Victorian district in Savannah, Georgia. Photo by the Historical American Buildings Survey.
By Anna Hicks.
Of all the places in the United States, Savannah, Georgia, has long been considered one of the most haunted and has some of the best must-see historical attractions in the land. If you are interested in historic attractions and love a good, old-fashioned ghost story, haunted Savannah may be the place you want to visit. You already know there are different types of ghosts out there, from apparitions to anniversary ghosts, but did you know they may haunt many of Savannah’s historical sites? Savannah has long been called a “Southern belle” with a tragic, haunted past. From the cobblestone sidewalks to the moss-ridden trees, Savannah’s streets are gorgeous and, according to visitors, haunted by souls from the afterlife. Read on for some of the most haunted historical sites in Savannah and listen to the stories they have to tell.
The Kehoe HouseÂ
The beauty of the 1892 Kehoe House is only marred by the tragic incident that occurred there. The house was originally built for William Kehoe, his wife, and their 10 children. The house rang with laughter until the tragic day; the Kehoe twins were killed while playing in the home’s fireplace. Cherubs that grace the fireplaces now are said to be a monument to the young twins. Guests report hearing children laughing when no children are present, and guests in rooms 201 and 203 report finding someone sitting on the beds, leaving warm indentations. While it’s still not as haunted as some of the other Savannah locations, guests love visiting the Kehoe House for its gorgeous atmosphere and helpful staff. If you’re an avid photographer looking to enter a photo contest, you might catch a shot of the twins playing in the hallway to secure the win for your entry.
Photo from Bonaventure Historical Society.
Bonaventure Cemetery
You can’t be an avid ghost lover or enjoy visiting historic sites without visiting a historic cemetery or two. One such graveyard is the Bonaventure Cemetery. While not the oldest cemetery in Savannah, this is one of the oldest and has its fair share of restless spirits. One of the saddest stories to come out of this historic cemetery is the tale of six-year-old Gracie Watson, who was laid to rest there in 1889. All loved Gracie, but sadly, she died of pneumonia two days before Easter Sunday. Her father had a giant statue of the child built. Visitors to the cemetery have reported seeing that same statue walking around the graveyard. Visitors have also reported seeing Gracie playing in the streets in front of her home. When touring the cemetery during your trip, watch for Little Gracie and any other spirits who might be wandering the grounds.
The Gribble HouseÂ
The Gribble House is one of the most haunted houses in Savannah, maybe even in all of Georgia. The house was the scene of a tragic murder involving three young women in 1909. The women’s killer was never found, and it is said that the spirits of the victims roam the grounds to this day, seeking justice for their brutal murders. Lovers of the paranormal can view the site of the murders with a tour through the warehouse that stands there today, though the house was torn down long ago. Reported occurrences include shadowy figures running through the building, strange lights, and the classic female apparition in white.
17Hundred90 Inn & Restaurant
Oglethorpe Avenue in Savannah, Georgia, 1900, by the Detroit Photographic Co.
In the heart of downtown Savannah rests the 17Hundred90 Inn & Restaurant. After more than 100 years in business, it’s no surprise the inn is haunted and has many tales to tell. The inn is so haunted that the owners have decided to publish some guests’ experiences on their website for the viewing pleasure of all the paranormal buffs out there. The inn was built in 1820, and tragedy struck quickly; after all, yellow fever was rampant in Savannah at the time, and fires were breaking out everywhere. Perhaps the worst and saddest story was that of Anne Powell, who, after being seduced by the charms of a sailor on leave, jumped to her death from the window of room 204. Anne is said to rub the cheeks of male guests, lay out nightclothes for the women, and take small trinkets for herself. If you want to photograph Anne in room 204, do it now, because guests book this room months in advance—it is so popular!
The Hamilton-Turner InnÂ
Perhaps you have already heard of the Hamilton-Turner Inn, as it was made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Staying here, guests have heard billiard balls bouncing on the upper floors, seen a man smoking a cigar on the roof, and heard children running through the inn, playing and laughing, even though no children were known to be visiting.
The Moon River Brewing Company
Depiction of General William T. Sherman and his troops entering Savannah,
Georgia in the Civil War.
Perhaps the most haunted and saddest historical site in all of Savannah is The Moon River Brewing Company. Many consider it one of the most haunted locations in the area. Teams from popular TV shows have visited this famous site, which has been featured on Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures. Built in 1821, the building was originally the city hotel. It hosted many famous people and was a popular gathering place for Savannah’s high society.
After the Civil War, the building was also used as a hospital and treated many, many Savannah residents who were struck down by yellow fever. Many ghosts haunt The Moon River Brewing Company’s halls and rooms, some of them friendly and some of them not so much. The most frequent spirits seen are those of the children who possibly died there during the yellow fever outbreak. Also seen is Toby, a not-so-friendly ghost who taunts and haunts anyone who ventures into the downstairs part of the building, and a woman in old-fashioned attire, who will stand at the top of the stairs and glare down at the guests below. Not only are spirits seen here, but some people also feel them when something unseen bumps or prods them.
These are just a few of the most haunted historical sites in Savannah, Georgia, that you will want to see on a trip to this Southern city. Whether it’s the spirits at The Moon River Brewing Company or the ghosts that haunt the halls of The Kehoe House, if you love history and ghosts alike, Savannah, Georgia, is the place you can visit to find both.
©Anna Hicks, October 2018, updated October 2026.
About the Author: Anna Hicks is the blogger behind paidtwice.com. While she once wanted to be a teacher, she now gets her history fix by writing about it. She also enjoys writing about DIY, personal finance, and her terrible cooking skills.
Also See:
Haunted Hotels and Inns across America
The Founding of Savannah, Georgia