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Alabama, a state rich in historical significance and deep-rooted customs, is home to a wealth of ghostly tales and paranormal legends. From eerie antebellum estates to chilling cemeteries and unsettling asylums, the Yellowhammer State is full of haunted places that beckon adventurers.
For those fascinated by the supernatural, Alabama boasts a variety of haunted sites, each steeped in unique history and ghostly encounters. From the restless spirits of Confederate soldiers at Fort Morgan to the specter of a former pastor at Adams Grove Presbyterian Church, these haunting locations promise spine-tingling experiences.
If you have the courage to step into the unknown and explore these haunted sites, you’re in for an adventure that’s both thrilling and unforgettable. Whether you're a seasoned ghost hunter or just someone seeking a good fright, here are ten haunted spots in Alabama waiting for you to uncover.
10. The Gaineswood Plantation
Gaineswood Plantation, located in Demopolis, Alabama, stands as a grand reminder of the antebellum South, as well as a home to lingering spirits. Constructed between 1843 and 1861 by General Nathan Bryan Whitfield, this Greek Revival masterpiece reflects the wealth and ambitions of its era. Whitfield, a wealthy planter and businessman, spared no expense in creating this architectural wonder, commissioning highly skilled artisans and craftsmen.
Legend has it that Gaineswood is haunted by the ghosts of its former inhabitants, with stories of shadowy figures roaming its stately halls and eerie whispers echoing through its rooms. One such spirit is said to be Nellie, a former slave who worked as a cook in the plantation’s kitchen and mysteriously died under unclear circumstances.
There have been numerous reports of odd happenings and unexplained phenomena at Gaineswood Plantation over the years, including strange sounds, unexplained movements, and other paranormal occurrences. Some believe these events are connected to the story of Nellie, with her ghost still haunting the plantation.
9. The Sloss Furnaces
The Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham, Alabama, once a bustling ironworks and now a museum, is said to be haunted by the spirits of workers who tragically died in industrial accidents. Operating from 1882 to 1971, the harsh working conditions caused many fatalities, leaving the place with a somber history. One of the most infamous accidents took place in 1906 when a man named James “Slag” Wormwood fell from the top of the highest furnace into a vat of molten iron, his body instantly consumed by the molten metal.
In 1971, tragedy struck again when Samuel Blumenthal, the watchman at the furnaces, encountered an entity during his shift. Described as part man, part demon, the entity physically attacked him, leaving him battered and bruised. The next day, a doctor confirmed that Blumenthal had suffered severe injuries. Unfortunately, he passed away from his wounds a few days later.
Local legend has it that the spirits of James and other workers who perished at the furnace still haunt the site. Visitors and staff members have reported hearing strange noises, witnessing unexplained movements, and experiencing other eerie phenomena. Some have even claimed to see ghostly figures or sense a chilling presence while inside the furnace.
8. The Fort Morgan Military Museum
Located along the scenic shores of Mobile Bay, Alabama, the Fort Morgan Military Museum serves as a living tribute to the region's military history. Built in the early 19th century, Fort Morgan has played a significant role in defending the United States during major conflicts, including the Civil War and both World Wars. The museum, set within the fort's historic walls, tells the stories of the brave soldiers who served there, showcasing artifacts, weaponry, and engaging exhibits that bring history to life.
The museum is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of soldiers who died during the fort's active years. One of the most notable apparitions is a Confederate soldier who died during the Civil War. The barracks, once home to sleeping soldiers, is considered one of the most haunted spots in Fort Morgan. In 1917, a prisoner of war tragically hanged himself near the barracks, and many visitors today claim to hear his anguished cries during the late hours.
7. Oakleigh House Museum
The Oakleigh House Museum, located in Mobile, Alabama, is a historic antebellum residence that houses a vast collection of artifacts from the city's past. Many of these items date back to the 1830s through the early 1900s. However, some believe that the spirits of the past linger within these artifacts. It’s easy to see why—portraits of people whose eyes seem to follow you, and even a wreath made from human hair, add to the unsettling atmosphere.
Built by the influential cotton broker James W. Roper, the Oakleigh House served as the family home for generations. Tragically, four of Roper's family members passed away within its walls, and it is said their spirits continue to roam the house, particularly during the nighttime hours.
6. The Pratt Cotton Gin
Daniel Pratt, originally from New Hampshire, moved to Georgia in 1819 and began working with cotton gins. He later relocated to Alabama to capitalize on the growing demand for cotton in the Southern United States. In 1833, Pratt founded the Daniel Pratt Gin Company, and by 1836, he began manufacturing gins. In 1838, he established the town of Prattville, Alabama. By the 1850s, Pratt's gins were sold throughout the U.S. and internationally, with the town also being home to both a cotton mill and a woolen mill.
The Pratt Cotton Gin is said to be haunted by a mysterious figure known as The Black Lady, a symbol of the dreadful and exploitative working conditions that plagued the factory during its operation. Dressed in a flowing black gown, she is often spotted by locals between 1:00 am and 4:00 am, wandering the area. One of the most tragic events from the factory's past involves the death of a young boy named Willie Youngblood, who tragically fell from an elevator shaft. Overcome with sorrow, his mother later ended her own life in despair.
5. The Red Lady of Huntingdon College
The tale of the Red Lady at Huntingdon College in Alabama has fascinated both locals and visitors for many years. According to the legend, her ghost haunts the halls of Pratt Hall, one of the oldest buildings on campus. The story tells of a young student, who moved from the North to attend college in the early 20th century.
This student, believed to be named Martha, struggled with intense homesickness and isolation. As her loneliness grew, she became difficult to live with, causing many roommates to abandon her. Left with no companions, Martha is said to have roamed the halls of Pratt Hall at night, often draped in her beloved red attire. Eventually, she took her own life within the very building where she had once sought solace, and her restless spirit is rumored to still linger there today.
Numerous eerie encounters with the Red Lady have been reported, including strange noises, unexplained cold drafts, and sightings of a ghostly figure clothed in a red gown. Some claim to have heard her sobbing in the dead of night, while others describe an overwhelming sense of unease when walking through the empty halls. The legend of the Red Lady endures, continuing to captivate the imagination of those who visit the grounds of Huntingdon College, adding a ghostly layer to its storied history.
4. Highway 5
Many years ago, a teenage girl and her boyfriend were on their way home from prom when a disagreement escalated. Fed up and no longer wanting to be with him, the girl asked him to pull over so she could get out. He complied, and she started walking home. Tragically, she never reached her destination. A passing truck struck her and left her lifeless body behind, not even pausing to check if she was okay.
The next morning, her body was discovered in a ditch. According to local legend, if you drive along Highway 5 in Lynn, Alabama, you may encounter the ghostly figure of the girl, still walking along the road, desperately trying to find her way home. It's a chilling sight!
3. Adams Grove Presbyterian Church
The Adams Grove Presbyterian Church, an historic house of worship in Alabama, is rumored to be haunted by the spirit of a former pastor. Built in the late 1800s, the church holds a deep connection to the local community, and its past seems to linger in the form of the pastor’s ghost, who is said to still wander its sacred grounds.
Locals and outsiders alike have reported sightings of various spirits at this eerie location. The haunted church is eerily connected to what is considered the most haunted cemetery in Alabama. However, these aren't the harmless, friendly ghosts you might expect; these entities are far more sinister. Among the most terrifying apparitions is that of a man with glowing, dark red eyes, spotted both inside the church and within the cemetery.
Another persistent ghost is that of a former pastor who passed away within the church and seems unable to leave. Visitors have experienced strange happenings, such as witnessing ghostly figures wandering the halls of the church, hearing faint sounds of crying, and feeling an oppressive sense of being watched. Many claim to feel an overwhelming sense of dread or sudden coldness as though the ghostly presence of the former pastor still haunts the place.
There are even accounts of hearing phantom organ music filling the air, despite the organ being untouched. Additionally, doors are said to open and close on their own, adding to the eerie atmosphere. Some have even claimed to have seen the pastor's apparition standing in the pulpit, as though he is still preaching to an invisible congregation.
2. Maple Hill Park
At first glance, Maple Hill Playground may seem like any ordinary play area with a swing set and climbing gym, but its darker, more chilling nickname is 'Dead Children’s' Playground. The playground is nestled within Maple Hill Park, a historic cemetery that adds a haunting history to the otherwise innocent-looking site.
Locals often speak of witnessing the swings moving by themselves and seeing ghostly figures appear. For those who are skeptical of the supernatural, it’s easy to dismiss these occurrences as mere wind or poor eyesight. But there’s a darker truth. Just a few feet away from the playground lies a vast expanse of limestone, enhancing the eerie atmosphere. The cemetery next to the playground holds the graves of hundreds of children who perished in the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic. Their restless spirits are said to still play in the shadows of the playground at night.
1. The King-Criswell-Garrett Home
The King-Criswell-Garrett Home, built by a wealthy family, has stood for over 150 years. Though construction began before the Civil War, it was never fully completed due to the conflict. In 2011, tragedy struck for the home’s owner, who wasn’t part of the original Garrett family. She claimed to have been attacked by a ghostly entity, which led to her falling through a weak section of the attic floor and tumbling down two stories.
In 2012, the popular show The Dead Files aired an investigation titled 'A Widow’s Rage.' This episode, which is still available for viewing today, suggested that the home is haunted by the spirits of its original owners.
