Savannah is a city of charm, beauty, and history. But beneath the moss-draped oaks and cobblestone streets lies a darker, more mysterious side. Widely regarded as one of the most haunted cities in America, Savannah has long attracted ghost hunters, curious travelers, and storytellers drawn to its legends. From colonial cemeteries to historic mansions, the city is layered with tales of restless spirits, tragic pasts, and unexplained happenings.
For guests staying with Southern Belle Vacation Rentals, exploring haunted places in Savannah is the perfect way to add depth (and a few chills) to your trip. Whether you’re planning a fall getaway, a Halloween-season adventure, or simply want to uncover the city’s paranormal history, these iconic sites should be at the top of your list.
Why Is Savannah Considered Haunted?
Savannah’s reputation as one of the most haunted cities in the U.S. comes from its deep, layered history. Wars, fires, epidemics, and centuries of hardship left behind stories that still echo through the streets today. With colonial cemeteries, antebellum homes, and cobblestone squares, the city is the perfect backdrop for ghostly tales. Add to that the city’s embrace of ghost tourism, and it’s easy to see why so many travelers come here searching for a glimpse of the supernatural.
Colonial Park Cemetery: Ghosts Among the Graves
Dating back to 1750, Colonial Park Cemetery is one of Savannah’s oldest and most visited burial grounds. Thousands of residents were laid to rest here, including victims of yellow fever epidemics in the 1800s. With so much history concentrated in one place, it’s no surprise that Colonial Park is one of the most frequently mentioned in Savannah ghost stories.
The Sorrel-Weed House: The Most Haunted House in Savannah?
The Sorrel-Weed House is one of the city’s most infamous addresses, and is often called the most haunted house in Savannah. Built in the 1840s, this stately mansion hides a tragic past. According to legend, Matilda Sorrel, devastated by her husband’s infidelity, ended her life here. Not long after, the enslaved woman involved in the affair was also found dead, leaving behind a legacy of sorrow.
Today, visitors claim to hear voices, see fleeting apparitions, and feel an oppressive energy in certain rooms. Paranormal investigators from around the world have filmed and recorded unexplained phenomena within its walls.
The Marshall House: Haunted Hospitality
Built in 1851, The Marshall House is both one of Savannah’s most beautiful hotels and one of its most haunted. During the Civil War, it served as a hospital for Union soldiers, and later as a refuge during yellow fever outbreaks. Guests frequently report faucets turning on by themselves, ghostly children in the hallways, and footsteps echoing when no one is there.
Gracie Watson: The Little Girl of Bonaventure
Among Bonaventure Cemetery’s most famous residents is Gracie Watson, a six-year-old girl whose statue has become one of Savannah’s most beloved landmarks. Gracie passed away suddenly in 1889, and her grieving parents commissioned a life-size marble sculpture to mark her grave. Her death shocked Savannah because she was healthy and vibrant, the daughter of the manager of the Pulaski Hotel where she was a well-known favorite among guests. Over the years, visitors have been drawn to the hauntingly lifelike statue, often leaving toys, flowers, or coins as tributes. Her story, equal parts tragic and captivating, adds to the enchanting and mysterious atmosphere that makes Bonaventure Cemetery a must-see for those exploring Savannah and its spooky history.
The Mercer-Williams House: From History to Ghostly Lore
The Mercer-Williams House, forever linked to the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, is as famous for its architecture as it is for its dark history. In the late 20th century, the home became the center of a high-profile shooting case, cementing its place in Savannah’s lore. Visitors often report chills, unease, or the feeling of being watched, which is fitting for a site woven into both fact and fiction.
Savannah’s Ghost Tourism: Walking Between Worlds
Ghost tours are a cornerstone of Savannah’s travel scene, and for good reason. With so many haunted sites in close proximity, it’s easy to fill an evening with legends and lore. Tours range from walking explorations of historic squares and cemeteries to trolley rides that mix humor with haunting tales. Some even grant access to private homes and basements where paranormal activity is said to be strongest.
Experiencing Haunted Savannah with Southern Belle
Part of Savannah’s allure lies in its dual identity: a city of sunshine and gardens by day, and one of whispers and shadows by night. Exploring haunted places in Savannah offers a deeper connection to its layered past, whether you’re standing in Colonial Park Cemetery at dusk, wandering the halls of the Sorrel-Weed House, or listening to tales of soldiers at The Marshall House.
When you stay with Southern Belle Vacation Rentals, you’re perfectly positioned to explore these legendary sites, and then retreat to the comfort of your home-away-from-home. Imagine ending the night swapping ghost stories on the porch, letting Savannah’s paranormal history come alive in your imagination.