Malvern’s history makes it one of the most unconventional towns in Pennsylvania, writes Aunindita Bhatia for World Atlas.  

The borough’s history of wartime violence has resulted in frequent reports of hauntings and ghost sightings.  

Many sightings are related to the Paoli Massacre of 1777, where over fifty American soldiers were ambushed by British troops. Although the battle took place in present-day Malvern, it was named after the battle’s closeness to the historic Paoli Tavern. 

Now preserved as Paoli Battlefield Historical Park, many tourists visit the site for a glimpse of local history, with many reporting ghost sightings in the area. 

Another unsettling moment in Malvern’s history make it a valuable stop for tourists. Duffy’s Cut, a nearby stretch of railroad tracks, features a mass grave where the remains of 57 Irish railroad workers are buried. The workers are thought to have died from a cholera outbreak, but forensic evidence suggests that some may have been murdered to prevent the spread of the disease, making Duffy’s Cut a stop for both tourists and true crime fans. 

With its well-preserved downtown and unusual tourist attractions, Malvern is a worthwhile stop for visitors seeking local culture and mysterious history. 

Read more about Malvern’s history with the Paoli Massacre and Duffy’s Cut in World Atlas.  

______