Haunted Battlefields of America: Ghostly Encounters & Valor Stories
Courtney McInvale brings a unique perspective to paranormal research, blending her personal experiences with historical investigation. As the founder of Seaside Shadows haunted history tours, she guides visitors through haunted locations across the East Coast, sharing stories that connect historical events with supernatural phenomena. Her childhood in a haunted New England home, which was even visited by famous paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, laid the foundation for her lifelong interest in the unexplained.
Before embracing her passion for the paranormal professionally, McInvale built an impressive career in government service, working as a counterterrorism analyst for the FBI and with Homeland Security. Her transition from government work to founding her tour company and writing books about haunted history represents a bold career shift driven by personal interest. McInvale's approach as a self-described "paranormal historian" emphasizes the importance of grounding ghost stories in documented historical events, bringing authenticity to her tours and published works on Civil War hauntings and local legends.
Key Takeaways
McInvale combines personal paranormal experiences and historical research to create authentic haunted history tours across the East Coast.
Her professional background includes government work with NCIS, FBI, and Homeland Security before pivoting to paranormal research and tour development.
McInvale's distinct methodology focuses on connecting documented historical events with paranormal accounts to honor the people behind the stories.
Meet Courtney McInvale
Founder of Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours
Courtney McInvale established Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours after leaving her government career. The company offers haunted history tours at various locations along the East Coast, combining historical facts with paranormal experiences. Her inspiration came during an assignment in Burlington, Vermont, where she met Thea Lewis, who operated Queen City Ghost Walk.
This chance meeting proved transformative for McInvale. After their lunch conversation, she made the bold decision to leave her government position and return to Connecticut, where she launched her tour company in Mystic.
Author of Several Haunted History Books
McInvale has written numerous books documenting paranormal history, including:
Haunted Mystic
Revolutionary War Ghosts of Connecticut
Civil War Ghosts of Connecticut
Civil War Ghosts of Georgia (Volumes 1 & 2)
Her writing career developed alongside her tour business. While establishing Seaside Shadows, she simultaneously began writing "Haunted Mystic," capturing the town's history and legends in book format.
McInvale's approach to paranormal research sets her apart. She describes herself as a "paranormal historian," ensuring historical records corroborate paranormal accounts. She only presents stories with roots in documented history, local legends, and lore.
Background of a History Enthusiast With Southern Roots
McInvale's fascination with history and the paranormal began in childhood. She grew up in a reportedly haunted New England house that was visited by renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren during her teenage years. The Warrens identified her family home as a "train station for spirits" or portal to the other side.
Her father, a history major, instilled in her a love for Southern history and the Civil War. This early exposure shaped her later interests and career direction.
Before entering the paranormal field, McInvale had an impressive government career. She interned with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) in their Cold Case homicide unit. Later, she trained at the FBI Academy and worked as a counterterrorism analyst before taking a position with Homeland Security.
McInvale's research methodology is thorough. For her Civil War books, she consulted primary sources including soldiers' letters and period newspaper articles. She traced family lineages, interviewed descendants living on historical properties, and personally investigated battlefields throughout the East Coast.
Passions and Historical Curiosities
First Experiences with Supernatural Phenomena
Courtney McInvale's interest in the paranormal began during her childhood in New England, where she lived in a house with significant supernatural activity. As a teenager, her family's home experienced increasingly troubling phenomena, including shadow figures, mysterious blood appearances, and strange smells. When these occurrences intensified, her mother contacted renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who determined the house functioned as a "portal" for spirits. Though the Warrens performed a cleansing, activity continued, and McInvale's mother eventually sold the property.
The early exposure to unexplained phenomena established a foundation for McInvale's later work. Former occupants of her childhood home have reportedly continued to experience unusual events, suggesting the supernatural presence persisted beyond her family's time there.
Civil War Heritage and Research
McInvale's fascination with the American Civil War stems from her upbringing and family connections. Her father, a history major, raised her with an appreciation for Southern history, particularly focusing on the War Between the States. This early exposure fostered a deep interest in Civil War history that has remained with her throughout her life.
Her research methodology includes:
Examining primary sources from the 1800s
Reading soldiers' letters and period newspaper accounts
Interviewing descendants of Civil War participants
Personally investigating battlefields across the eastern United States
With ancestors who fought and died in the conflict, McInvale has described researching and writing about the Civil War as her "destiny." Her Southern roots in Georgia combined with her New England upbringing have given her a unique perspective on this pivotal historical period.
Merging Historical Research with Paranormal Investigation
McInvale distinguishes herself from other paranormal researchers by identifying as a "paranormal historian." Her approach prioritizes historical verification, only pursuing paranormal accounts that align with documented historical events, local legends, and regional folklore. This methodology provides stronger evidence and creates more compelling narratives about potential supernatural occurrences.
Before founding Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours, McInvale worked for several government agencies:
Government Experience Role NCIS Intern with Cold Case Homicide Unit FBI Counterterrorism Analyst Homeland Security Analyst
Her transition to paranormal history work occurred during an assignment in Burlington, Vermont, where she met Thea Lewis, who operated Queen City Ghost Walk. Inspired by this encounter, McInvale left government service, moved back to Connecticut, and established her tour company while simultaneously beginning her writing career.
McInvale's work now encompasses books like Haunted Mystic, Civil War Ghosts of Connecticut, and Civil War Ghosts of Georgia (volumes 1 and 2). She views her mission as honoring historical figures through the careful documentation of supernatural legends associated with them.
Journey Into the Paranormal
Collecting Civil War Ghost Narratives
My research into Civil War hauntings began with thorough examination of primary sources from the 1800s. I gathered soldiers' letters, period newspaper articles, and contemporary accounts to establish historical foundations for paranormal occurrences. This methodical approach allowed me to discover patterns and recurring phenomena across different battle sites.
Following these historical threads through family lines proved invaluable. Conversations with descendants living on historic properties revealed previously undocumented stories passed through generations. These oral histories often contained details absent from official records but consistent with paranormal activity reported at various Civil War sites.
Exploring Historic Battlegrounds
Field research forms the cornerstone of my paranormal investigations. I've personally visited numerous Civil War battlefields across the Eastern United States, conducting on-site investigations to document unusual phenomena. These locations often retain emotional and energetic imprints from the intense conflict they witnessed.
Many battlefields exhibit consistent paranormal patterns:
Sound phenomena: Phantom cannon fire, drummer boys, marching troops
Visual manifestations: Shadow figures in period uniforms, partial apparitions
Environmental effects: Unexplained cold spots, electrical disturbances
The most compelling evidence typically emerges at night or during anniversary dates of significant battles. Weather conditions also seem to influence activity levels, with foggy or stormy conditions often coinciding with increased reports of paranormal experiences from both investigators and visitors.
The Warren Paranormal Investigation
Ed and Lorraine Warren's Home Assessment
The renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren were called to the McInvale family home during Courtney's teenage years. Prior to their involvement, the house had experienced minor paranormal activity typical of New England homes - flickering lights, turning doorknobs, creaky floorboards, and occasional voices.
As Courtney grew older, the activity intensified and took on a more concerning nature. The family began experiencing shadow figures, mysterious blood appearances, and strange smells. The situation became serious enough that Courtney's mother initially contacted a priest for assistance.
When the priest became frightened by what he encountered, the family reached out to the Warrens for help. The paranormal experts agreed to investigate the increasingly troubling situation.
Spiritual Evaluation and Cleansing Attempts
Upon investigating the McInvale home, the Warrens determined it functioned as what they described as a "train station for spirits" - essentially a portal to the other side. Their assessment revealed a mix of entities:
Protective, benevolent spirits
Malevolent entities with harmful intentions
Various spiritual energies passing through the portal
The Warrens recommended and performed a cleansing ritual designed to remove the negative entities while maintaining the home's spiritual balance. Their approach was methodical and based on their extensive experience with similar cases throughout New England.
Limited Success and Ongoing Activity
The Warrens' cleansing provided temporary relief for the McInvale family. Unlike others who had previously attempted to help, the Warrens maintained contact with the family throughout the process and followed up on their work.
However, the paranormal activity did not completely cease. When Courtney left for college, some of the phenomena intensified again. The ongoing nature of the haunting eventually led Courtney's mother to sell the house while Courtney was at university.
According to Courtney, subsequent homeowners have reported continuing paranormal encounters in the property, suggesting the Warrens' cleansing had limited long-term effectiveness despite their dedicated efforts and expertise.
Career Evolution
From FBI Analyst to Paranormal Historian
After graduating from college, I began my professional journey with a stint as an intern at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), where I worked with the Cold Case homicide unit to reopen cases from the early 1990s. When graduation coincided with an economic recession, I pivoted to opportunities at the FBI. Following training at the FBI Academy, I served as a counterterrorism analyst for several years before transitioning to Homeland Security.
My government career provided valuable investigative skills, but I wasn't fulfilled working in office cubicles. During an assignment in Burlington, Vermont for Homeland Security, I found myself feeling increasingly restless in the confined office environment.
Discovering a New Calling
While in Burlington, a chance encounter changed my professional trajectory. I met Thea Lewis, who operated Queen City Ghost Walk tours and wrote about haunted history. Her work combined my lifelong interests in history and the paranormal.
After an inspiring lunch conversation with Lewis, I made the bold decision to leave my government position. I packed up, moved back to my home state of Connecticut, and established Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours in Mystic.
I consider Lewis a catalyst for this major career change, as she showed me it was possible to build a career around paranormal history.
Building a Paranormal History Business
Though the tour business technically launched first, I began writing books simultaneously. I had always aspired to be a writer, influenced by parents who read extensively to me as a child, particularly history books.
While developing my tour business, I wrote "Haunted Mystic," transforming local historical information into both tour content and my first book. This dual approach became my business model moving forward.
My work differs from typical paranormal research as I identify primarily as a "paranormal historian." I prioritize historical accuracy by ensuring:
Paranormal stories correlate with documented historical events
Local legends and lore have historical foundations
Stories honor the actual people from history
This approach sets my tours and books apart—I don't pursue paranormal tales without historical verification, regardless of how intriguing they might be. My mission remains connecting validated history with the supernatural stories that emerge from these locations.
Tour Development and Historical Writing
Crafting Tours While Writing
Courtney McInvale developed Seaside Shadows haunted history tours and began writing her books simultaneously. After leaving her government career, she established her tour company in Mystic, Connecticut, where she was born and raised. The transition was inspired by meeting Thea Lewis, who ran ghost tours in Burlington, Vermont. This encounter motivated McInvale to pursue her passion for paranormal history.
While creating her tour business, McInvale immediately began writing "Haunted Mystic," converting her research into both tour format and book format. Her approach differs from other paranormal researchers as she describes herself as a "paranormal historian." She ensures historical accounts corroborate with paranormal stories, only incorporating tales with roots in local legends, lore, and history.
Haunted Mystic Publication
McInvale's book "Haunted Mystic" was among her first published works, documenting the paranormal history of this Connecticut coastal town. Her publishing catalog expanded significantly in recent years with several regional ghost-themed books including:
Civil War Ghosts of Connecticut
Revolutionary War Ghosts of Connecticut
Civil War Ghosts of Georgia (Volume 1) - Released October 2024
Civil War Ghosts of Georgia (Volume 2)
Her research methodology is thorough and historically grounded. She accesses primary sources from the 1800s including:
Soldiers' letters
Period newspaper articles
Historical accounts
Family records from descendants
Personal investigations at battlefield sites
This meticulous approach honors the historical figures while exploring the supernatural legends surrounding them, creating a unique blend of historical scholarship and paranormal investigation.
Philosophy on Paranormal Research
As a paranormal historian, my approach differs from traditional paranormal researchers. I focus on investigating historical accounts and correlating them with reported paranormal activity. This methodology ensures that ghost stories have substantive historical foundations rather than existing as mere anecdotes. By combining historical research with paranormal investigation, I create a more complete picture of why certain locations might experience supernatural phenomena.
Historical Documentation and Evidence Correlation
When researching paranormal occurrences, particularly those related to historical events like the Civil War, I rely heavily on primary sources. These include:
Soldiers' letters and correspondence
Period newspaper articles
Contemporary accounts of unusual occurrences
Family records and generational testimonies
I trace these stories through family lineages, speaking with descendants who may still own properties where events occurred. This research methodology provides a stronger foundation for understanding paranormal claims. By visiting battlefields across the East Coast and conducting personal investigations, I can correlate historical events with reported supernatural activity.
Function as a Historical Paranormal Investigator
My work as a paranormal historian involves more selective criteria than typical ghost hunting. If a paranormal story lacks roots in local legends, lore, or documented history, I generally avoid incorporating it into my research. This approach differs from investigators who might pursue any paranormal claim regardless of historical context.
My primary objective is to honor historical figures through the legends and folklore that have developed around them. This means ensuring that paranormal accounts have some connection to verifiable historical events or figures. By maintaining this standard, the resulting narratives become more credible and meaningful. The supernatural stories gain substance when they correlate with documented historical occurrences.
Literary Contributions
Publications on Civil War Supernatural Encounters
Courtney McInvale has established herself as a significant voice in paranormal historical literature through her extensive work documenting Civil War supernatural phenomena. Her research methodology stands out for its academic rigor, combining primary source materials from the 1860s with contemporary investigations. She carefully analyzes soldiers' letters, period newspaper accounts, and family records to authenticate reported phenomena.
Her books on Civil War hauntings represent years of field research at battlefields throughout the eastern United States. McInvale's most recent publications include "Civil War Ghosts of Georgia" (Volume 1 released in October 2024 with Volume 2 following shortly after) and "Civil War Ghosts of Connecticut." These works blend historical accuracy with documented paranormal experiences.
McInvale describes herself as a "paranormal historian," distinguishing her approach from other researchers in the field. She only includes accounts that have historical corroboration, ensuring the integrity of both the historical record and the paranormal phenomena she documents.
Books Featuring Haunted Locations Across the East Coast
McInvale's publishing portfolio extends beyond Civil War hauntings to include regional explorations of supernatural activity throughout the East Coast. Her book "Haunted Mystic" documents the paranormal heritage of this historic Connecticut coastal town, serving as a companion to her popular walking tours.
Other regional titles in her collection include:
Revolutionary War Ghosts of Connecticut
Haunted Mystic
Civil War Ghosts of Connecticut
Civil War Ghosts of Georgia (Volumes 1 & 2)
Each publication features meticulously researched local histories combined with documented supernatural encounters. McInvale's writing draws from her unique background as both a government intelligence professional and paranormal investigator. Her dual expertise in historical research methodology and paranormal investigation gives her work particular credibility.
McInvale's books serve a dual purpose - documenting reported supernatural phenomena while preserving the historical narratives of these locations. This approach has earned her recognition as a serious chronicler of America's haunted heritage, particularly relating to its military conflicts.
