The Barter Theatre is reportedly haunted by the ghost of its founder, Robert Porterfield, and other spirits, possibly including Confederate soldiers from a Civil War-era tunnel that once connected the theatre to the Martha Washington Inn. Visitors and staff have reported encountering hostile presences, particularly within the old tunnel, and Porterfield's ghost is said to appear in the audience during performances. An underground tunnel that was used by Confederate soldiers to smuggle ammunition during the Civil War. The tunnel, which once connected the theatre to the Martha Washington Inn, was used by soldiers and was the site of a fatal incident. A hostile presence haunts the tunnel, and reports include carpenters abandoning their work there due to frightening experiences. Robert Porterfield's Ghost is believed to roam the theatre and is sometimes seen appearing in the audience during shows.