Savannah - The Haunted City - Part I

BOO!

Savannah is rated as one of the most haunted cities in North America so it stands to reason that a fair proportion of the hotels and visitor sites in Savannah are similarly afflicted. So, if you are heading to the city for a stay, before you check-in, check-out whether you've opted for one of the most frequently haunted hotels and site that offer a free unwanted extra guest or a sudden unexpected visitor..

The Marshal House is one of the oldest hotels in Savannah was built in 1851, and is a prime candidate for ghostly encounters; the Marshall is featured on the city's ghost tour and has a interesting history, being at various times a hospital - once for yellow fever - and also a Union soldiers' clinic during the Civil War. After human bones were unearthed during excavations at the hotel in 1960 guests have frequently reported strange encounters, with many reporting that they have awoken feeling as though someone is taking their pulse. Ghosts of long-dead soldiers and patients have also been seen wandering the hallways and standing in the foyer.

Built in 1852, only a year later than Marshall House, the eerie East Bay Inn backs onto the Savannah River and is home to Charley; the hotel's 'official' ghost. This apparition is a regular visitor to the Inn and in 2001 Charley was finally snapped on film by a guest; the evidence now on display behind check-in. If you plan to stay there just ask to see the picture when you arrive, so you'll be able to identify him later if he appears in your room!

The Eliza Thompson House pre-dated both of the previously mentioned hotels, its construction completed in 1847. Once a private house it is now a 25-room Inn, spread over two major buildings. Both guests and visitors have reported seeing Confederate soldiers at an upstairs window and a young girl in a white dress regularly walks the hallway.

The Olde Harbour Inn is frequently filled with the smell of cigar smoke even when no smokers are present, courtesy of Hank, the Inn's resident ghost. Holder of the 'most-often sighted ghost in Savannah', Hank also likes to indulge in a spot of coin throwing and frequently likes to move things around, such as books and other small items.

Savannah - Kehoe House Bed & Breakfast - Said to be haunted by the spirits of children. Also, by a "Lady in Gray" who haunts not only the bed & breakfast in general, but particularly room #203. People who have stayed in this room have felt their hands being gently touched and have felt kisses upon their cheeks. All have agreed that she seems to be a very friendly spirit.

The 1790 Inn and Tavern - This Inn was built in 1790 and is haunted by a girl named Anna who depending on who you asked will tell you an interesting tale of this seventeen year old girl. What she was shunned after getting pregnant by a sailor? Who jumped out of the third story window and died? Stop by this delightful Inn for refreshment and dine in their wonderful and historic tavern and ask about Anne!

The Hampton Lillibridge House - This is said to be the most haunted house in Savannah, and the only house known to have had an exorcism. When the house was being restored in the 1960s, some workmen refused to finish the job because of strange occurrences (tools disappearing, hearing footsteps when they knew they were alone, strange feelings). On one occasion, a man was seen wearing a black suit and bow tie in the third floor window when no one was living in the house. Neighbors have also heard a woman's scream coming from within the house, and a gray haired man has also been sighted.

Savannah - The Juliette Low Birthplace - two former owners haunt this house: Sarah Gordon and her daughter-in-law Nellie Kinzie Gordon, who was the mother of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouting. Nellie is said to rearrange furniture, play the piano, and slide down the banister after the museum closes down for the night. Visitors to the place often see Sarah, wearing an old-fashioned dress.

There are more than 10 “Ghost Tours” offered in the city and I am told that they are a lot of fun and the guides will give you the “real story”.

My next article will introduce other haunted spots such as the Fort Pulaski…late at night it is known to echo strange noises, such as people screaming, gun firing and a small girl crying.

Squares of Savannah

The Squares of Savannah

In this short narrative, I will just write about a some of our 24 squares and in future articles I will provide information on all of them.

Oglethorpe planned on constructing 24 squares that would be used for planting crops, holding meetings and other activities but only the squares along Bull Street were originally meant by Oglethorpe to feature the grand monuments. The rest of the squares were laid out as open commons for the people to use as parks and activities I mentioned above.

The Orleans Square was named for Andrew Jackson's victory in the Battle of New Orleans in 1814. Just to the west of the square is the Savannah Civic Center. To the east, you can view the Champion House at 230 Barnard Street. The Cupola features amber glass. Yew trees are planted in the front year.

To the south, you will arrive at Pulaski Square located on Barnard Street between Harris and Charlton Streets and was laid out in 1837. This square was named for Count Casimir Pulaski, historic Savannah's adopted foreign son who was the highest ranking foreign officer to die in the American Revolution. Additional monuments to Pulaski can be found throughout the historic district. The red brick Jewish Education Alliance building on the East side of the square is now a dormitory for the Savannah College of Art and Design. The house on the Northwest corner of Barnard and Harris is new housing, completed in 1993. The house across from it is the 1839 house of Francis Bartow, a Confederate hero. It is now several apartments. The square was once landscaped as rows of azaleas in diagonals representing the St. Andrew's Cross of the Confederate flat..the Stars and Bars. Sgt. Pulaski was a hero of the Revolutionary War.

The next square south on Barnard Street is Chatham Square, named for England's William Pitt and the Earl of Chatham. The Barnard Street School, now part of the Savannah College of Art and Design has a Terra Cotta roof. The tile was made in Ludowici, Georgia. Gordon Row dominates the southeast corner of the square and you are now at the edge of the Victorian District with the Republican Blues Homes on the right, a dignified old row built of Savannah Gray bricks.

Take your camera and take some photos of these wonderful and historic squares.