Georgia boasts an intricate and bloody past, so it should come as no surprise that its landscape contains numerous eerie landmarks ranging from Civil War battlefields to haunted hotels, hospitals, and cemeteries.
Joe, who passed away following an accident at Crystal Pistol Music Hall, may still be watching over it from Heaven. Employees and guests have reported seeing him raising his glass to patrons in the tavern downstairs.
1. The Mercer House
Georgia may be known for its food, cobblestone streets and well-preserved centuries-old buildings; but its dark history extends far beyond these attractions. From bloody Civil War battles to unnerving mental institutions and haunted lodgings – Georgia holds many locations with sordid histories that are sure to give any visitor goosebumps.
The Mercer House, the mansion made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, remains one of Savannah’s most haunted places today. Both guests of its restaurant and passersby alike have reported hearing or seeing ghostly sounds or sightings; most notable among these being Danny Hansford’s spirit who was murdered by James Williams and impaled on an iron spike fence surrounding the house.
At Eatonton’s Panola Hall, it is said that Sylvia can often be seen roaming its rooms and stairs, with multiple people reporting seeing her presence there. Her appearance has not caused anyone any distress – according to Mayor of Eatonton!
2. Bonaventure Cemetery
Bonaventure Cemetery, one of Savannah’s most breathtaking graveyards, features magnolias, dogwoods and live oaks among azaleas and Spanish moss draping the tombstones of its most notable residents such as Johnny Mercer and Conrad Aiken; but perhaps most renowned is Gracie herself; her spirit allegedly haunting both Johnson Square – where her hotel once stood – as well as her plot in Bonaventure Cemetery.
This historic home, though extensively renovated, still retains a haunted aura despite being extensively modernized. It boasts an intriguing past including serving as a Civil War hospital and quarantine station during Yellow Fever epidemics; guests have reported hallway apparitions, nonexistent children playing and faucets turning on by themselves as guests experience strange happenings here.
3. Wright Square
Georgia is notorious for supernatural legends and Savannah in particular is widely associated with these tales. From pirates to voodoo priestesses and Civil War soldiers, Savannah’s buildings boast an enthralling past which lives on in its inhabitants today.
On any ghost tour in Savannah, it will likely be mentioned that Wright Square was once known as the “Hanging Square.” A number of its residents committed suicide at this time, including Alice Riley – an indentured servant who later committed suicide while searching for her child whom she tragically lost. Her ghost still haunts Wright Square today looking for closure.
Savannah is home to other haunted spots such as Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, where an individual dressed in 1830s attire has been seen wandering its grounds and guests have reported chairs moving on their own as well as noises in empty rooms. After experiencing so many terrible conflicts throughout history, it should come as no surprise that many buildings in Savannah are considered haunted.
4. Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier is one of Georgia’s premier tourist spots, and for good reason. Not only can visitors fish, boat and swim at Lake Lanier but many don’t realize its history is also filled with ghostly tales and legends.
As part of its construction in the 1950s, entire towns and cemeteries were submerged, giving rise to some creepy stories about this area. Locals believe it’s haunted by an eerie presence known as The Lady of the Lake who wanders around dressed in blue; many locals attribute her presence with accidents or drownings happening due to her. Her presence has even inspired tales of curses or revenge against her presence.
Lake Lanier has long been known for its mysterious events and ghostly sightings, inspiring podcasts, news articles and amateur sleuthing by amateur investigators. While Lake Lanier may or may not be haunted, it certainly remains an intriguing place with a long and troubled past.
