The autumn season is known for pumpkin patches and beautiful changing colors, but some folks are more than excited to pull out the creepy decor and go visit a haunted house. Nashville combines the eeriness of the season with a bit of history at these haunted spots around the city, some of which you may not have heard of. They're close enough together that you can visit every one of them in a single day, making the trip to these five spots in Nashville quite possibly one of the creepiest day trips in Music City.
1. Tennessee State Prison
You can find the Tennessee State Prison in West Nashville, just beyond the hustle and bustle of The Nations neighborhood. Although it is currently preserved by the Tennessee Department of Correction, there are no tours on-site. You can, however, drive by and take a look!
The Tennessee State Prison was used as the setting for "The Green Mile" with Tom Hanks but has been known much longer for its history of terrifying riots, fires, prison escapes, and terrible traditions. It operated from 1889 to 1992 and was once the home to "Old Sparky," the state's electric chair.
2. The Historic Bell Witch Cave
The Bell Witch Cave can be found just outside the city of Nashville in Adams, Tennessee, and is perhaps the best known horror story to come from the Volunteer State. The Bell family has long been considered to have fallen victim to the Bell Witch, and even President Andrew Jackson stated, "I had rather face the entire British Army than to spend another night with the Bell Witch." Tours are available on-site for an admission fee.
3. Union Station
Union Station Hotel sits high and pretty in the midst of Nashville's downtown hubbub, and though it is now a luxury accomodation it was once the central train station for the city. The hotel is said to be haunted by a young woman whose soldier fiance never returned after battle, and she fell to her death on the train tracks in complete heartbreak.
This photo was taken in 1935, and you can see the clock tower high above the rest of the city. If you're looking to experience a haunt for yourself, book Room 711. You may just have a few unexplained moments overnight!
4. Carnton Plantation
The Carnton Plantation is located in Franklin, Tennessee, and was less than a mile from the Battle of Franklin, one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War. Nowadays, you can tour the property, but many say that the spirits of the dead still haunted the grounds.
5. Two Rivers Mansion
Two Rivers Mansion can be found just outside of Nashville's main drag in the Donelson suburb. The mansion is said to be haunted by the ghosts of the McGavock family, long-dead Civil War soldiers, and even Native Americans who used to call the area home.
Visitors claim to have seen a "Lady in Black," and a series of inexplicable incidents like cold spots, flickering lights, and odd sightings have plagued the property for years. Although you cannot curently tour the mansion, it is available for rent as an event venue.
How many of these creepy hot spots have you been to? Are you planning a new agenda for the upcoming autumn season?
Continue to experience the beauty of Nashville’s surrounding area with a hike to this famous swimming hole.
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