believe that he was mentally ill, while others believe that he was motivated by financial or marital problems.
Madison Dry Goods Today
Today, Madison Dry Goods is a popular tourist destination known for its haunted history and its unique selection of merchandise. The store sells a variety of items, including antiques, souvenirs, and clothing. The museum tells the story of the building’s history and the Lawson family tragedy.
Madison Dry Goods also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as ghost hunting investigations, psychic readings, and historical lectures.
If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, be sure to visit Madison Dry Goods. It is a place where history, mystery, and the paranormal collide.
Personal Stories from Madison Dry Goods
Here are a few personal stories from people who have visited Madison Dry Goods:
- A woman named Sarah said that she was walking through the store one day when she saw a little girl wearing a white dress standing in the corner of the room. When she turned to look at the girl again, she was gone.
- A man named John said that he was taking a ghost tour of the building one night when he heard the sound of footsteps on the second floor. He said that the footsteps sounded like they were coming from the embalming room.
- A woman named Mary said that she was visiting the museum on the second floor when she felt a cold spot on her arm. She looked down and saw that the skin on her arm was turning red.
These are just a few examples of the many paranormal experiences that have been reported at Madison Dry Goods. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there is no denying that the building has a dark and mysterious history.
