It’s Spooky Season! And this peaked our interest in discovering and sharing some of the most haunted places in Augusta.
Augusta has a long, rich history… so it makes sense that there are a few “ghost” stories attached to some of the buildings and areas around town.
Have you heard of these? Are there any you would add?
The Pillar
When asking around about “haunted” places and things in Augusta… this one was the first that most people mentioned. Since I’m not from here, I’d never actually heard about The Pillar, and was intrigued!
Apparently there once was a farmers market at Fifth and Broad Streets. This was wiped out from a rare tornado in 1878, but the pillar remained. Many believe this was a result of a curse brought on by an evangelists. He had tried to preach there, but was denied. As a result, he declared the market would be destroyed.
Sure enough, the tornado tore through the town, but left the pillar behind.
Local legend was that if anyone tried to move the pillar, they would die immediately, or at least soon after. Word was spread about the curse, and some accounts tell of unfortunate workers who were killed in the process of trying to move the pillar.
It eventually came to be believed that anyone who touched the pillar would die.
Unfortunately, this isn’t an attraction you can see anymore. It was destroyed back in 2016 by an out-of-control car.
Roadside America has more on the story HERE.
Here, someone visited the site, and talks about the legend behind it!
Sibley Mill
Back in the 1800s, Augusta was a booming industrial center. The canal contributed to many great things happening in the industrial arena. During the Civil War, Powder Works was the most important, but after the canal expanded, the building was pulled down– except for the 153-foot tall chimney. This served as a memorial to the Confederate dead.
Sibley Mill was built on that site. Haunted Rooms America shares the story from the early 1900s. At this time, men and women worked together on the weaving machines. One particular lady had an affair with a married co-worker. In 1906 that co-worker would come barging into the mill to shoot the woman. Apparently he did it because she had ended their relationship.
That was all it took. Since then, employees would report strange occurrences and sighting of the woman in the weaving room.
Wylly's Mausoleum
This is a strange one. Wylly Barron was a gambler, who was also very superstitious. In the 1860’s, Barron won in a gambling session and the loser was furious. The loser placed a curse on Barron, saying when he died, he wouldn’t have a grave to shelter him.
Wylly was terrified, but continued his gambling. He attempted to gain favor with the Lord though, and began donating large sums of money to charities.
He also bought a mausoleum at Augusta’s oldest cemetery- The Magnolia Cemetery. He demanded his body to be sealed in the mausoleum when he died and the key be thrown into the Savannah River.
His mausoleum is the only one that has no door, and no keyhole. He was convinced he would outwit the curse the sore loser had placed upon him.
Check out more about Wylly Barron here.
Augusta University
Is Augusta University one of the most haunted buildings in the area? Possibly!
According to some, there are several spirits that dwell there.
The most well-known spirit is that of Emily Galt. She died over 140 years ago under terrible circumstances. Her fiance had passed away, so she chose to join him and jumped to her death from a window in Bellevue Hall. Emily, and her little sister, Lucy, apparently etched their names into a window pane, along with the date 1861.
Some people say they’ve heard what sounds like a couple arguing. This is believed to be because Emily didn’t want her fiance to fight in the war, but he felt it was his duty.
Other weird occurrences include TVs turning on by themselves and phones that seem to have random issues.
The Benet House, which is the university’s admissions office, is also thought to be haunted. Some people report a gray figure flashing quickly by doorways, hearing footsteps, and a chair that rocks by itself.
At Walker Cemetery, there are stories of the spirit of a Confederate soldier walking among the graves, wearing a long grey coat and yellow sash.
The college campus was once the site of many Civil War-era homes, and a military arsenal, which may be a big factor in people believing it to be haunted.
More on Augusta University spirits here.
The Ezekiel Harris House
There are believed to be two different ghosts at the Ezekiel Harris House. It’s thought to be one of the most haunted places in Augusta.
One ghost is believed to be that of a soldier who was hanged from the stairwell during the Revolutionary War. Some visitors have heard creaking sounds– much like that of something swinging from a rope.
Some have seen this ghostly figure at times, and others report having a sensation that a rope is being tightened around their throats.
The second ghost is that of a female spirit, although no one is quite sure who she is.
More on the story with Haunted Rooms America.
Rosemary Hall
Rosemary Hall is located in North Augusta and was built around 1902. It’s said to be haunted by the spirit of Mrs. Jackson- wife of the original owner of the house. This ghost is most often spotted in room 205, but she’s also been seen walking up and down the main staircase as well.
Some guests have reported strange occurrences happening– like items disappearing and reappearing in odd places, along with hearing footsteps and televisions that seem to turn on and off by themselves.
More from Haunted Places.
Partridge Inn
The Partridge Inn has been a huge part of Augusta history for over a century. This hotel’s historic appeal has drawn guests from all over. But, it is apparently the most haunted hotel in Augusta.
It was originally built as a private home in 1836. It’s seen many renovations and conversions throughout the years.
Legend has it that the ghost of a woman named Emily remains there. The story is, she was getting ready for her wedding and found out her groom had been killed.
His death was tragic– having been mistaken for a soldier wanted for treason, and shot on sight.
The bride was devastated. According to the story, she kept her wedding dress on for several weeks, before she eventually died.
Staff and guest have reported seeing Emily in her wedding gown in the hallways and the rooms.
More about The Partridge Inn Spirit, HERE.
Looking for more?
If you’re looking to check out MORE creepy places around Georgia, check out this list from Haunted Places! Savannah, of course, has a huge history of haunted places… so if you’re down for a road trip, that’s definitely a top spot!
South Carolina has quite a few haunted places too! Including the Old Post Office in Aiken!
Have you visited any of these places? Ever had a ghost encounter?
