7 Truly Terrifying Ghost Stories That Prove Natchez Is The Most Haunted City In Mississippi
Between being one of the oldest cities in the state and having hundreds of structures on the National Register of Historic Places, it should come as no surprise that Natchez is filled with spooky places. In fact, the city has been dubbed the most haunted in Mississippi. Not convinced? These seven creepy ghost stories should definitely do the trick.
Built in the early 1800s, Monmouth Plantation has had many occupants over the years, and one of them, General John A. Quitman, has allegedly never left. Guests of the current day bed and breakfast have reported seeing the General dressed in full uniform and inspecting the grounds. While others have reported being woken up by the General checking on them in their rooms. A terrifying wakeup call, to say the least.
This National Historic Landmark was constructed in the mid-1800s, and has had some strange occurrences take place over the years. Usually, hearing a musical instrument being played live is a real treat but after staying at the Dunleith Historic Inn, you’ll probably feel differently. Patrons at the inn have reported hearing a harp being played…by a female apparition.
Dating all the way back to the 1700s, it makes sense that the Linden Bed and Breakfast has had a lot of paranormal activity, but it doesn’t make it any less creepy! Sightings of a phantom horse-drawn carriage parked in the driveway have been reported as well as what sounds like someone tapping a cane. And, that’s not all. Two apparitions, a man and a woman, are said to haunt the property. The man is often seen in a bedroom, while the woman has been seen jumping from the roof and disappearing into thin air before hitting the ground.
As the city’s oldest standing building, King’s Tavern is rich in history – and that includes the paranormal kind. The building is believed to be haunted by several ghosts, including Madeline, the mistress of one of the tavern’s original owners. No one is sure whatever happened to Madeline, however, in the 1930s, three mummified bodies were found in the tavern’s cellar – two male and one female, which was assumed to be Madeline.
Several believe the malevolent spirit that haunts the property belongs to Wiley Harpe, the infamous outlaw. The EVP on the (creepy) video below is believed to be Wiley.
In August of 1932, Jane Surget Merrill, better known as Jennie, was found murdered in her home - a mystery that would unravel one of the strangest tales in the history of Natchez. After purchasing her home, Glenburnie, Jennie became somewhat of a recluse, only accepting visits from her cousin and suspected lover, Duncan. The two began to have issues with the neighbors, Richard Dana and Octavia Dockery, who lived in a home known as Glenwood. After Jennie’s body was discovered, police immediately suspected Richard and Octavia. When the police arrived at Glenwood to question the two they were faced with a shocking sight – the mansion was in total disarray.
The ceiling was partially caved in, windows were broken, and the home was infested with fleas, mites, and cockroaches. Chickens, geese, and goats were actually living inside the home, earning it the nickname “Goat Castle.” Eventually, Richard and Octavia were cleared of the murder and returned to their home, which they opened for tours. By 1950, the two had passed away but the tale of Goat Castle lived on. Several witnesses have reported seeing an apparition, who is believed to be Jennie seeking vengeance for her murder. Other witnesses claim that Jennie’s ghost can be heard moaning as she darts from tree to tree. The ghost of Octavia has also been spotted wandering the woods near Goat Castle; while others have reported hearing Richard play the piano.
Once a hangout for local criminals, Natchez’s “Under the Hill” area is now a popular tourist spot, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still evil lurking around. This area of the city is thought to be home to a number of ghosts, including that of well-known outlaw, Joseph Thompson Hare. Since being hanged in 1818, several witnesses have spotted the laughing ghost of Hare, who is often accompanied by the ghost of his unfaithful mistress. Aside from Hare, several other ghosts have been seen in this area of Natchez, including a main in a military uniform, several Spanish soldiers, and outlaw John Murrel.
Longwood was occupied by the Nutt family until 1970; however, many claim the Nutt’s never left. According to reports, Haller, his wife Julia, and their children still haunt the home. Witnesses have reported seeing Julia on the staircase, while Haller has been spotted in the garden area.
Want to check out the haunted city for yourself? Daily ghost tours are offered by the company Downtown Karla Brown. For only $25 per person, you’ll be taken on a two-hour tour of some of Natchez’s most haunted locales, including the Under-the-Hill area, the old county jail, several antebellum homes, and Kings Tavern. All tours begin at 406 Franklin Street, and can be scheduled here.
What are some other places in Natchez that are known to be haunted?
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Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for the past 25 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships, working for The Royal Obsession and Anatomie clothing. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as Parents & Kids Magazine and Girl Meets Strong. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.