Tennessee has an extensive history of war, tragedy and death that lends itself to numerous ghost stories. Haunted places range from cemeteries and prisons to hotels – each possessing their own paranormal presences.
Rowena’s spirit haunts Rotherwood Mansion where people have heard her unsettling laughter late at night, as well as seen her dressed in white attire. According to legend, she holds John Bell accountable for cheating her out of land deal she agreed upon with him.
Greenwood Cemetery
Herman Krueger opened Greenwood Cemetery as the first commercial cemetery for African-American burials in 1874, which became a powerful symbol of segregation and changing times.
Rumor has it that many of those buried here still roam freely, spotted by visitors and urban explorers alike.
Colonel Edward Ellis’ spirit can still be seen marching around his gravesite and firing both musket and cannon fire from time to time.
There is also a Tomb of Secrets at Green-Wood Cemetery. Created as part of an art installation by Sophie Calle in 2017, this simple marble obelisk reads, “Here Lie the Secrets of Visitors to Green-Wood Cemetery.” Visitors may leave their secrets here before having them burned by Calle. Its beauty makes this tomb an eerie yet fascinating site.
Sensabaugh Tunnel
This tunnel may not be very large, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of Tennessee’s most haunted places. Locals claim if your engine suddenly shuts off while driving through it will not start back up again (dead babies can interfere with automotive electronics). You may hear baby cries or footsteps approaching from within this small chamber.
Ed Sensabaugh is believed to haunt the tunnel. His ghost resides there, having murdered his family one night nearby and becoming famous for mimicking women crying and screaming sounds he witnessed while living near Kingsport. Teenagers would park near him and use the area before the tunnel as their necking spot and hangout spot.
Ed became angry and decided to fight back, using scare tactics to scare away teens who came through his tunnel. Some versions of the legend claim he even drowned his own baby in nearby pool known today as Crybaby Pool.
Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary
Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary offers an eerie experience to visitors of all ages, as it stands as a reminder of our society’s inhumane actions. Once housing Reverend Martin Luther King Jr’s assassin James Earl Ray and still haunted today.
Legend has it that an unknown figure known as Pigman haunts Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park and Pigman Bridge in Millington. It is said he worked at an underground powder and explosive plant during World War II; upon seeing a victim he lets out a blood curdling “pig scream.”
Brushy Mountain Prison has since ceased operations but remains an extremely popular tourist destination, offering ghost tours. Concerts and other events take place there regularly to help the economy of Petros grow. When visiting, make sure you visit its museum to gain more knowledge on its history as well as experience some of its haunted spots!
Jonesborough
Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town, is full of stories. From publishing the first periodical devoted solely to abolishing slavery to welcoming Jewish immigrants who were discriminated against elsewhere, Jonesborough boasts an incredible legacy on both sides of the Civil War that can be found woven throughout its brick sidewalks. Join a costumed tour guide named Bob as you learn the rich history behind Jonesborough’s buildings that represent Federal, Greek Revival, Italianate styles – you may even spot Andrew Jackson’s ghost walking Main Street near his 1777 log cabin!
Professional ghost hunters report unidentified objects moving on their own, rooms that become extremely cold, beds that move at night and other paranormal occurrences including full-body apparitions, voices heard and candles lighting themselves up spontaneously.
