Georgia is steeped in the history of the deep south, and it is home to some of America's most haunted cities. So it's no surprise, then, that you'll find plenty of haunted houses here as well. Some have been converted to inns and museums, but all are steeped in the legends and lore of a good, old-fashioned Georgia haunting. Some remain private residences, while others are places you can visit in hopes of encountering a ghost.
Kehoe House
William Kehoe House, now a Savannah bed and breakfast, is one of the more famous haunted houses in Georgia. The history behind this house is not filled with negative emotional upheaval and dreadful violence. The Kehoes were a God-fearing family who, despite their relative wealth, remained down-to-earth. Although some of their children died in infancy, this was more to do with the tragic conditions of childbirth at the time.
The family history is fairly innocuous, but the house itself still provides many tales of visitations and supernatural occurrences. William Kehoe himself is said to haunt the house, particularly his old study room, while the presence of Annie Kehoe, his wife, and the ghosts of some of their children are also believed to make themselves known. In contrast to a lot of hauntings this particular case is one of the more positive ones, with the spirits of the Kehoes said to be friendly and curious, rather than horrific and frightening. Stay there if you're looking for a friendly ghost encounter.
Forsythe Park Inn
Located in Savannah, the Forsythe Park Inn was a home owned by Aaron and Lois Churchill. They resided there with their adopted daughter, Lottie. Lois took in her younger sister Anna, who was ill. Lottie caught Anna and Aaron in a romantic embrace and decided to stop that relationship dead in its tracks. To accomplish this, Lottie decided to poison the tea being served in the afternoon. Anna choked and died on the poisoned concoction while Lottie confessed her deed to Lois. Lois told Lottie that Anna was actually her real mother. Unfortunately, Lottie was driven insane on the spot, and ended up spending the rest of her life in a mental institution. It is believed that the child-like laughter that can be heard all hours at this home is that of Lottie. You're welcome to check in, and you may encounter some who have never completely checked out.
Wayne-Gordon House
Located in Savannah, the Wayne-Gordon House was home to Willie and Nelly Gordon. Willie and Nelly were the parents of Juliette Gordon, founder of the Girl Scouts. They had been married for many years when Willie died. However, the love affair didn't end in death. The evening Nelly passed away, several family members reported seeing Willie's ghost appear and enter Nelly's bedroom. Shortly afterwards, Nelly died. Everyone who was at the house on the evening of his visit believed that Willie had returned to bring his wife over to the other side. The house is located at 10 10 East Oglethorpe Avenue in Savannah. The house may be available for guided public tours.
Pirate's House
Of all the real haunted houses in Georgia, Pirate's House is possibly one of the most stereotypical of haunted dwellings. Built in 1753 in Savannah, the house, now an inn and restaurant, has all the historical features that one would expect from a haunted site, including pirates, sailors, violent drunks, and much tension and strife.
Manifestations that have been reported on this particular site range from the sound of ghostly laughter to poltergeist style activity such as objects violently flying around without human intervention. Pirate's House continues to be one of the most incident-packed paranormal sites in Georgia, and can be visited by people who are curious about the manifestations, as well as those who are just looking for a delicious bite to eat.
Olde Pink House
This Savannah home, now a restaurant, is host to several manifestations including the apparition of James Habersham, the original owner, who appears to staff at the house between the months of October and March. There are also several mischievous entities that like to play pranks on unsuspecting patrons of The Olde Pink House. The restaurant is located at 23 Abercorn Street in Savannah.
Panola Hall
Located in Eatonton, Panola Hall is private home haunted by the ghost of a young woman named Sylvia. Although no one knows the ghost's real name, the home's owners gave her one. Sylvia has a reputation for being a snob and only reveals herself to people described as her equal in social class. People who have seen her describe her as wearing a white hoop-skirt dress and a red damask rose in her hair.
Hampton-Lillibridge House
This Savannah house is considered one of the most haunted locations in the city. It is probably best known as the Mercer House, owned by Jim Williams from the book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Mr. Williams died in this home in 1990. Many paranormal events have been documented here, including a ghostly gray-haired man appearing, footsteps in the upper floors when no one was upstairs and screams at night. In 1963, an exorcism was performed in order to rid the house of these spirits. The house is frequently featured on ghost tours of the city.
Thomas-Carithers House, Athens
An Athens sorority house, the Thomas-Carithers House is also known as the "wedding cake house." It is located on Milledge Avenue just off campus of the University of Georgia. Currently, the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority is using the home. In 1979, a girl from this sorority committed suicide when her boyfriend broke off their engagement. Girls who live in the same room reportedly become engaged also. The ghost of the departed girl frequently appears walking the hallways near her old room. It's not open to the public.
Warren House
Located in Jonesboro, the Warren House first served as a Confederate hospital during the Civil War, and then as Union headquarters towards the end of the war. People have reported seeing a Confederate soldier holding a candle in the windows at night, and there is a blood stain in the attic that can't be cleaned. The cemetery across the street is also reported to be haunted. The house is now an event venue, so if you're looking for a haunted place to hold a party, this could be just the ticket.
Georgia's Historic Haunted Houses
With a rich history, Georgia is a state ripe for hauntings. Perhaps that's why so many homeowners of historical houses relay spooky tales of things that go bump in the night.
