Savannah, Georgia, is often called one of America’s most haunted cities, and for good reason. With its rich history, centuries-old buildings, and eerie stories, this city has become a hotspot for paranormal activity and ghost hunters. From Civil War hospitals to historic cemeteries and homes, Savannah’s haunted past attracts thousands of visitors every year, all hoping to catch a glimpse of the unknown. The city’s charm is intertwined with its ghostly legends, making Savannah a place where history and mystery blend seamlessly.
For those intrigued by tales of the supernatural, Savannah offers plenty of locations where the living and the dead are said to coexist. This article explores five of the city’s most haunted places, giving you insight into their stories, ghostly sightings, and what you can expect if you dare to visit.
1. The Sorrel-Weed House
History of the Location
The Sorrel-Weed House, located on Harris Street, is one of the most famous haunted houses in Savannah. Built in 1840 by Francis Sorrel, a prominent merchant, this Greek Revival mansion is not only an architectural marvel but also a window into Savannah’s haunted past. Sorrel was a wealthy Haitian-born businessman, and he wanted his home to reflect his standing in society. The house was later owned by Henry Weed, a successful entrepreneur, which is why it bears both names today.
Over the years, the Sorrel-Weed House has witnessed its share of tragedy. The most notable story is that of Matilda Sorrel, Francis’s wife, who allegedly discovered her husband’s affair with one of their enslaved servants. Heartbroken and humiliated, she supposedly committed suicide by jumping from a second-story balcony. Some accounts even suggest that the servant involved in the affair later took her own life, adding a layer of sorrow to the house’s history.
Hauntings and Paranormal Activity
The Sorrel-Weed House is notorious for its ghostly residents. Visitors and paranormal investigators frequently report eerie phenomena, including phantom footsteps, disembodied voices, cold spots, and shadowy figures. Many claim to feel a chilling sense of dread, particularly in the basement, where it is said enslaved servants once lived and worked under harsh conditions.
One of the most common sightings is that of a shadowy female figure believed to be Matilda Sorrel, lingering in the rooms she once occupied. Guests have reported hearing faint cries, whispers, and the unmistakable feeling of being watched. Some paranormal enthusiasts even claim to have captured ghostly apparitions and strange mists on camera.
Famous Ghosts
In addition to Matilda, who is said to haunt the home’s upper floors, there are reports of another spirit, likely that of the servant involved in the scandal. People describe seeing a woman’s ghostly silhouette in the carriage house or feeling a heavy, sorrowful presence. Some believe this spirit may have lingered, bearing the weight of unresolved pain and suffering.
Visitor Experience
The Sorrel-Weed House offers a range of tours, from historic daytime tours to intense nighttime investigations where guests are provided with paranormal equipment. The after-dark tours are particularly popular, giving visitors a chance to explore the haunted mansion with EVP recorders, EMF detectors, and other ghost-hunting tools. For those who want to experience the supernatural firsthand, the Sorrel-Weed House is a must-visit.
2. Bonaventure Cemetery
Historical Background
Bonaventure Cemetery is not only one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world but also one of the most haunted. Originally part of a plantation, Bonaventure became a public cemetery in 1907 and has since become a popular spot for both locals and tourists. With its sprawling oaks draped in Spanish moss, intricate tombstones, and ethereal statues, Bonaventure Cemetery is a hauntingly beautiful place that seems to embody Savannah’s soul.
Haunting Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Bonaventure is one of solemn beauty. The sprawling grounds, lined with elaborate Victorian-style tombstones and angelic statues, have an almost mystical quality, especially when fog rolls in off the nearby river. The cemetery’s beauty is tempered by an eerie stillness, and many who visit report a feeling of being watched or even followed as they explore the paths winding through the gravestones.
Ghostly Encounters
Bonaventure is famous for its ghostly inhabitants, particularly the spirit of Gracie Watson, a young girl who died at the age of six. Her grave, marked by a lifelike statue of her likeness, has become a focal point for paranormal activity. Many claim to see her apparition or hear the faint sound of a child’s laughter near her grave. There are also stories of her statue weeping or shifting positions, unsettling visitors who come to pay their respects.
In addition to Gracie, other spirits are rumored to roam Bonaventure. Shadowy figures are often seen near the older parts of the cemetery, and some visitors report feeling sudden cold spots or hearing whispers in the breeze.
Tours and Visiting Tips
Bonaventure Cemetery offers both guided and self-guided tours. The Bonaventure guided tours, provided by knowledgeable local historians, cover the cemetery’s history, famous residents, and the ghostly legends associated with the grounds. Visitors are encouraged to come early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as the low light enhances the cemetery’s supernatural ambiance. Just remember to be respectful of the cemetery’s peaceful atmosphere, as it is a resting place for Savannah’s departed.
3. The Marshall House
Overview and History
The Marshall House is one of Savannah’s most historic hotels, built in 1851 by Mary Marshall. Its history is steeped in Savannah’s past, serving not only as a hotel but also as a hospital during two yellow fever epidemics and the Civil War. Soldiers, civilians, and hotel guests all found themselves in the building at different points, giving the hotel a rich but dark history.
During renovations in the 1990s, workers discovered human bones beneath the hotel, believed to be remnants from its days as a wartime hospital. This discovery only fueled the hotel’s haunted reputation, and it has since become one of Savannah’s most popular destinations for paranormal activity.
Reports of Paranormal Activity
The Marshall House is famous for its paranormal occurrences. Guests frequently report strange sounds, including phantom footsteps, children’s laughter, and the unmistakable clinking of silverware late at night. Faucets in rooms are known to turn on and off by themselves, and some guests even claim to feel ghostly touches.
The fourth floor, in particular, is considered a hotspot for paranormal activity. Many guests have reported waking up to see apparitions standing at the foot of their beds or feeling a cold, ghostly presence beside them.
Theories Behind the Hauntings
Many believe that the spirits haunting the Marshall House are the soldiers and patients who once filled its rooms. The bones discovered beneath the hotel hint at its history as a medical facility, where Union soldiers were treated—and sometimes buried—during the Civil War. The stories of restless spirits are a reminder of the suffering endured within its walls.
What to Expect When Staying Here
For those looking for a haunted experience, the Marshall House offers an unforgettable stay. Some rooms are rumored to be more active than others, so guests interested in the paranormal can request specific floors or ask the staff for stories about the hotel’s ghostly past. It’s an experience that combines Southern hospitality with a touch of the supernatural.
4. The Pirates’ House
Historical Significance
The Pirates’ House is one of Savannah’s oldest buildings, originally established in 1753 as an inn and tavern for sailors. Located near the Savannah River, it quickly gained a reputation as a popular gathering spot for pirates, traders, and seafarers of all kinds. The building’s infamous tunnels, leading from the cellar to the river, were allegedly used to “Shanghai” or kidnap unsuspecting patrons, forcing them into servitude on pirate ships.
The Pirates’ House is also mentioned in Treasure Island, adding a layer of literary significance to its already colorful history. Today, it operates as a restaurant, drawing tourists interested in its historical and supernatural allure.
Paranormal Sightings
The Pirates’ House is said to be haunted by the spirits of sailors who never left. Visitors and staff report hearing phantom footsteps, feeling cold drafts, and seeing ghostly figures in the corners of their eyes. Some have even witnessed apparitions of men dressed in 18th-century attire, wandering the halls or sitting at the bar as if waiting for a drink.
There are also tales of ghostly confrontations in the cellar, where the tunnels once led out to the river. The eerie atmosphere of the Pirates’ House is enhanced by the knowledge of its dark history, and many believe the spirits of those kidnapped or murdered here still linger.
Dining with a Supernatural Twist
The Pirates’ House offers more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Guests can dine surrounded by centuries-old decor, with walls and floors that seem to whisper tales of the past. Many ghost tours stop at the Pirates’ House, where guides share chilling stories about the tavern’s haunted past. Visitors are encouraged to explore the building after their meal, perhaps even venturing into the cellar to see if they feel the presence of one of Savannah’s long-lost pirates.
5. The Hamilton-Turner Inn
History and Architecture
Built in 1873 by Samuel Hamilton, the Hamilton-Turner Inn is a stunning example of Second Empire architecture, earning it the nickname the “Grand Victorian Lady” of Savannah. This luxurious bed-and-breakfast was once home to Hamilton, a successful businessman and socialite, who was known for hosting lavish parties in the mansion. The inn has since been converted into a boutique hotel, blending luxury with an air of mystery.
Legends and Ghost Sightings
The Hamilton-Turner Inn is said to be haunted by several spirits, including that of Samuel Hamilton himself. Guests have reported hearing billiard balls rolling, even though there are no billiards tables in the inn, as well as the laughter of children playing. One of the most well-known sightings is of a cigar-smoking gentleman believed to be Hamilton, who makes his presence known with the faint scent of cigar smoke.
Other guests report seeing shadowy figures and hearing footsteps in the hallways at night. The inn’s welcoming atmosphere contrasts with these eerie occurrences, making it one of the most intriguing haunted spots in Savannah.
Ghostly Experiences for Guests
Staying at the Hamilton-Turner Inn is an experience in itself. Many guests come for the inn’s reputation as one of Savannah’s most haunted locations. The staff often shares stories of ghostly encounters with curious guests, and the rooms are decorated to preserve the historic charm that defines the inn.
Staying at a Haunted Bed-and-Breakfast
The Hamilton-Turner Inn is ideal for those seeking an upscale haunted experience. Its elegance and history are matched only by its mysterious ambiance, making it one of the most unique places to stay in Savannah. Guests often describe their time at the inn as both luxurious and slightly eerie, a perfect combination for those intrigued by the supernatural.
Savannah’s haunted locations offer a glimpse into a world where history and the supernatural intertwine. From the grand architecture of the Sorrel-Weed House to the eerie paths of Bonaventure Cemetery, each location tells a story of Savannah’s past—and perhaps, of those who never truly left. Visiting these haunted places provides not only a thrill but a unique way to connect with the city’s rich heritage. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, Savannah’s ghosts offer a compelling reminder of its storied past, waiting to be discovered by those brave enough to explore.
If you’re ready to explore Haunted Savannah, then we suggest a tour with Haunted Savannah Tours!