Located at the highest point on Wittenberg University’s campus, stately Myers Hall, today serves as honors housing for over 150 students. Originally built in 1845, Myers is the oldest building on campus. While the building provided classes, offices and residence rooms for most of its history, during the Civil War it served as a hospital for wounded soldiers.
Legend has it that on one fateful evening, a Union General was badly wounded and taken to a bed on the fifth floor of Myers to recover. Unfortunately, his condition worsened and it became clear that he would not survive the night. His last wish was to see, for one last time, his loyal steed who had accompanied him for so many years. Men were sent to fetch his horse and after considerable effort and difficulty the horse reached the fifth floor. Many men shared the heartfelt scene of the horse and general together for one last time that night. After the general expired, multiple attempts to get the horse back down the stairs failed. Ultimately the horse had to be put down only a few feet from the lifeless general he refused to leave.
After the war, students began to report the sound of a horse’s hooves shuffling on the fifth floor of Myers hall late at night. Others reported being startled by the sounds of a galloping horse approaching them in the darkness as they walked along the hollow behind Myers. It seems the forever-loyal horse is still looking for his general.
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos from our most recent visit to Wittenberg University: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMvzxheRS1U
About the Author: After touring 60 of the best colleges in Ohio, Dr. Jay, a prior faculty member and dean, founded College Bound Advantage (CBA); a Columbus Ohio college consulting firm. CBA specializes in helping families optimize college selection around 15 “fit factors.” College Bound Advantage serves all of Ohio including Cleveland, Akron, and Cincinnati metro areas.
In order to purchase a more extensive proprietary “Campus Field Report” on any Ohio college discussed, click here: https://collegeboundadvantage.com/campus-field-report-access/
