Tennessee offers plenty of eerie history, dark legends, and paranormal experiences for you to explore – from haunted prisons to creepy cemeteries – which will pique your interest.
Kate, commonly referred to as the Bell Witch, plagued John Bell’s family for years before returning to haunt the cave behind their Adams home. Visitors have reported hearing unnerving laughter as well as feeling pushed, pulled or choked by her presence. Her haunted spirit has even been seen by visitors, many who reported hearing it when visiting.
Read House Hotel in Chattanooga
The Read House, a jazz-era gem located in downtown Chattanooga, boasts over 160 years of history. Famous guests such as Winston Churchill, Oprah Winfrey, Gary Cooper and mobster Al Capone all stayed here while waiting their federal trials during the 1930’s – this historic hotel even keeps room 311 preserved to tour upon request all year-round!
Room 311 guests often report hearing unknown noises, flickering lights and running water that remain unexplained. Many also believe Annalisa Netherly, a woman killed by a jealous lover and left to haunt the room is present within these walls.
Bijou Theater in Knoxville
Visitors flock to Knoxville’s Bijou Theater to enjoy concerts and shows; many may not know of its long history which includes time as a hotel, brothel and Civil War hospital.
Paranormal investigators have visited the Bijou in the past to test out its ghostly inhabitants and have reported sightings of Civil War soldier-like figures as well as hearing footsteps walking above stage rafters and catwalks.
This building is haunted by Union General William Sanders who died during Knoxville’s Siege and is said to hauntingly tug on people’s shirts who pass through.
Old Trinity Church in Mason
Old Trinity Church in Mason was established in 1847 after Saint Andrew’s Church had burned. This new congregation featured both white and black members. Post-Civil War attendance increased quickly for this church; by 1870 they constructed a brick gothic structure to house their growing congregation.
People who have visited the church report hearing footsteps in its hallways and on its third-floor seating areas. Lights turn on and off randomly without an obvious explanation, while ghost apparitions have been sighted within. Furthermore, statues of Mary seem to bleed blood from both necks and eyes when exposed to air.
Big Sandy Railroad Junction in Henry
A family moves into a late 18th-century house and are quickly overwhelmed by supernatural activity. Noises begin erupting within their home, the baseboard heater suddenly falls off its wall without explanation and their daughters begin having conversations with imaginary friends.
Connecticut bar owners are being harassed by an ancient artifact which contains an evil presence, which manifests as demonic forces to haunt and play tricks on customers of their establishment.
The Bell Witch makes her will known upon her deathbed: she will pursue any person or entity who attempts to cheat her in land purchases by summoning ghost dogs that chase people away from her property and exact their revenge. Her vendetta against any misdeed is unflinching.
Chapel Hill Cemetery in McKenzie
Multiple people have reported seeing an unexplained light along the railroad tracks near this location. Many believe that it is Reuben Hammond’s ghost who is believed to be buried here and watch over his dead comrades, perhaps following you around with a friendly smile and even following them wherever they travel.
Johnson City – East Tennessee State University – Burleson Hall – According to legend, Burleson Hall’s fourth floor contains the ghost of an East Tennessee State professor who committed suicide and haunts both hallways and her own room.
At Parran House in Sullivan County, it has been said that at nighttime a mysterious woman dressed in black can often be seen rocking in her chair on the porch and rocking back and forth.
Sensabaugh Tunnel in Kingsport
Sensabaugh Tunnel in Kingsport is an area rife with ghost stories. Rumors swirl about babies crying and women shrieking – possibly heard throughout and around the tunnel itself.
In the 1950s, teenagers began using the tunnel as a place for flirtation, hangout and all sorts of mischief making. This upset Ed and he would make noises that emulated crying babies or women screaming loudly for help.
These sounds were so disturbing to the teens that they fled quickly out of the tunnel in fear that Ed would catch up to them again and needed new shorts for themselves.