The Victoria Inn was built ca. Click hereto see more from Cottage Hill. The Canabiss House in Huntsville today. It was used during the Civil War as a hospital. The abandoned Hall Hotel building is among the loveliest - if spooky - structures in the Madison County town of Gurley. Childrens laughter has been heard by those working on the third floor, and even outside the bathroom down in the restaurant when there have been no children around. Col. Christopher Claudius Pegues built a stately home on the property between Pine and Chestnut streets. Stories of figures haunting cemeteries, ghostly marching soldiers, and mysterious music playing in empty abandoned buildings are told in every corner of our state. They will come with a title that will be put into the auction bidder's name. Princess Theatre in Decatur, Alabama M MSNHA Storage Buildings Old Barns Built In Storage Lauderdale Garages Sheds Beautiful Things Old Barn on Spring Avenue, Decatur, Alabama B Bonnie Goodman Little Theatre Old Signs Once In A Lifetime Movie Theater Performance Art Decatur Alabama great little Theater C Coil Billingsley Southern Homes Visitors here may see ghostly children coming out to play. This church on AvenueU in Pratt City has been empty since it was struck by a tornado. Local legend claims that a woman appears should a visitor kiss the tallest tombstone. This courthouse was built in 1868 when Seale was the county seat from 1866-1942. Reportedly, an unusually high number people who lived along the road have died; some say 68 since 1890. Tales of Huggin' Molly also can be found in Louisiana and Florida, with variations. Get more stories delivered right to your email. More history, more hauntings, and more off-the-bus locations, this 4-hour tour delves into the most ghost-infested people and places in Decatur's history. THE BEST 10 Restaurants in Decatur, AL - Last Updated March 2023 - Yelp The canyon's proximity to the Natchez Trace, which was known as the Devil's Backbone, made it a choice hideout for many outlaws who robbed and murdered travelers along the Trace. 100+ Abandoned Places In Alabama | Explore Alabama 2023 Recent Locations Judge A. E. Singleton House February 27, 2023 | City/Town: Union Springs Judge Singleton House This home located on North Prairie Street in Union Springs, Alabama was built by Judge A. E. Singleton sometime between 1900 and 1903. However, the family cemetery remains. Please follow the law and be safe. We know not everyone will agree about the legend in his or her county. Apparently the entire length of Main Street is haunted by the ghosts of tornado victims. It is located at 1928 First Avenue North. 14. Go north on AL-67 approximately 7 miles. Bass Cemetery is located off a dirt road in the woods. According to legend, a female student was killed while she was trying to sneak out after curfew. Cripple Creek - Palace Hotel - Like much of Cripple Creek, the Palace Hotel has a long history. Every community has a ghost tale that everyone has heard, often related to an old or abandoned house, a spooky cemetery or a dark and creepy road. Local residents have reported seeing a strange mist rise up in the area in front of the statue of boxing great Joe Louis, who was born in Chambers County. Nearby, a pair of eyeglasses gathers dust, as if the owner were suddenly interrupted in the middle of a workday and never returned. This historic fort is one of the best-preserved Civil War era masonry forts in the U.S. Fort Gaines has become a tourist attraction and on the property you'll find original cannons, a blacksmith shop, kitchens, a museum, gift shop and a few tunnels. Due to the owner's financial difficulties, the house is run-down and in need of repair. It is now a concert venue. The able-bodied patients at Jemison worked on a hospital farm. She would squeeze them tightly, then scream in their ears. See more ideas about alabama, abandoned, historical sites. Legends claim the captains spirit roams the cemetery, keeping watch over his children. The Goode-Hall house in Town Creek, also known as Saunders Hall, was near collapse when this photo was taken in the 1930s. Whatley home no longer stands, it is shown above in 1936, but legend says the site is still haunted. Many ghost hunters have visited the hotel. This home was allegedly the site of the murders of an entire family that haunts the site. Another legend says if an 18-wheeler travels down the road, her spirit can be seen hanging onto the side of the truck so she can look inside and see if it is being driven by the same person who killed her. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Cook Museum of Natural Science 123 Science Museums Educational sites By alwildflower3 It's fun for groups, children of all ages, and solo adults or couples. (Source: Library of Congress/Historic American Buildings Survey). 12 Best Things to Do in Decatur, Alabama. She is said to have died instantly. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Legend says Evelyn Carter, the sister of a housekeeper, died on the grounds of Gaineswood Plantation in the late 1800s. From vacant factories and industrial sites to long-shuttered schoolhouses, our list of the 10 most amazing abandoned places in Alabama has a little bit of everything. For 50 years, the woman brought flowers and kneeled to pray at the foot of his 8-foot obelisk marker. Thank you! 16) You Can Search for Gold in Several Public Places Gold mining and treasure hunting locations in Alabama start in Chilton County and continue northeast to the Georgia State line. The Empire building was erected in 1909 on the site of the former Bank Saloon, according to Bham Wiki. Employees claim they've heard disembodied footsteps and voices. Ghost towns, especially those that have been completely abandoned, can be a bit creepy. The A ghost named George is said to live here, a former construction worker who fell from a scaffold as the place was being built. Love Alabama? It was designed in the Eastlake style of. However, the house was saved and restored and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. 10 Delicious Restaurants To Try In Decatur | TravelAwaits If. Stewartfield in Mobile. Jack Cole Road is a dirt road in a densely wooded area off Highway 7. The buildings flank Alabama Avenue.. From it's earliest days, the city of Decatur gained a reputation as a place where ghost stories were common -- from tales told by the settlers to haunted houses and hotels. The Cedarhurst Mansion Estate was originally built in 1823 by Stephen Ewing. It's notorious for the vast amount of caves, and also for the true cavers spirit among its inhabitants. Some people say they've heard a baby cry or a dog panting or growling while on the. It was destroyed by Union forces in 1865. It is said to be haunted by former patients. It is located on a street bordering Montgomery's quaint Cottage Hill district, which is filled with refurbished cottages. It is continually guarded and visitors are not allowed without prior approval. It was also once the site of Castle Morgan, used to house prisoners of war during the Civil War. During the 1920s, Decatur would gain infamy as a place where murder, bootlegging, prostitution, kidnapping, gambling, corruption and, of course, ghosts, were commonplace. Prattville was founded by Daniel Pratt, a manufacturer of cotton gins. She is buried in Birminghams Elmwood Cemetery. A marker on Court Square North in Carrollton tells of the Pickens County portrait: "A freedman, Henry Wells, was accused of burning the second on November 16, 1876. Decatur | Encyclopedia of Alabama One surviving example is the stone on the grave of Korea Nettles, which has three faces said to be those of her children. Others claim to have witnessed the spirit of a mysterious mist, a crying baby and a strange man dressed in black. Her sons pulled her from the wreckage, but she died in the front bedroom on the eastern side. Mrs. Locals tell a story that this building once was occupied by a young girl, Molly, who died in the 1930s or 1940s. Completely inundated, this abandoned town exists in a watery grave. (Namaan Fletcher/What's Left of Birmingham). In a little-known cemetery deep in the woods of Clarke County are tombstones created by a man who was ahead of his time. In the 1850s, the settlement had disappeared and was replaced by adjoining plantations. For the next 125 years, people claimed the hole would always return no matter how many times it was filled. Typical cemetery haunting fare including orbs and reports that your car will die if you drive there on specific dates. After the Jemison Center was built, the hospitals were kept segregated. All rights reserved (About Us). Molly was bittem by her puppy, which had contracted rabies. 1888 as a private residence. (Picture: The Boyaux fortification at the Blakeley battleground). What are the most popular ghost stories in Alabama? 9. (Historic American Buildings Survey/Library of Congress). People claim to hear singing and voices in the area surrounding the property and some claim they have seen the apparition of a woman walking the grounds. This photo was taken in 1934 when the home was abandoned. People claim to hear disembodied laughter. However, that doesn't stop the tales from being told and retold. Others claim to have seen phantom cars, strange balls of light and the apparition of a small figure, about 4 feet tall. The 1833 Old State Bank of Alabama in Decatur as it was getting a coat of paint in 1934 after it had been abandoned for decades. Rawls, who repeatedly took down window treatments he tried to install. The Forks of Cypress Plantation in Florence was one of the most beautiful antebellum mansions in the state, built by the Jackson family who is buried on the plantation grounds. Locals get an eerie feeling around this building. Beelitz Military Hospital, Berlin. At right, a historical photo of City Federal. Abandoned slave quarters and workshops behind the Cabaniss House at 603 Randolph St. in Huntsville. InsideEastern Bank of Alabama in Eufaula when it was abandoned. Many people believe the ghost is that of the Governor's son who died in the Civil War. Click here to see Robinson Switch Road on Google Maps. Mary survived. Others may still have residents, but not as many as they once had, making them living ghost towns in Alabama. Some abandoned historic sites may even be classified as a ghost town, depending on the size of the site. I worked there as a jailor in the county jail there in the old part when it was on the 2nd floor. The abandoned P. D. Barker House at 109 Saint Anthony St. in Mobile in the 1930s. Mt. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). The destruction of these burial mounds cast a mysterious pall over the city -- a darkness that continues to linger today. Battle of Decatur - Digital Alabama After a sensational trial in Huntsville in 1884, two years after Jesse had been shot to death, Frank was acquitted of that crime. Posted: (10 days ago) Decatur, AL: 1802 Central Pkwy SW Decatur, AL 35601-5808 1 520.30 Haywood County, NC: 2147 Asheville Rd Waynesville, NC 28786-3139 1 520.90 Rogers Water Utilities, AR: 601 S 2nd St Rogers, AR 72756-4608 3 521.10 Galax, VA: 111 E Grayson St Galax, VA 24333-2903 View Details Govdeals.com Fitness View More This research was done using searches of a variety of sites about local haunts. Buildings in Downtown Decatur have a long and . Some report that is you park on the bridge, your car will begin to rock. ", 3. He was buried in Bladon Springs Cemetery alongside the graves of his three children who died before the age of six, including Bertha Jaquetta, Mabel Clare, and James Alfred. Saunders Hall | 40+ Photos | Abandoned Alabama The house has been restored and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There were a couple of towns that were flooded during the creation of the Norris Dam in 1936. This home dates back to 1909 and is registered by the local historical society. 9 Best . Reportedly haunted by the ghost of a young singer who died on the night of her greatest triumph. The spirit of an inmate who committed suicide in the building is reported to walk its halls. But Decatur's dark origins can be traced back to the earliest days of the city, when the original settlers built over the top of Native American burial grounds that were scattered throughout the downtown area of what would become Decatur. Within 15 years, the town had 5,000 residents. Take I-65 to Decatur, Exit 334. For information, call 334-320-5330 or visitthe Facebook page. Adjoining Huntsville's historic Maple Hill Cemetery is a playground that looks much like any other, featuring a swing set and slide. He is known to flush toilets, independently operate ice machines and brush past people leaving them with chills. It would go on to boast others, including the "Second Most Corrupt City in Illinois." The best-known ghost tale from each Alabama county - al.com Decatur Alabama - Digital Alabama Many people claim theyve seen a face behind the barred windows of the second floor but the building was empty. People claim to hear knocking on the floors and walls. Some say theyve heard voices and felt cold spots inside the jail. It is now home to the Lowndesboro Town Hall. The most haunted bridge in our state is aptly named Hell's Gate Bridge, located in Oxford. Months after Pegues was killed in battle in 1862, strolling lovers claimed to see an orb in the garden behind the home. IMPORTANT NOTE: Many of the sites listed below are on private property; others may be condemned or located in dangerous locations. Other entities haunt the main staircase and the basement. Jennifer is the Alabama staff writer for Only In Your State and has nearly 15 years of professional writing experience. Gen. John Brahan, a veteran of the War of 1812, began construction on Sweetwater Plantation in the 1830s. People also love vintage photos that show what those past lives were like in Alabama. B.B. All are on my list of favorites, but they are not listed in order of preference. (Submitted by Callum Swift). Trespassing is punishable by law. Read more 0 Some sources sayit opened in the 1890s as a mental hospital. Vice districts, gambling parlors and brothels sprang up in the wake of the railroads and the Civil War, bringing bloodshed and violence to the city. Owners Bobby and Lynn Bright are refurbishing the film set of Spectre because public interest remains high. During the Confederate occupation General John Bell resided there and during the Union occupation, General Sherman himself stayed at Wesleyan. Site of Consolation Church and Cemetery, Greenville. Either way, the photos are intriguing. But by far the creepiest spot is the 200+-year-old Bass Cemetery in Irondale. Residents hear screaming and footsteps and other ghostly sounds. It is privately owned and closed to the public. Legends often say that he was hanged on trumped-up charges for deserting the Confederate army, although details vary. (Source: Historic American Buildings Survey/Library of Congress). No trespassing. When Hood arrived at Decatur on October 26, he found a Federal infantry force of 3,000 to 5,000 men defending an entrenched line that included two forts and 1,600 yards of rifle pits; a much heavier force than Roddey had believed. Two Federal gunboats patrolled the river. 8 Ghost Towns And Abandoned Places In Alabama - OnlyInYourState Soon, the family heard the sounds of Evelyn playing the piano down there and decided to send her body to Virginia to be buried in her familys cemetery. People claim the churchs pastor went mad one day and murdered his entire family and their spirits haunt the grounds. Before that period, the canyon was used as a holding pen for Indians who were removed from their land. Find museums in Decatur, AL, Dead Children's Playground - Maple Hill Cemetery, Off Campus Book Store - University of North Alabama, University of North Alabama - Romeo and Juliet statues, Wesleyan Hall - University of North Alabama, Norton Auditorium - University of North Alabama. The historic rock building is said to be haunted by two ghosts: one of an older man whose spirit reportedly sets things on fire and slams doors, and one of a little boy whose laughter is heard throughout the theater. secret traditions. Melton also writes that Hall married Mary E. Scruggs of Lawrence County, Tennessee in 1859 where they resided until his death on May 28, 1880. This photo shows a casket on a top shelf that is rusted through the bottom. That's right, allegedly there are sightings of a ghost sweeping. The hole disappeared in the past couple of years when the area was flooded but people continue to visit. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. It is located across fromShelby Iron Works Park, which has been preserved as an educational site. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. A pyromaniac ghost? These auctions tend to occur less frequently than typical public car auctions in Alabama. Passersby often say they can see the swings moving on their own volition, as well as orbs or spectral figures. Alabama's 12 Most Haunted Places 1. The home was completed in 1835 by Robert Patton, Brahan's son-in-law and former Alabama governor. In the 1900s, it was used as a YMCA and later as the college drama departments theater. 4 bedrooms (42 homes) $317,230. TOURS OFFERED FOR THE 2023 SEASON: Haunted History Bus Tours: $32 Per Person the interior, seen here from the doorway, is closed to the public because it is unsafe. According to legend, the site is haunted by spirits of numerous people hung from the limbs of the tree in its 200- to 300-year history. Farming towns on the eastern plains were often deserted due to rural depopulation. (Picture: St. Stephens Gravesite), Riverton, located in Colbert County, Alabama, was an old trade town that was destroyed when the Pickwick Landing Dam was built during the 1930s. After a mummified woman was discovered in her home, people claimed she was a witch. Although there are no detailed legends about this site, many believe it is haunted. St. Stephens is located nearly 70 miles north of Mobile and served as the capital of Alabama between the years 1817-1819, until Cahawba became the capital. Several of the brick structures that Pratt built are still used today for an industry manufacturing cotton gins. Information with the photo said: This building stood on the southeast corner of Vine Street and First Street North. Burt Cemetery in Decatur, Alabama - Find a Grave Cemetery At one point, a caretaker claimed to have seen a coffin in one of the rooms set up as if for a wake. This photo of the Alabama Capitol in Tuscaloosa was taken in the 1890s or early 1900s. On the third floor, people report doors opening and closing and furniture moving of its own accord. Legend says the face of a woman appears on a tombstone in Sandlin Cemetery. Are the former owners of this home-turned-library angry at the intrusion into their afterlives or just trying to say hello? An elevator that runs by itself. Oct 13, 2016; Decatur has a sordid reputation and a . The image of a Confederate soldier appeared inside, which meant it may have been the ghost of one of Patton's sons. Although this hospital is now closed and operates a geriatric-psych ward, employees tell tales of "Homer" a ghost who roamsthe halls. 100+ Abandoned Places In Alabama | Explore Alabama 2023 Nebo Baptist Church. We hope to get permission to go photograph it very soon.. CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR COPY! Click hereto see more photos. 10. (Submitted by Callum Swift) Read more 0 Baker Mansion Weatherford, Texas 35.4 miles from Decatur, TX And why? List of ghost towns in Colorado - Wikipedia He was arrested January 1878, and confined to the garret of the present building. What it did offer was good food, comfortable bedrooms, outdoor activities and, according toa history of Shelby Iron Works, the first accommodations with electricity and indoor plumbing in the state. But this playground is different. During the Civil War it was occupied by both Confederate and Union troops at different times. People are fascinated with abandoned sites. In 1909, Kirkseys wheelchair-bound daughter Margaretta Eliza, who was 29 years old, fell from the second-floor balcony. Hall Hotel dates to 1895 and residents of Gurley hope to restore it. This abandoned home on Watts Mill Road was built in 1905 by Charles and William Hudson for their brother, John. The 13 Most Haunted Hotels in Alabama | Haunted Rooms America