WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — On a cool, rainy night in Old Salem , the cobblestone streets seem to hold their breath. For some, the historic Old Salem Tavern is more than a landmark — it’s a place where one ghost story has lingered for nearly two centuries.

In September of 1831, a stranger arrived at the tavern long after dark. He was pale, sickly, and barely able to stand.

“A gentleman knocked at the door, and the hostler came to the door to greet the gentleman,” said Jacob Chilton, Interpretation Coordinator at Old Salem. “It would have been his job to get him checked in. And when he opened the door, the gentleman was very pallid and looked fairly sickly. And when he entered the tavern, he only made it a few steps before he hobbled and fell.”

The man’s name was Samuel McCleary . He pass

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