Tennessee offers many thrilling experiences. From Revolutionary War sites to haunted prisons, its long and rich history has left its mark on numerous locations statewide.
From downtown theaters to abandoned penitentiaries, Knoxville and East Tennessee offer plenty of unsettling locales that will leave your skin crawling.
Rotherwood Mansion
Tennessee may be best known for country music and fried chicken, but the state also hosts some of the creepiest haunted houses in America. From historic landmarks to mysterious mansions, Tennessee boasts some eerie haunted locations that will give you goosebumps!
Rotherwood Mansion in Kingsport has become notorious for the haunted night-time screams and laughter emanating from within, believed to be caused by Rowena, its first owner who cruelly treated her slaves before ultimately throwing herself into a river and taking her own life.
There have been other sightings at the mansion, including that of a black dog. There have been reports of unexplained sounds such as voice, footsteps and screaming which have gone unanswered. Ghost tours at this mansion can be enjoyed during Halloween season or other times throughout the year; guests can explore hallways, secret passageways and spiral staircases before possibly coming face-to-face with Rowena and Phipps’ ghosts!
Greenwood Cemetery
Greenwood Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tennessee is known for generating paranormal activity; Greenwood is no different. Rumor has it that its haunted by the ghost of a wealthy woman who lived across from it but became wheelchair bound due to an illness; her husband began cheating on her so one dreary night he pushed her into the lake so she drowned there; it is said she appears as a green mist within its walls often leaving wheelchair tracks behind her.
Other haunted locations in Tennessee include the state capitol building, President Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage home, The Greenbrier Resort and Printers Alley. Many of these locations open during Halloween season only while some others, like Carnton Plantation and Frightmare Manor remain open year round! Guests have reported hearing screams, unexplained events, cold spots as well as hearing Native American war cries or hearing footsteps sounding out from nowhere; others have witnessed Civil War soldiers standing still as well as hearing footsteps cloaked with black clothing on them!
Bijou Theater
The Bijou Theater in Knoxville, Tennessee is an historic building known for hosting music performances and movie screenings over time. However, it’s also widely recognized as one of the state’s most haunted structures due to its long history as a hotel, brothel, and Civil War hospital – something which might explain its reputation for possessing ghostly forces within.
Rumor has it that General William Sanders’ ghost can be seen roaming around. Other reported sightings include female spirits who worked at the theater as well as employees reporting being touched by ghostly presences while at work. It has even been reported by employees themselves who report feeling pulled upon as they work by ghostly forces!
Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary’s Haunted House provides an atmospheric setting ideal for Halloween season. Situated near Frozen Head State Park and telling stories of prisoner abuse, it should not be taken lightly but should not deter you from visiting! Rather, take the risk and visit this haunted place! It will reward your bravery – it won’t disappoint you!
The Bell Witch
Tennessee may conjure images of country music and fried chicken, but this state also boasts numerous creepy haunted houses such as The Bell Witch which is said to have killed John Bell and continued her activities against his family with poltergeist-type activity for years after her killing.
Beginning in 1817, an unknown series of events began taking place on the Bell farm, leaving family members suffering at her hand for many years before it was finally revealed that Kate was responsible for John Bell’s murder.
The spirit of the Bell Witch is believed to linger within this house today, with many reports of ghostly footsteps, cell doors that close without explanation and cold spots throughout its interior. Please be aware that this property is private property and permission must be secured before visiting; numerous haunted hunters have been arrested or fined for entering illegally and should respect those living here before trespassing on it.
