It seems that many supernatural forces Volunteer to stay in Tennessee. Here is our list of the 10 Most Haunted Places in Tennessee:
- Bell Witch Cave – Adams – As seen in the movie “American Haunting” .The prevailing account is that the Bell Witch claimed to be the spirit of Kate Batts, a mean old neighbor of John Bell who believed she was cheated by him in a land purchase. On her deathbed, she swore that she would haunt John Bell and his descendents.
- Thomas House Hotel – Red Boiling Springs – So haunted they offer ghost hunter weekend packages complete with classes and equipment. Why? Multiple murders, 3 arsons, and once home to a cult to start!
- Room 311, The Read House Hotel – Chattanooga – It’s believed to be haunted by Annalisa Netherly whose head was nearly severed by a lover or husband while she was bathing. Others believe she died of a broken heart or committed suicide after she arrived at the hotel with a gentleman and he took an interest in another woman. Whichever is true, reports have been made about ghostly figures appearing in the mirror and resting on the bed.
- Wheatlands Hotel – Sevierville – More than 70 people have been murdered in this house, it is estimated that 28 Cherokees were killed at the Battle of Boyd’s Creek (which runs adjacent to the property) during the Revolutionary War, and there are approximately 69 slaves and two Revolutionary War soldiers buried on the property. According to recent posts it looks as though tours on the property have been cancelled.
- Carnton Plantation – Franklin – One of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War took place in Franklin, just outside of Nashville. Over 6,000 died , many on the steps of the Plantation which served as a hospital, including 4 generals.
- Orpheum Theater– Memphis – Home to at least 6 entities, including “Mary” a young girl in pigtails who enjoys running up and down the aisles and watching rehearsals. Yul Brenner says he saw her in 1982 during a rehearsal of The King and I .
- Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary – Petros – Known as the “Prison That Ate America’s Sins”. This maximum security prison opened it’s gates to hell in 1896, and has housed some of the worst criminals in the history of the U.S. including James Earl Ray, the man who shot Martin Luther King. It’s history is long and violent and can be read here.
- Hurricane Mills – Home to Loretta Lynn’s Ranch, the country music singer isn’t shy about her belief in the supernatural. The woman in white is Beula Anderson who, after the death of her newborn son, died twelve days later from grief. Sightings of her crying and wringing her hands have been witnessed at the Plantation Home and Anderson Cemetery. After moving to Hurricane Mills in 1966, the Lynn Family heard stories of the Plantation Home being haunted. The Lynns, visitors and employees have experienced strange occurrences throughout the years. A woman dressed in white and two Civil War Soldiers have been seen on many occasions. Strange sounds and happenings are commonplace in the home.
- Shiloh National Park – Shiloh – Over 23,000 soldiers died here in one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War.
- Delta Queen – Chattanooga – The last fully operational overnight passenger steamboat in the U.S. , The Delta Queen made her maiden voyage in 1927. Since then some colorful riders have refused to leave. Presently under renovations in Houma, La., The Delta Queen is rumored to begin cruising the rivers again in 2020, including making runs from Nashville to Chattanooga. Watch for a particularly stern old lady who will frown upon your taking of libations in the bar. Steamboat Captain Mary Greene died aboard the ship, and according to many has never left.
