The American South has more than its share of ghost stories, and while cities like Savannah may capitalize on their claims to paranormal fame, Atlanta has its share of spooky stories residents like to tell. You can find tours in Atlanta that will educate you on the ghostly history of the city, but here are a few stories to get you started.
The Ellis Hotel
This modern hotel was once the Winecoff Hotel and at one point it was the tallest hotel in the U.S. It was built in 1913 and at the time it was designed without alarms, fire doors or fire sprinklers because the designers were confident that it was fireproof. However, it was about as fireproof as the Titanic was unsinkable. The hotel caught fire on December 7, 1946 while it was filled to capacity with 280 guests. Firefighters’ ladders could only reach the eighth floor and the nets designed to catch jumpers were only effective for someone jumping from less than 70 feet. More than 119 people died that day and as a result, many states created fire codes to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. Many believe that the souls of those who died still haunt the building.
The Georgia Aquarium
Currently, you can see a great exhibit at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta about the famous Titanic. However, this exhibit has brought a lot of mystery and paranormal activity to the aquarium. Many volunteers have reported strange experiences when they were working on the exhibit, so the Ghost Hunters from Roswell Paranormal Investigations came in to investigate. They used their thermometers and electromagnetic measuring devices to record all sorts of strange phenomenon, including sudden drops in temperature and ethereal voices. There have even been reports of an elderly woman haunting the replica of the first-class cabin.
Beverly Hills Inn
At the 81-year-old Beverly Hills Inn in Buckhead, you might find yourself greeted by the dearly departed souls of three old ladies. The Neo-classical bed-and-breakfast used to be an apartment building for widowed women back in the 1920s. It is thought that the apparitions of the women who used to live here still roam the halls. According to the Georgia Ghost Hunters, audio, photo and video of cloud-like fog and floating orbs have been captured. The audio is the most bone-chilling, as you can hear hoarse voices whispering “Get Out!”
If you want the best chance of having a paranormal experience, book a room on the third floor. The elderly ghosts have been known to tuck guests into bed. Be careful not to speak ill of the dead though because they have also been known to smash drinking glasses in anger.
Oakland Cemetery
This is the final resting place for approximately 3,000-4,500 confederate soldiers who died as a result of Sherman’s Invasion of Atlanta. The cemetery also has a statue of a large wounded lion, which represents the Unknown Confederate Soldier. This cemetery is reported to be haunted and many people have claimed that they have heard the voices of the dead. It is said that you can hear a disembodied voice somberly calling out all the names of the long-dead soldiers.
The Shakespeare Tavern
There are plenty of spooky tales of supernatural happenings at the Shakespeare Tavern. In 1993, an actor in a production of Henry IV reported that he had seen a small boy standing next to his dressing table wearing a velvet suit like children would have worn in the 1800s. Sometimes when the theater is empty you can hear a number of voices, as if there is a large group chatting. There have also been reports of a shadowy figure that can be seen on the catwalk above the stage. Also, a female ghost once warned of a fire and sometimes she knocks things over in the women’s dressing room.
The Masquerade
You might not think that a nightclub is a likely place for a ghost, but many people have spotted some strange happenings at this popular Atlanta nightclub. People have seen the ghost of a tall black man walking around inside the club and often very heavy music amplifiers will be found turned upside down with no explanation. The nightclub used to be a textile mill where many young female workers died in accidents or developed tuberculosis. Female screams and footsteps have been heard on the back stairs. The nightclub is also rumored to be frequented by vampires.
These are just a few of the creepiest supernatural tales from Atlanta, Georgia. Why not take a visit with the family and see if you can spot anything otherworldly on your travels?
About the Author: Emily Waterson is a freelance writer and history enthusiast who has always been fascinated by ghost stories and the paranormal.