What Makes Savannah’s Hotels Haunted? The Dark History Unveiled

By: HowStuffWorks  | 
haunted hotels in savannah georgia
With its rich history and eerie past, it's no surprise that many hotels here are full of paranormal activity. mbell / Getty Images

Savannah, the charming coastal city in Georgia, is renowned for its rich history, Southern hospitality, and, perhaps most intriguingly, its haunted haunts. Among the many ghostly attractions that captivate visitors, the city's historic hotels and inns have long been the subject of captivating tales and paranormal sightings.

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Savannah's Haunted Pedigree: A City Steeped in Spirits

Savannah's haunted reputation is well-deserved, with a storied past that has left an indelible mark on the city's psyche. From the Siege of Savannah during the Revolutionary War to the devastating fires and Yellow Fever epidemics that ravaged the city, Savannah has witnessed its fair share of tragedy and loss. These events have, in turn, given rise to a rich tapestry of ghostly legends and supernatural encounters.

The Haunted Hotspots: Savannah's Most Notorious Haunted Hotels

Amidst Savannah's haunted landscape, several historic hotels and inns have gained notoriety for their ghostly inhabitants and unsettling occurrences. Let's delve into the eerie histories and chilling tales associated with some of Savannah's most infamous haunted hotels.

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The Marshall House: Savannah's Most Haunted Hotel

The Marshall House, a stately hotel built in 1851, has long been considered one of the most haunted hotels in the United States. Its storied past as a Civil War hospital, where countless wounded soldiers perished, has left an indelible mark on the property. Guests have reported sightings of apparitions, including the ghostly figures of soldiers with missing limbs, roaming the first floor. The hotel's original 19th-century features, such as the doors, windows, and staircases, have only added to the sense of historical unease that permeates the building.

Olde Harbour Inn: A Haunting on the Savannah River

The Olde Harbour Inn, dating back to 1812, is one of the oldest inns in Savannah's historic district. Once a warehouse, the building was destroyed by fire and later rebuilt in 1892. Visitors to the inn have reported various paranormal experiences, including the scent of cigar smoke wafting through the air when no smokers are present, objects moving on their own, and the sound of coins dropping on the floor. The ghostly presence of "Hank," believed to be the spirit of a worker who perished in the fire, is said to haunt the inn.

The Kehoe House: Ghostly Children and Lingering Spirits

The Kehoe House, a grand 1892 Renaissance Revival mansion, is another of Savannah's haunted hotels. The former home of the Kehoe family, who lived there with their 10 children, has been the subject of numerous ghost sightings and supernatural occurrences. Guests have reported hearing the sounds of children running and playing in the hallways, as well as feeling the loving caresses of small children in certain rooms. The spirit of the family matriarch, Anne Kehoe, is also rumored to linger within the inn's walls.

Eliza Thompson House: The Ghostly Veteran and Other Apparitions

The Eliza Thompson House, built in 1847, has its own share of ghostly tales. Legend has it that one of the Thompson family's sons, a Civil War veteran named James, died in front of the home after a tragic accident. Visitors have reported sightings of Confederate soldiers in an upstairs window, a young girl in a white dress roaming the hallways, and even a ghostly cat.

East Bay Inn: The Mysterious "Charlie" and Other Paranormal Occurrences

The East Bay Inn, constructed in 1852, is another Savannah hotel with a haunted reputation. Guests have claimed to see the apparition of a man in a dark suit and top hat, who stares off into space before vanishing. Flickering lights and disappearing objects have also been attributed to the inn's resident ghost, affectionately named "Charlie" by the staff.

The Gastonian: The Least Haunted of Savannah's Historic Inns

While the other historic inns in Savannah's collection have gained notoriety for their ghostly inhabitants, the Gastonian, built in the 1860s, is relatively free of such supernatural tales. Located near Forsyth Park, this lovely inn is rarely associated with the typical haunts and spirits that haunt many of Savannah's other historic properties.

The Haunted Allure: Why Savannah's Ghostly Hotels Captivate Visitors

Savannah's haunted hotels have become a major draw for visitors, who are eager to experience the city's paranormal side. The combination of the buildings' rich histories, their well-documented supernatural occurrences, and the city's overall haunted reputation has created a thriving industry of ghost tours, paranormal investigations, and haunted hotel stays.

Uncovering the Paranormal: Savannah's Ghost Tours and Investigations

Numerous ghost tours and paranormal investigation companies operate in Savannah, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the city's haunted hotspots, including the historic inns. These guided experiences provide insights into the chilling backstories and ghostly sightings associated with each location, captivating those seeking a spine-tingling adventure.

The Allure of Haunted Accommodations

For those brave enough to confront the supernatural, staying in one of Savannah's haunted hotels can be a truly unique and thrilling experience. Guests often report feeling a sense of unease, hearing unexplained noises, or even encountering ghostly apparitions during their stays. This paranormal allure has made Savannah's haunted inns a popular destination for those seeking a spooky and unforgettable getaway.

Embracing Savannah's Haunted Heritage

Savannah's haunted hotels have become an integral part of the city's cultural fabric, captivating visitors and locals alike. By embracing their haunted histories and supernatural associations, these historic inns have become a source of fascination and intrigue, drawing in those who seek to unravel the mysteries of the past and commune with the spirits that linger within.

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Conclusion: Exploring Savannah's Ghostly Hospitality

Savannah's haunted hotels offer a truly unique and unforgettable experience for those brave enough to venture into the realm of the supernatural. From the eerie tales of the Marshall House to the ghostly children of the Kehoe House, these historic inns have become a testament to the city's rich and haunted heritage. Whether you're a seasoned paranormal enthusiast or simply seeking a thrilling adventure, Savannah's haunted hotels are sure to leave an indelible mark on your memories.

This article was created using Ai technology.

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