Savannah is known for being home to many haunted places. Some more renowned than others include Bonaventure Cemetery where Spanish moss hangs eerily over graves of those mentioned in John Berendt’s “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”.
Other ghostly sightings have been reported at Factor’s Walk area, which houses old brick storage buildings once used to hold slaves en route to sea.
Marshall House
Savannah is widely considered one of the most haunted cities in America, and every hotel seems to have at least one haunted tale to tell. Marshall House stands out as being especially haunted. Once serving as a hospital during the Civil War, this landmark hotel is said to be plagued with hauntings such as ghostly children reportedly running down hallways and faucets that turn on by themselves.
The Marshall House, constructed by Mary Marshall in 1851 and later owned by Joel Chandler Harris himself, has seen many deaths throughout its long history – two yellow fever epidemics and Civil War being among them. Furthermore, people have reported hearing typewriter keys clacking away in rooms once occupied by Joel Chandler Harris himself.
Guests at Marshall House have reported strange odors and electrical items turning off all on their own, especially on the fourth-floor, where reports have included doors rattling and sinks turning on without being touched by anyone.
Factor’s Walk
Factor’s Walk, known for being Savannah’s most haunted spots, holds a dark history which may not always be apparent to visitors. Once home to an original cotton exchange where industry standard prices for cotton were set and many enslaved people worked; today this area offers boutique shops, restaurants and bars but its history still haunts it.
Ghost Hunters and similar shows have featured this eerie location as it boasts an infamous history of murder, suicide and child poltergeists. Rene Rondolier’s spirit may haunt this location after being executed for murdering children by a local gang and has since been seen walking among the tombstones at Colonial Park Cemetery.
Savannah’s ghostly appearance may be traced to its tragic history; spirits believed to reside here may include slaves who managed to flee slavery and are now seeking revenge against their captors.
The Hamilton-Turner Inn
Savannah is known for being haunted, from Native American burial grounds and yellow fever epidemics to bloody battles and many iconic buildings with ghostly connections; such as The Hamilton-Turner Inn.
This manor once stood as one of Savannah’s fanciest accommodations, featuring indoor plumbing and skylights. Additionally, the home became popular among politicians and members of the military looking to settle their differences through dueling.
At 17Hundred90 Inn and Restaurant, guests have reported hearing what sounds like billiard balls rolling across floors or footsteps in their rooms. Most prominent is Anna; she was thought to have committed suicide by jumping from Room 204 after her sailor lover left for sea.
Some have speculated that this manor served as inspiration for Disney’s Haunted Mansion; although I cannot confirm such claims, the speculation surrounding its influence on Disney has certainly taken on an air of its own.
Madison Square
Savannah comes alive at night, and one of its most haunted places is Madison Square. Once used by dockworkers as a temporary housing area for them and later converted into hotels and restaurants today, many have reported hearing footsteps in empty rooms or seeing ghostly figures here.
Madison Square was the site of intense combat during Savannah’s Siege, in which hundreds of soldiers perished. Legend has it that Green Meldrim House on Madison Square may be haunted by ghostly spirits who refuse to depart; witnesses have reported seeing shadowy figures when music is playing inside this home.
Savannah is a treasure trove for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts, from its oldest cemetery in America to sites created on yellow fever victims’ graveyards and slave burial grounds; Savannah boasts haunted homes, houses, squares and more than you can possibly imagine!
