Alabama, steeped in history and tradition, harbors a wealth of ghostly tales. From haunted antebellum homes to unsettling cemeteries and eerie asylums, the Yellowhammer State boasts numerous locations ripe for paranormal exploration.
For those intrigued by the supernatural, Alabama offers a diverse array of haunted sites, each with its own unique backstory and spectral residents. Whether it’s the spirits of Confederate soldiers at Fort Morgan or the lingering presence of a former pastor at Adams Grove Presbyterian Church, these chilling locales are sure to send shivers down your spine.
If you possess the courage to venture into the unknown and investigate these haunted places, you’re in for an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. So, whether you’re an experienced ghost hunter or simply someone who enjoys a good scare, here are ten of Alabama’s most haunted locations, just waiting to be discovered.
The Gaineswood Plantation
Nestled in Demopolis, Alabama, Gaineswood Plantation stands as a testament to the opulence of the antebellum South—and to the spirits that still reside there. Built between 1843 and 1861 by General Nathan Bryan Whitfield, this Greek Revival masterpiece reflects the wealth and aspirations of its time. Whitfield, a successful planter and businessman, spared no expense in creating this architectural marvel, employing renowned artisans and craftsmen.
Legend has it that Gaineswood is haunted by the ghosts of its former inhabitants, with tales of spectral figures wandering its grand 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 met an untimely demise under mysterious circumstances.
Over the years, numerous reports of strange occurrences and unexplained phenomena have surfaced at Gaineswood Plantation, including unusual noises, unexplained movements, and other paranormal activity. Some believe these incidents are linked to the legend of Nellie, suggesting that her ghost continues to haunt the plantation. [1]
The Sloss Furnaces
Located in Birmingham, Alabama, the Sloss Furnaces is a former ironworks, now a museum, rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of workers who tragically died in industrial accidents. Operating from 1882 to 1971, the harsh working conditions at the furnace led to numerous fatal incidents, leaving behind a somber legacy. One particularly infamous accident occurred in 1906 when a worker named James “Slag” Wormwood slipped at the top of the highest furnace and fell into a pool of molten iron ore, resulting in his immediate death.
Tragedy struck again in 1971 when Samuel Blumenthal, a watchman at the furnaces, claimed to have encountered an entity during his shift—a being that appeared to be part man, part demon. According to Blumenthal, the entity attacked him, leaving him battered and bruised. He was examined by a doctor, who confirmed the injuries, but Blumenthal succumbed to them a few days later.
Local legend says that the spirits of James and other workers who perished at the furnace still linger on-site. Visitors and employees have reported strange noises, unexplained movements, and other paranormal activity. Some have even claimed to witness ghostly figures or feel a presence while inside the furnace. [2]
The Fort Morgan Military Museum
Nestled on the picturesque shores of Mobile Bay in Alabama, Fort Morgan Military Museum stands as a living tribute to the region’s military past. Constructed in the early 19th century, Fort Morgan played a crucial role in defending the United States during significant conflicts, including the Civil War and both World Wars. The museum, located within the fort’s historical walls, recounts the stories of the brave soldiers stationed there, displaying artifacts, weaponry, and interactive exhibits that bring history to life.
The museum is rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of soldiers who died while the fort was in operation. One notable spirit is that of a Confederate soldier who lost his life during the Civil War. The barracks, where soldiers once slept, is considered one of the most haunted areas of Fort Morgan. In 1917, a prisoner of war took his own life by hanging himself near the barracks. Today, many visitors claim to hear him sob, scream, and yell late at night. [3]
Oakleigh House Museum
The Oakleigh House Museum in Mobile, Alabama, is a historic antebellum home filled with thousands of artifacts from Mobile’s history, many dating between the 1830s and 1900s. Some believe that ghostly souls are attached to these items. The claims seem less surprising when you see portraits with eyes that appear to follow you and a wreath braided from deceased human hair.
James W. Roper, a prominent cotton broker, built the Oakleigh house, and he and his family lived there for generations. Four of his family members died in the house, and their spirits are said to still wander its halls at night. [4]
The Pratt Cotton Gin
Daniel Pratt moved to Georgia from New Hampshire in 1819 and later to Alabama to capitalize on the expanding cotton territories. He founded the Daniel Pratt Gin Company in 1833 and began manufacturing in 1836. By 1838, he had formally established the town of Prattville, Alabama. By the 1850s, Pratt gins were sold across the U.S. and in world markets. Prattville also featured a cotton mill and a woolen mill.
The Pratt Cotton Gin is believed to be haunted by The Black Lady, who symbolizes the poor and abusive working conditions that occurred during the factory’s operating years. Witnesses have spotted her in a black dress exploring the area between the hours of 1:00 am and 4:00 am. The death of a boy named Willie Youngblood, who fell to his death from an elevator shaft, is one of the most tragic events in the factory’s history. Out of grief, his mother later committed suicide. [5]
The Red Lady of Huntingdon College
The legend of the Red Lady of Huntingdon College in Alabama has captivated locals and visitors for generations. Lore has it that the Red Lady’s ghost roams the corridors of Pratt Hall, one of the college’s oldest buildings. According to the story, she was a student in the early 20th century who left her northern home to attend school.
Feeling homesick and lonely, Martha—as she is believed to be—became isolated and difficult to live with. After numerous roommates left her, she began wandering the halls at night, draped in her favorite color, red. Eventually, the Red Lady took her own life in Pratt Hall, and her restless spirit is said to linger there still.
Whispers circulate of eerie encounters with the Red Lady, including reports of strange sounds, unexplained cold drafts, and sightings of a spectral figure in a flowing red gown. Some claim to have heard her weeping in the dead of night, while others tell of feeling an unsettling presence in the empty halls. The Red Lady’s legend continues to capture the imagination of those who walk the grounds of Huntingdon College, adding a chilling layer to its rich history. [6]
Highway 5
Many years ago, a teenage girl and her boyfriend got into a fight while driving home from prom. Not wanting to be with him any longer, the girl asked him to pull over and let her out. He did, and she began walking home. But she never made it. A truck ran the girl over and left her there, without even stopping to see if she was alright.
The following morning, her body was found in a ditch. Legend says that if you drive down Highway 5 in Lynn, Alabama, you might see the girl’s apparition walking along the road, still trying to get home. Spooky! [7]
The King-Criswell-Garrett Home
Built by a wealthy family, The King-Criswell-Garrett Home has stood for over 150 years. Construction on the house began before the Civil War, but the war prevented its completion. In 2011, the home experienced its first paranormal tragedy. The owner, who was not a Garrett family member, reported being attacked. She claimed a ghostly entity caused her to fall through a weak spot in the attic floor, leading her to tumble down two stories.
A year later, in 2012, an episode of The Dead Files investigated the home. The episode, titled “A Widow’s Rage,” remains available for viewing. The show’s hosts believed that the home was haunted by its original owners. [8]
Maple Hill Park
Though it may appear to be just another playground with swings and a climbing gym, Maple Hill Playground is more than meets the eye. It’s also known as “Dead Children’s” Playground. It gets that name because it’s part of Maple Hill Park, a local historic cemetery.
Locals often claim that the swings move on their own and that ghostly apparitions appear. Skeptics might attribute this to wind and poor eyesight. After all, no one died there, right? Wrong. A few feet from the playground are miles of limestone, adding to the eerie landscape. The adjacent cemetery contains the remains of hundreds of children who died during the 1918 Spanish Flu, and their spirits are said to run around and play in the dark, shadowy playground. [9]
Adams Grove Presbyterian Church
The Adams Grove Presbyterian Church in Alabama is a historic church said to be haunted by the ghost of a former pastor. The church was built in the late 1800s and has a rich history in the community.
Locals and visitors alike have claimed to see different spirits. Ironically, the haunted church is connected to the most haunted cemetery in Alabama. But these aren’t your friendly Casper ghosts; they are malevolent. A man with dark red eyes is one particular spirit seen by many in both the church and cemetery.
Another ghost is that of a former pastor who died in the church and still lingers on the premises. Visitors have reported strange occurrences, such as ghostly figures wandering the church and the sound of crying. Some claim to have felt unease or a chill inside the church, as if the former pastor’s ghostly presence still lingers.
There are even tales of ghostly organ music being heard when the organ isn’t being played, and doors opening and closing on their own. Some visitors also claim to have seen the ghost of the former pastor in the pulpit, as if he were still giving sermons. [10]
These haunted spots in Alabama offer a thrilling glimpse into the supernatural. From eerie plantations to ghostly highways, the Yellowhammer State is filled with tales that promise to thrill even the most seasoned ghost hunter.
Have you experienced any paranormal activity in Alabama? Share your stories in the comments below!
