For more than three decades, John Baniszewski dedicated his career to exploring the mysteries of space, serving at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Yet, his fascination with one of America’s most haunted battlefields led him to a different kind of exploration: the crossroads of history and the supernatural. Today, Baniszewski is a retired NASA professional and a Licensed Battlefield Guide at Gettysburg National Military Park, a role he’s held since 2002.

Over those years, he’s conducted more than 3,000 tours, bringing forth the thunderous clashes and quiet sacrifice of the Civil War’s turning point.

From Battlefield Guide to Storyteller

In the late 1990s, during a team retreat to Gettysburg, Baniszewski found himself leading his NASA colleagues through the eerie rock formations of Devil’s Den. When asked for a ghost story on the spot, he improvised one, only to return home unsatisfied with his own tale.

He put pen to paper, refining that first story until it met his vision, then spun another and another until a dozen had taken form. Thus was born Stories from the Devil’s Den, a collection of twelve standalone tales set against the real-life backdrop of Devil’s Den and inspired by the Battle of Gettysburg.

Twelve Stories, Twelve Windows into Gettysburg’s Soul

Rather than a single novel, Baniszewski chose to publish his tales as short, separate volumes, each centered on its own characters and moments in time. Readers can pick up any story and dive right in:

Volume I: “Joseph and The Devil”

Joseph, an African-American teamster, encounters something far darker than enemy fire, a chilling presence drawn to the blood-soaked stones of Devil’s Den.

Volume II: “Jubal and Elizabeth”

Crossing decades of the aftermath, Jubal and Elizabeth struggle with memories that refuse to rest, learning how hope endures long after the cannons fall.

Forthcoming volumes will introduce further duos and trios, Will and Horvand, Strauser, Eddie, and Jason, and Jeannie and Jan, each exploring different eras: from the battle itself in July 1863 to generations later, and even a final tale set a thousand years in the future.

Blending History, Horror, and Hope

What makes Baniszewski’s fiction so compelling is its authenticity. As a Licensed Battlefield Guide, he knows every contour of the stones at Devil’s Den, every ridge that echoed cannon blasts. He channels that expertise into stories that weave together historical detail and supernatural intrigue.

While his characters are fictional (with only two exceptions), the real horrors of war and the stubborn flame of hope beat at the heart of each chapter.

Why You Should Read Stories from the Devil’s Den

• Immersive Atmosphere: Feel the chill of a Siberian-like wind gusting through the rocks or the distant rumble of artillery without ever leaving your armchair.
• Standalone Adventures: No need to follow a strict order. Start with any volume and discover a complete, self-contained narrative.
• A Fresh Take on Gettysburg: Beyond the well-worn history books, experience Gettysburg as a living, breathing realm of mystery.
• Perfect for History Buffs and Ghost Story Fans: Whether you love meticulous historical detail or spine-tingling legends, Baniszewski delivers both.

Takeaway

John Baniszewski’s remarkable journey from NASA’s Project Analyst to battlefield storyteller reveals his lifelong commitment to exploration: of space, of history, and of the human spirit. His unique perspective as a guide enables him to unearth stories that bridge the gap between fact and fiction, transporting readers to a place where the past still whispers in the wind.

Read the first two volumes of Stories from the Devil’s Den today and prepare for a journey through time, memory, and the unquiet dead of Gettysburg. Order today!