The American South, with its deep-rooted history and cultural richness, has given rise to countless tales of the supernatural. From antebellum plantations to historic inns, many locations have become infamous for their ghostly inhabitants. If you’re a seeker of the paranormal or simply curious, here are five haunted places in the South that promise chilling encounters.
The Myrtles Plantation (St. Francisville, Louisiana): Once a sprawling antebellum estate, the Myrtles Plantation is now renowned as one of America’s most haunted homes. Legends abound of former residents who never left, including a slave named Chloe and numerous children who met tragic ends. Visitors often report ghostly sightings, especially in photographs.
Waverly Hills Sanatorium (Louisville, Kentucky): Built as a hospital for tuberculosis patients, thousands are believed to have died here. The “death tunnel,” where bodies were discreetly removed, is a hotspot for supernatural activity. Eerie shadows, disembodied voices, and phantom footsteps are just some of the encounters visitors have reported.
Sorrel-Weed House (Savannah, Georgia): Savannah is often considered one of America’s most haunted cities, and the Sorrel-Weed House stands as a testament to this claim. Visitors and paranormal investigators alike have reported seeing apparitions of soldiers, hearing phantom cries, and even feeling sudden cold spots within the mansion.
Sturdivant Hall Museum (Selma, Alabama): This Greek Revival mansion has been a site of numerous paranormal occurrences. It’s said to be haunted by the ghost of its former owner, John Parkman. Many claim to have seen his apparition wandering the halls, and some have heard the distinct sounds of his heavy boots clomping on the staircase.
The Bell Witch Cave (Adams, Tennessee): One of the most famous hauntings in American folklore, the tale of the Bell Witch revolves around the torment of the Bell family by an invisible entity. The cave, located near the former Bell property, is said to be a hub of this supernatural activity. Visitors have reported feelings of being watched, hearing unexplainable noises, and seeing strange apparitions.
