Halloween is approaching.
Savannah, Georgia has all the charm and spookiness you need for the perfect Halloween celebration. The City offers a unique history as well as plenty of spine-tingling spots to send chills up your spine. Here’s a list of Historic District haunts.
17Hundred90 Inn and Restaurant
17Hundred90 houses three known ghosts, each with their own spooky stories. The most famous is Anna, a friendly spirit who likes to make her presence known. Guests in room 204 have witnessed strange happenings like moving jewelry and nudges in the night. Legend has it that Anna was a bride trapped in an arranged marriage, who tragically ended her life when her true love sailed away. Some even say she was pushed by her angry fiancé.
Then there’s Thaddeus, a mischievous ghost who leaves shiny pennies all over the restaurant and tavern. He’s a friendly presence that can’t quite be explained.
But beware, there’s also a more malevolent spirit lurking in the kitchen. The sound of clinking metal bracelets often precedes pots and pans flying through the air, or spice jars being tossed at unsuspecting kitchen workers.
Owens Thomas House
This stunning architectural gem showcases both the opulence of wealth and the dark realities of slavery that collided in the Deep South. Step inside to find a world of contrast. The beautiful design and lavish furnishings stand in stark opposition to the cramped and dilapidated slave quarters, where up to 15 people were once held captive. It’s a haunting reminder of the two sides of this era.
But that’s not all that makes this house special. Brace yourself for ghostly encounters. The Owens Thomas House is said to have more specters per square foot than anywhere else in the city. Staff and guests have witnessed supernatural phenomena such as smoke-puffing phantoms and mysterious moving objects. Some claim that the eyes in the house’s paintings follow them as they walk by.
Picture this: a strange man lurking in the parlor, observing guests before mysteriously disappearing into the wall. And keep an eye on the dining room, where chairs are overturned and silverware and tablecloths are left in disarray by an unseen spirit.
Meanwhile, the ghost of Margaret Thomas, the house’s last owner, is often spotted tending to her garden just like she did in life. It’s an extraordinary sight.
What’s even more surprising is that the former slave quarters, where unimaginable atrocities took place, remain strangely peaceful. Could it be because the ceiling is painted with Haint Blue, a color believed to repel evil spirits by mimicking running water?
Madison Square
Madison Square is not your ordinary square. It has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted outdoor locations in Savannah, and for good reason. The construction of the homes surrounding the square unearthed the bodies of British soldiers, hinting at the intense turmoil that occurred here centuries ago. But that’s just the start. Visitors who dare to walk through the square at night have reported encounters with a mysterious tall figure that suddenly vanishes into thin air. And it’s not just the sightings that chill the bones; even on the warmest nights, a cold breeze sends shivers down the spine. Eerie sounds, peculiar sensations, and shadowy apparitions add to the allure of Madison Square and attract ghost hunters from all around.
The Gribble House
Back in 1909, a horrifying crime shook the town. The 1909 Savannah Axe Murders was a triple homicide that occurred at 401 West Perry Street in the Historic District. Eliza Gribble and her daughter Carrie Ohlander were brutally murdered inside their own home. Another woman, Maggie Hunter, fought for her life but sadly succumbed to her injuries later on. Before she passed Maggie stated that her estranged husband, J.C. Hunter had attacked her. J.C. Hunter was sentenced to death for the murders in 1910, buy commuted to life in prison one day before his execution date in 1911. Although the house has been replaced by a warehouse, it’s a chilling mystery that still haunts the property to this day.
The Kehoe House
The Kehoe family, with their 10 children, resided there and there’s a rumor that two of the kids passed away in the house. Although there’s no solid proof, this spooky story is popular on Savannah’s haunted pub crawls and ghost tours. Adding to its mysterious and dark side, the Kehoe House was home to Goette Funeral Home for most of the 20th century.
The Marshall House
The Marshall House, built in 1851, has a chilling history. During the winter of 1864, Union General William T. Sherman’s men took over the building and turned it into a hospital for their troops. This led to a disturbing practice of burying amputated limbs under the floorboards due to the frozen ground. Fast forward to more than a century later, during the hotel’s restoration, human remains were discovered. The place was even considered a crime scene until it was revealed that it had been a surgical room during the war.
The Marshall House isn’t just known for its dark past, but also for its haunting tales. Witnesses have reported seeing ghostly Union soldiers walking around in their uniforms, with one even carrying his severed arm as if searching for a surgeon. Strange occurrences include a ghostly woman in the restroom, where one stall repeatedly locks itself even when no one is inside. Guests have also felt an eerie presence, like misty figures of children and the sensation of being tickled on their feet while trying to sleep. Stay at the Marshall House if you dare, but be prepared to encounter the spirits of the past!
Factor’s Walk
Factor’s Walk, located between Bay Street and River Street, is not just a popular spot for pubs, restaurants, and shops. This historical area holds chilling tales of ghosts and spirits. This used to be the heart of Savannah’s cotton industry, with the original Cotton Exchange setting global prices. Today, visitors can explore the same buildings that once housed offices and warehouses. But be prepared for more than just antiques and specialty items – Factor’s Walk is known for its haunted past. Visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures of slaves and hearing moans from secret passageways and catacombs. Some even claim to have felt icy touches. If you’re a fan of ghost hunting, Factor’s Walk is a must-see for all the mysterious and spooky experiences it offers.
The Moon River Brewing Company
Get ready for a spine-chilling adventure at the Moon River Brewing Company in historic Savannah! This place is infamous for its haunted reputation, attracting TV shows like Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures. Built in 1821 as the City Hotel, this elegant establishment was once a hub for Savannah’s high society. However, its glamorous past took a dark turn when General Sherman took over during the Civil War. Serving as a hospital, the building witnessed countless deaths from yellow fever.
With such a tragic history, it’s no wonder that the Moon River Brewing Company is swarming with restless spirits. Many recent sightings involve ghostly children, perhaps victims of the past. Brace yourself for encounters with Toby, a mischievous ghost who haunts the basement and taunts those who venture there. Meanwhile, upstairs, Mrs. Johnson wreaks her own havoc. Visitors have reported seeing a woman in historical attire, eyeing them from the top of the stairs. Don’t be surprised if you feel a phantom touch or someone brushing past you, even when there’s no one to be seen.
Now that you know where to celebrate this scary season, are you brave enough to explore these haunted hotspots?
Enjoy an eerie experience that brings the past to life. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for any supernatural happenings – you might just catch the attention of one of the resident spirits.
