Metrolina Paranormal Research

On Saturday August 12, 2000 we made a preliminary visit to the Reed Gold Mine SHS to consider further study based on local legend and the report of NDHP. Of particular interest was the location known as Engine Mine Shaft where legend explains that the body of Eleanor Mills was dropped by her husband following her death. This visit included Carson, Betty, Chris, Lisa, Cody, Anthony, and Matt. We arrived between 10:00 - 11:00 AM and found the site to be less than crowded (about 10 families) and moderately well kept (some refuse on the ground in various places). We brought no equipment other than a digital camera.

The mine tour itself was interesting from a historical, geological, and archeological point of view though the site is not accurately historical in nature (they have included some "period appropriate" though not "location specific" exhibits). Paranormal activity was not referenced by the guides or the exhibits.

On entering the mine shaft exhibit -- there is a sudden temperature drop to about 55 - 60 F and the dampness in the mine could cause discomfort in some people. The shaft itself is little more than 4 feet wide and 6 feet high in most places -- not a place for those who have trouble in confined spaces.

On leaving the mine shaft exhibit, we asked the guide about Engine Shaft - he was unable to provide any information though Engine Shaft is a primary static exhibit.
Engine Shaft, a static exhibit located near the exit of the mine shaft exhibit, is now collapsed upon itself and is reportedly subject to future excavation. Our visit to the mine tunnel and Engine Shaft were psychically unremarkable.

Before leaving the site we asked the visitor center rep. about the reports of haunting at Reed Mine. She explained to us that these were "rumors" and that the mines are not haunted as Engine Shaft is "very deep and the water table is near..." therefore explaining that, in her opinion, there could be no ghost in that shaft. She seemed most interested in hurrying us along our way than discussing the reports of paranormal activity at the site. We consider that any "rumor" that has been maintained for over 150 years is more properly referred to as "legend" and that any ghost, provided there is one present, would not be concerned with the depth or moisture levels of a mine shaft. Betty observed that, in her opinion, any location dependant on tourist traffic, that can use something such as a haunting to attract visitors should "milk it..." This site does not. There were no references to paranormal activity made by the guides or by the static exhibits.

Collectively, we agree that the staff was generally uncooperative. Readers should understand that we did not identify ourselves with MPRL or IGHS and that we didn't state the purpose of our visit. We believe that the staff we encountered were seasonal/temporary personnel and not NC professional employees. We believe that, had any of these staff members personally experienced any paranormal activity in the past that they would have readily welcomed our inquiries with their story.
Our conclusion is that, without further indication of activity at the mine, no further exploration of paranormal activity is indicated there. Once the Engine Shaft is excavated, we should visit again.

UPDATE 01/12/2001

Research notes by Carson:

According to the legends, the husband of Eleanor Mills disposed of her body down Engine Mine Shaft following her death in the "early 1800's". Reed Mine was in operation from about 1825 - 1912 though gold was discovered here as early as 1799.  The mine is physically located in Cabarrus County North Carolina which was formed from division of Mecklenburg County in 1792.  The history of the mine operation is then Cabarrus County history.

A review of the census data available for Cabarrus County North Carolina does not list an Eleanor Mills as a resident of the county between 1790 and 1900.  I also reviewed some sources for marriage records of the period and came up with nothing for an Eleanor [unknown maiden name] who married a [unknown given name] Mills in this general place and time..

While this information certainly doesn't disprove the story at Reed's Mine, it definitely does not support the story.

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