The southern states of the USA offer a charm that many travelers adore. Aside from their classic southern hospitality, tourists can enjoy a memorable vacation in the Southern US. From the numerous seasonal activities in Savannah to North Carolina’s Currituck Beach Lighthouse, there are many things to explore in the south. Moreover, lovers of everything paranormal will enjoy the fact that the south has a ton of reportedly haunted places, many with dark backstories. Ready to go ghost hunting? Check out these haunted places in the southern US and where they can be found!
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NOTE: Before planning a trip to visit these locations, it’s important to remember that some of these buildings are considered private property, making trespassing prohibited. Thus, it’s vital to research the property before exploring them in real life! |
10 Poplar Hill (Hillsborough, North Carolina)
Situated near the Eno River and sits within the lands of the Indigenous Occaneechi and Saponi communities. As the Europeans claimed these lands, the area was eventually converted into a plantation by English settlers in the late 18th century, complete with a spacious house. Despite its beautiful Greek Revival-style architecture, the Poplar Hill House, also known as the Nannie House, is rife with hauntings.
Several years ago, the Maxwell family moved into the home and reported disturbing activity like ghostly apparitions, knocking on doors, and moving objects. Due to the increasing amount of paranormal activity, the family left the house, breaking their lease. To date, this house remains a residential property around Hillsborough in North Carolina.
9 Jamieson Inn (Crestview, Florida)
This unassuming inn sits between other chain hotels and big box stores. However, looks can be deceiving because Crestview’s Jamieson Inn has some paranormal activity, specifically in room 208. It’s unsure of what really happened in the room, but guests report strong smells of cigarettes and levitating luggage. Situated along Cracker Barrel Drive, the Jamieson Inn is a perfect stay for avid paranormal believers.
8 White Hall State Historic Site (Richmond, Kentucky)
Kentucky’s White Hall sits proudly at over 10,000 square feet, adorned with styles that draw inspiration from Italian-style architecture, which was owned by Cassius Marcellus Clay. General Clay was rumored to be scandalous, divorcing his wife at the age of 84 to tie knots with 16-year-old Dora Richardson. There are even claims that those who disagreed with his decision would be met with a loaded cannon standing outside his front porch!
Those who visit or work at the White Hall report strange paranormal activity, which is speculated to be the ghosts of the Clay family. People report hearing a baby crying, apparitions of a woman, or a boy avidly playing hide and seek. Those who wish to tour the White Hall can find this historic property along White Hall Shrine Road in Richmond, Kentucky.
7 Bonaventure Cemetery (Savannah, Georgia)
Savannah’s Bonaventure Cemetery is one of the city's best attractions to explore this season! Offering guided tours, visitors can explore the spacious grounds of this peaceful cemetery, which has inspired countless artists through the decades. However, being a cemetery, the grounds are said to be haunted, specifically by six-year-old Gracie Watson, who died suddenly of pneumonia long ago. Visitors reported seeing the six-year-old appear before their eyes and eerily grimacing on the faces of the cemetery’s statues. If that’s not creepy enough, some report hearing children’s laughter in the distance or invisible dogs growling in a pack.
6 Crescent Hotel And Spa (Eureka Springs, Arkansas)
The 1896 Crescent Hotel and Spa is proud of its haunted heritage, so much so that it occasionally hosts guided tours about its ghostly history! This historic hotel was the site of many unfortunate events and accidents, which resulted in hauntings from various spirits. Guests report encountering the spirit “Michael,” known to slam doors shut and make inexplicable noises in room 218. Furthermore, visitors also report seeing ghosts sporting Victorian attire in the dining room and encountering Dr. Norman Baker—the infamous cancer doctor in the 1930s—in the lobby. Looking for a comfortable and spooky stay at Eureka Springs? Then the Crescent Hotel and Spa is a perfect combination!
5 Dock Street Theatre (Charleston, South Carolina)
Around the world, there is no shortage of haunted theaters, and the Dock Street Theatre is no exception. Located in Charleston, South Carolina, the original Dock Street Theatre was built in 1735 and also functioned as a theater venue and a hotel. Though today’s theater sits on Church Street, that doesn’t stop centuries-old ghosts from haunting the property! Ghost hunters may encounter spirits like Nettie, a beautiful young woman who took her own life by jumping off the theater's balcony in the late 19th century.
4 Old Alton Bridge (Lantana, Texas)
They say everything is bigger in Texas, but the Old Alton Bridge says otherwise. This humble wooden bridge looks unassuming but is registered as a Historic Place in the United States. Overlooking the nearby river, nature enthusiasts can enjoy numerous trails nearby the bridge.
On the other hand, the Old Alton Bridge harbors an urban legend of the Goatman. Stories report that Goatman—a half-man, half-goat figure—haunts the area after he was murdered on the Old Alton Bridge by unwelcoming locals. Those that wish to encounter paranormal activity on this truss bridge can visit it at night to possibly witness the apparitions of ghostly figures or the eerie touch of an unknown entity.
3 Myrtles Plantation (St. Francisville, Louisiana)
History buffs can appreciate the timeless architecture and heritage of Myrtles Plantation, a historic home in St. Francisville, Louisiana. Transformed into a cozy hotel, this former plantation is one of the most haunted homes in America. Some claim that the plantation sits atop an ancient burial ground, with others suggests that through the course of history, over ten people were murdered on the plantation. Despite its dark backstory, visitors report seeing ghostly figures, especially “Chloe,” a supposed slave girl who worked at the Myrtles Plantation around the Antebellum period.
2 Maple Hill Cemetery (Huntsville, Alabama)
Being the largest cemetery in Huntsville, the Maple Hill Cemetery houses over 80,000 burials, including notable figures related to the American government and politics. This Huntsville cemetery is reportedly (and unsurprisingly) haunted, with visitors seeing apparitions and hearing mysterious voices from afar.
Moreover, nearby the cemetery lies Maple Hill Park, also eerily known as Dead Children’s Playground. Legends claim that children who died during the Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918 came out at night to play in the park. Visitors reported seeing mysterious orbs appearing in photographs of the park.
1 McRaven (Vicksburg, Mississippi)
Enjoying the title of the most haunted house in all of Mississippi, McRaven proudly hosts public (and private) haunted ghost tours of this historic property. This pre-Civil Ear home is beautifully adorned and constructed to reflect an older time yet experienced a storied past. The property contains the burial of Confederate soldiers and was an apparent site for murders and untimely deaths. Those who dare visit McRaven may spot the ghost of Mary Elizabeth Howard (the lady of the McRaven house) or the spirit of robber Andrew Glass.