While many tourists travel to Savannah for its historic buildings, natural beauty, lively bar and restaurant scene, and famous hospitality, there’s one more reason the city draws the attention of curious visitors. Savannah is notoriously known as the home of countless hauntings, spirits, and ghosts! Known for being one of the most haunted cities in America, Savannah is chock-full of legends and lore. If you’re hoping to experience a spectral sighting during your stay, we recommend a visit to one of these supernatural spots.
The Pirate’s House is one of the city’s most popular restaurants, but did you know that it’s also the oldest building in Savannah? First opened in 1753, it was originally an inn and tavern, drawing the business of merchants, sailors, pirates, and privateers. It was frequently a gathering place for criminals, and unlucky patrons who had too much to drink might wake to find themselves shanghaied and stuck on a ship offshore. The current owners claim that Treasure Island’s famous pirate Captain Flint died in one of the upstairs bedrooms, and staff have reported feeling the ghostly sensation of being watched during their work.
Often called one of the most hauntingly beautiful cemeteries in the US, Bonaventure Cemetery contains over 100 acres of historic gravestones, gardens, and flowering trees. The cemetery was famously featured in the novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, and its cover features the well-known Bird Girl statue which used to reside there, but has since been moved to the Telfair Museum of Art. Bonaventure cemetery contains the graves of songwriter Johnny Mercer and poet Conrad Aiken. However, its most famous grave belongs to Little Gracie Watson, who died of pneumonia at age 6 in 1889. Her father had an exact replica of her likeness carved by sculptor John Waltz, and the life-size statue still resides at her gravesite today. Visitors of her grave have reported seeing visions of Little Gracie and hearing a child’s laughter nearby. She has also been spotted playing in Johnson Square, where her family’s business, The Pulaski Hotel, was built.
Although it’s now a popular restaurant and brewery, Moon River Brewing started out as Savannah’s first hotel in 1821. The building later functioned as a makeshift hospital when outbreaks of yellow fever claimed many of Savannah’s population. Today, Moon River’s staff and patrons have reported ghostly activity throughout the building, from beer bottles thrown around the room, to pushes and slaps from unseen hands. Most notably, a ghost known as “Toby” is said haunt the restaurant’s basement.
Old Fort Jackson was built in the 19th century as part of President Thomas Jefferson’s national defense system of fortifications. The fort has since been restored and is a National Historic Landmark, as well as the oldest standing brick fort in Georgia. Some visitors of the fort have claimed to experience paranormal encounters, such as the phantom footsteps of ghostly soldiers. One frequently sighted specter is said to be Confederate soldier, Private Patrick Garrity, who attacked his commanding officer by bludgeoning him with a musket, and then drowned in the fort’s moat during his attempt to escape.
If you’ve visited Savannah before, you may have walked by the beautifully vibrant Olde Pink House on Reynolds Square, or enjoyed an upscale meal in one of its traditional, elegant dining rooms. Originally home to one of Savannah’s founding-family members, James Habersham Jr., the house is now known as a staple of Savannah’s fine dining scene, offering classic southern fare. The Olde Pink House is also known as one of the most haunted buildings in the city, as employees and customers alike have reported seeing the spirit of James Habersham Jr. sitting in the dining area, straightening the tablecloths, and adjusting the furniture. Some have even claimed to hold full conversations with the spirit!
Savannah is home to many beautiful squares, adorned with statues and fountains. The most haunted of these is Madison Square, the site of the Battle of Savannah during the Revolutionary War, where many lives were lost. While some say the bodies of those killed in battle lie beneath the square, this has never been confirmed. However, there have been many rumors of ghosts in the area, including that of William Jasper, whose monument presides over the square.
Not spooked yet? Book your next stay in Savannah today!
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