Jess tries paranormal investigating at Wilmington battlefield steeped in Civil War history

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY)— Wilmington’s historic streets, waterfront buildings and centuries-old landmarks have long fueled stories of paranormal activity. For this edition of “Jess Tries It,” WWAY’s Jessica Keisling explored one of the area’s most significant Civil War sites while taking part in a paranormal investigation.

The experience took place at the Battle of Forks Road site, located near the Cameron Art Museum. The battlefield played a key role in February 1865 during the final campaign to capture Wilmington, the Confederacy’s last major seaport.

According to historical accounts, more than 2,000 United States Colored Troops charged Confederate positions along the road under heavy gunfire. While Confederate forces eventually retreated, many soldiers lost their lives during the battle.

Joining the investigation was Sean Austin, a paranormal investigator who has appeared on programs including “Ghost Hunters.” Austin studies locations associated with reports of unexplained activity and uses specialized equipment designed to detect sounds or signals that some investigators believe could be linked to paranormal phenomena.

As daylight faded and the investigation moved into the evening, Austin demonstrated several tools commonly used during paranormal investigations. During the session, audio equipment captured sounds at frequencies Austin says are undetected by human ear, prompting reactions from Keisling.

Austin said his goal is not simply to investigate unexplained activity, but to help spirits find peace if they remain attached to a location. He described the work as a way of helping others and giving purpose to his efforts.

While beliefs about the paranormal vary widely, the experience also offered an opportunity to reflect on the history of the battlefield and the sacrifices made there more than 160 years ago.

For Keisling, the evening was less about proving the existence of ghosts and more about exploring a different perspective while connecting with a powerful chapter of Wilmington’s past.