Official Website of
Dr. J.J. Polk House Museum & Paranormal Research Center
“The war had not been long in progress before it came to our very doors. The battle of Perryville was fought on the 8th day of October, 1862; and, in the hasty movements of the two opposing armies, many sick and wounded were left upon our hands. My house was made a hospital for eight or ten of these.”
The Dr. J.J. Polk House, located in Perryville, Kentucky, is a significant historical landmark that reflects the town’s rich cultural and medical heritage. Built in the 1840s, the home is a fine example of Greek Revival architecture and was originally the residence of Dr. Jefferson J. Polk. Dr. Polk was a prominent local physician, minister, newspaper publisher, and a vocal advocate for the temperance movement. His diverse contributions left a lasting impact on the development of the Perryville community.
The house played a critical role during the American Civil War, particularly after the Battle of Perryville in October 1862. As the town was overwhelmed with casualties, the Polk residence, along with its adjacent office, served as a makeshift field hospital. Dr. Polk and his son, Dr. William Tod Polk, treated many wounded soldiers from both Union and Confederate forces. Their service during this time exemplifies the important role of civilian medical professionals in wartime.
Architecturally, the two-story home features a symmetrical front with dual entry doors, a common design element in mid-19th century homes. The small one-story medical office next to the house includes a square façade and transom window, preserving the historic function of the space as Dr. Polk’s practice. Both structures are contributing properties within the Perryville Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Today, the Dr. J.J. Polk House is undergoing careful preservation and now functions as both a museum and a paranormal research center. Visitors can explore the home’s layered history, from Civil War medicine to its reported hauntings. Its restoration ensures that the legacy of Dr. Polk, and the broader historical narrative of Perryville, remains alive for future generations.
History
Paranormal Sightings at the Dr. J.J. Polk House
One of the most frequently reported apparitions at the Polk House is that of a little boy, often seen at the upstairs south-facing window. Witnesses, including those working in the Polk garden, have described the boy playing with marbles, a seemingly innocent activity that takes an eerie turn when he tosses the marbles to those weeding or planting before vanishing without a trace. This ghostly figure has become a recurring presence, adding to the house’s mystique.
A particularly eerie event involved two girls on their way home, who estimated the time to be around 8:00 PM. As they passed the old house of Dr. J.J. Polk, the first doctor in Perryville, they noticed a light on in the house. This was startling because the house has been condemned for several years and lacks electricity, making the presence of any light an inexplicable phenomenon.
Booking Details
50% deposit due at time of booking
Remainder due 48 hours before investigation
Cancellations/refunds honored up to 7 days in advance
All team members must sign liability waiver upon arrival
