NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Phantom footsteps, disembodied voices, apparitions and stories echo from the past at historic places, theatres, jails, cemeteries, battlefields, depots, distilleries, even caves. From guided daytime tours to immersive paranormal investigations, discover these haunted destinations in Tennessee for the ultimate spooky season road trip.
200 Years of Haunted History in Memphis – Beneath the ancient elms, oaks and magnolias, generals, senators, governors, mayors and madams rest in the 80-acre Elmwood Cemetery, established in 1852 and on the National Register of Historic Places. Take the cemetery walking tour and see monuments from the Victorian era that feature angels, flowers and plants. Meanwhile, another historic property is rumored to be home to the ghost of a 12-year-old girl named Mary who regularly attends the show’s performances, and has been seen by many cast, crew and guests. The dazzling Orpheum Theatre is home to other spirits and incredible performances. Head downtown for spirits, haunting tales and live music at Earnestine and Hazel’s, which used to be a working brothel, and supposedly has a couple of ghosts. It was named the fourth most haunted spot in America by Yelp in 2021.
- Pro-tip: Hear the eerie legends while seeing some of the city’s oldest sites on the Memphis Ghost Tour, which runs through the South Main Arts District, a notoriously haunted neighborhood.
Shiloh National Military Park in Shiloh – This site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War has longstanding legends of apparitions, phantom gunshots, drums, footsteps and voices associated with the thousands who died there. Hike the grounds of Shiloh National Military Park, and follow trails that lead you to monuments or the self-guided driving tour.
- Pro-tip: Stop for a bite at the famous Hagy’s Catfish Hotel, which also features the haunting legend of Elmo, a 19th-century steamboat crewmember who drowned in the Tennessee River and was recovered at what is now the restaurant’s parking lot. Elmo was buried in a makeshift grave on the property.
Find other spooky places to visit in Middle and East Tennessee.
The Magnolia Post
