Savannah Ghost Stories

Ghost Hunters of Savannah Paranormal Investigation

For those drawn to the paranormal, Savannah offers the rare opportunity to join real-life ghost hunters in exploring one of the city’s most haunted locations. 416 W. Liberty Street is a seemingly ordinary spot that has become a magnet for paranormal investigators. This location’s reputation has grown over the years, with stories of mysterious sounds, shadows and inexplicable movements. Ghost hunters equipped with state-of-the-art tools, like electromagnetic field meters, digital voice recorders, and thermal cameras, often visit this site hoping to capture evidence of the unexplained. The 416 Location is known for its unsettling energy, and many report strange occurrences like cold spots, flickering lights and disembodied voices.

Savannah ghost stories frequently reference the 416 Location as one of the city’s paranormal hotspots. Investigators have shared accounts of ghostly figures appearing in photographs, even though nothing unusual was visible to the naked eye. Those who have braved a visit to this site often leave with a mix of awe and unease, as the eerie atmosphere and inexplicable events make it clear why Savannah is considered one of the most haunted cities. For anyone interested in experiencing Savannah ghost stories up close, the 416 Location provides a chilling adventure into the unknown, allowing visitors to connect with the city’s supernatural side and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the spirits that have lingered through the centuries.

The Ghost of Little Gracie

One of the most touching Savannah ghost stories is that of Little Gracie Watson. Born on April 8, 1883, to W.J. and Frances Watson, Gracie was a beloved child who captured the hearts of all who met her. Tragically, her young life was cut short when she passed away from pneumonia at the age of six on October 14, 1889. Her grieving parents commissioned a lifelike statue of her to be placed at her grave in Bonaventure Cemetery, hoping to keep her memory alive. The statue’s fine detail reflects Gracie’s playful spirit, capturing the essence of a life that ended too soon.

Today, Gracie’s grave has become one of the most visited sites in the cemetery, and many say her spirit is still very much present. Visitors often leave toys, flowers and trinkets for her, hoping to honor her memory. However, some claim that these offerings mysteriously move on their own, as if Gracie is still playing with the gifts left by strangers. Gracie’s statue is said to change expressions, and the sound of a young girl’s laughter has been reported by those walking nearby. People have even seen the figure of a little girl in a white dress running through the cemetery, only to vanish suddenly. For those fascinated by Savannah ghost stories, the tale of Little Gracie is a haunting reminder of the city’s tragic past and the lives that remain a part of its history.

The Ghost Story of Alice Riley

The story of Alice Riley is one of the oldest and most tragic Savannah ghost stories. In 1734, Alice Riley and her partner, Richard White, were indentured servants working under a man named William Wise. Known for his cruelty, Wise was a harsh and unrelenting master, often mistreating Alice and Richard in ways that tested their endurance. Life under Wise’s control was brutal, filled with grueling labor and little reprieve. Eventually, Alice and Richard reached a breaking point, taking matters into their own hands in a desperate attempt to escape the suffering they endured daily.

In a moment of desperation, they turned on Wise, killing him in an act that they believed would free them from his grasp. However, their plan quickly unraveled. Richard was apprehended shortly after and faced immediate punishment; he was swiftly hanged, with little attention given to their motives. Alice’s fate was more complex. Found to be pregnant, she was imprisoned and forced to wait out the remainder of her pregnancy in confinement. After giving birth, she was executed, becoming the first woman to be hanged in Georgia. Her story is steeped in sorrow and loss, embodying the hardship and despair that was a part of her brief life.

Since her death, Alice Riley’s spirit has been said to linger in Wright Square, the very place where she met her tragic end. Those who walk through the square sometimes report seeing a woman dressed in colonial-era clothing, her face etched with sorrow, wandering as if searching for something. Legend has it that Alice is looking for her child who was taken from her in those final days. The image of a mother’s spirit eternally seeking her lost child resonates deeply with those who hear her tale. Her story is one of the most poignant Savannah ghost stories, a haunting reminder of the pain endured by those forced into lives of servitude, and the sorrow that lingers long after death.

The Haunted Eliza Thompson House

The Eliza Thompson House, a beautiful inn on Jones Street, is one of the city’s most famous haunted locations. Built in 1847, this Victorian-style home is known for its elegance and charm, with its stately architecture and lush gardens inviting guests to relax and soak in Savannah’s rich history. But beyond its welcoming appearance, the inn has a haunted history that makes it a favorite among fans of Savannah ghost stories. Those who stay here often report encounters with spirits believed to be former residents or guests who became attached to the home and never left.

One of the most well-known apparitions at the Eliza Thompson House is that of a Civil War soldier. Dressed in a faded uniform, he’s often seen wandering the halls late at night, his presence bringing an air of melancholy as if he is still waiting for a message or a reunion that never came. Guests have reported hearing the sound of heavy boots pacing along the corridors, accompanied by faint whispers and the soft creak of floorboards, even when no one else is around. Some have even claimed to feel a sudden chill, as though the soldier’s spirit brushes past them in his quiet vigil.

The Eliza Thompson House has also become known for sightings of a woman in a flowing dress who appears by windows or in the corners of rooms, watching silently before fading away. The inn’s friendly yet eerie atmosphere has made it one of the most talked-about haunted inns in Savannah. For those interested in Savannah ghost stories, a stay at the Eliza Thompson House offers a unique chance to experience the city’s haunted history firsthand, blending the warmth of Southern hospitality with the mystery of a ghostly presence.

Shrimp Factory

Our story continues at the Shrimp Factory on River Street. Most of the buildings on River Street were once warehouses. The building with the red and white awning was used as a cotton warehouse and also held slaves after they were brought over from Africa.

By day, the slaves would work loading cotton. At night, they would be chained to the walls of the rooms upstairs. Some of the employees of the Shrimp Factory believe the lingering essence of those slaves is still there. They’ve heard all sorts of strange noises upstairs, including groaning and the clanking of chains.

“Va doky, va doky,” the cries can be heard, echoing from the upper floors. Guess what that means? “Doky” meant “devil,” and “va” meant “to kill. Va doky, va doky! To kill the devil!” Shadows are seen on the walls and unseen voices murmur in the dark. Call it an active imagination if you want, but many believe something is happening that just can’t be explained. Overall, River Street is creepy and full of supernatural…

Marshall House

The Marshall House is a very haunted place in Savannah. It was built in 1851 and during the Civil War was occupied by General Sherman and used as a Union hospital until the end of the war. 1864 was an extremely cold year and the ground was frozen. Rather than bury amputated legs and arms, the doctors were forced to bury them under the floorboards.

The Marshall Hotel is another great Hotel to have a paranormal encounter. When the hotel was restored in 1999, workers were replacing some damaged floorboards downstairs when they found human remains. The area was closed and treated as a crime scene, but they soon learned that the downstairs had once been the hospital surgery room.

At one time, the author of Uncle Remus: His Songs and His Sayings, Joel Chandler Harris, spent time in Savannah, staying at the Marshall House, writing. Guests today report hearing the sound of a typewriter from his room. Another odd occurrence happens in the main floor’s ladies’ restroom. One particular stall constantly locks itself, requiring the staff to come open it. Visitors say a ghostly woman can sometimes be seen in that restroom. More notably, guests report seeing a Union soldier with just one arm wandering through the lobby, carrying his lost arm, looking for a surgeon. Down in the basement, men are seen carrying stretchers with bodies on them. And sometimes, amputated limbs litter the basement floor…

Conclusion

Savannah ghost stories weave a captivating tapestry of history, beauty and the supernatural. The city’s haunted past is filled with tragic tales of love, loss and injustice, all of which continue to linger in the city’s streets, cemeteries and historic homes. From the chilling presence at the 416 Location to the poignant story of Little Gracie and the enduring sorrow of Alice Riley, Savannah’s ghost stories offer a glimpse into the city’s soul, reminding us that the past is never truly forgotten.

FAQs

Is Savannah, Georgia, haunted?

Savannah is often regarded as one of the most haunted cities in America, with a reputation built on centuries of ghostly encounters. Its long history, marked by wars, tragedies, and untimely deaths, has created an environment where Savannah ghost stories thrive. Visitors to the city are drawn to its haunted sites, from eerie cemeteries to historic inns where spirits are said to linger.

What are the best ghost stories in Savannah?

Some of the most famous Savannah ghost stories include the tale of Little Gracie in Bonaventure Cemetery, the tragic story of Alice Riley and the eerie happenings at the Eliza Thompson House. Each story offers a glimpse into the city’s haunted past, blending history with mystery.

Are there haunted tours in Savannah?

Yes, Savannah offers numerous haunted tours that take visitors to some of the city’s most famous haunted locations. Consider taking the Ghosts & Gravestones Tour or going on a paranormal investigation with the professionals at the Ghost Hunters of Savannah Paranormal Investigation.

Which horror character is based on a true story?

While Savannah doesn’t have a direct connection to any specific horror character, many Savannah ghost stories rival fictional tales with their chilling details. Alice Riley’s story, for instance, is often compared to classic ghost tales, as her spirit is said to wander Wright Square. In a city filled with ghostly legends, Savannah’s real-life hauntings often evoke the same fear and fascination as fictional horror characters, drawing fans of the supernatural from all over.