The 10 Most Haunted Places in Mississippi

Mississippi is brimming with deep history, culture, and a rich tapestry of folklore that includes tales of restless spirits and haunted locales. Uncover the most chilling and eerie places in Mississippi, where ghostly encounters, unexplained phenomena, and spine-tingling legends continue to capture the imagination of those brave enough to explore the Magnolia State’s haunted past. Mississippi offers a treasure trove of paranormal activity waiting for exploration, from Civil War battlefields to abandoned asylums and antebellum mansions. Dive into the supernatural side of this southern state and discover the 10 most haunted places in Mississippi.

1. The McRaven House: Vicksburg

The McRaven House, located in the historic town of Vicksburg, has earned the title of Mississippi’s “Most Haunted House.” It stands as a beautifully preserved time capsule, showcasing both antebellum architecture and chilling ghostly tales. This historic gem stands as a living testament to the turbulent past of the Deep South. Its rich history dates back to the 1790s and is not only a window into the region’s past but also a portal into the world of the supernatural.

The Tragic History of the McRaven House

The McRaven House witnessed its share of tragedy during the Civil War. In fact, it earned the title “Time Capsule of the South” because of its unique historical significance. Serving as a field hospital for both Confederate and Union soldiers, the house absorbed the pain and anguish of those who suffered within its walls. Visitors can still see bloodstains on the floors and walls, reminding them of the house’s dark wartime history.

Paranormal investigators far and wide know of the McRaven House’s eerie legends and ghostly apparitions. One such legend involves the “Dollhouse Room,” where visitors claim an eerie child’s laughter emanates from an empty room. Additionally, guests have reported encounters with ghostly figures, unexplained sounds, and an overall feeling of unease. The restless spirits that locals say inhabit the house have left an indelible mark on all who have ventured into its haunted halls.

Visiting the McRaven House

Today, the McRaven House stands as both a museum and a haunted attraction. It allows visitors to step back in time and experience the chilling stories of its past. Located at 1445 Harrison Street in Vicksburg, the house provides a unique opportunity to delve into the history of the Deep South and explore its paranormal side.

If you’re a history enthusiast with a taste for the supernatural, the McRaven House is a must-see on your journey through Mississippi’s most haunted places. As you wander its historic rooms, you may find yourself wondering if you’re truly alone. Or are the spirits of the past silently watching, waiting, and whispering their tales of the unexplained to you?

2. King’s Tavern: Natchez

Natchez, a city full of Southern charm and history, is also home to one of the most haunted places in the state: King’s Tavern. This charming yet eerie establishment carries a dark history that intertwines with the supernatural. It is the oldest building in the Magnolia State and a must-visit for those intrigued by the paranormal.

King’s Tavern has been a fixture in Natchez for centuries, with its origins dating back to the late 18th century. Once a place of merriment and refuge for travelers along the Natchez Trace, it hides stories of illicit affairs, hidden tunnels, and the restless spirits of its past occupants.

The Tragic History King’s Tavern

In the 1930s, King’s Tavern was at the center of a shocking discovery. During renovations, construction workers unearthed human remains behind a fireplace, shedding light on a gruesome and long-concealed secret. Historians learned that the tavern historically served as a site for clandestine burials, where perpetrators concealed their victims of unsolved murders, allowing their stories to fade into the mists of time.

One of the most famous legends surrounding King’s Tavern is the tale of Madeline, a former resident who met a tragic end. Historians believe she is one of the discovered bodies. Visitors have said her spirit roams the building, reporting encounters with her ghostly presence in various forms. Patrons and staff alike have experienced unexplained phenomena, including flickering lights, disembodied voices, and sudden temperature drops. Furthermore, patrons have also experienced apparitions of a young woman, the reflection of a woman’s face in mirrors, and warm spots on beds, adding to the eerie ambiance.

Visiting King’s Tavern

Located at 613 Jefferson Street, King’s Tavern was a popular restaurant and bar until it shuttered its doors in 2012. Furthermore, it offered a unique dining experience. Patrons could enjoy delicious food and drinks while possibly sharing their meals with unseen guests. The historic architecture, dimly lit rooms, and the knowledge of dining with lingering spirits created an atmosphere like no other.

3. Cedar Grove Mansion: Vicksburg

Today, the Inn at Cedar Grove, located in the heart of Vicksburg, occupies the historic Cedar Grove Mansion. It is an architectural marvel of the antebellum era and one of the largest B & B’s in Mississippi. While its stately columns and lush gardens exude an air of elegance, this historic mansion also harbors a darker side. It is full of tales of hauntings and unresolved mysteries.

The Tragic History of Cedar Grove Mansion

Built in the 1840s, Cedar Grove Mansion is a testament to the grandeur and opulence of the Old South. Its Greek Revival architecture and meticulously landscaped gardens have made it a beloved landmark in Vicksburg. It attracts both history enthusiasts and architectural admirers.

Cedar Grove Mansion’s most famous ghostly resident is the “Lady in White.” She is said to be the spirit of Mary Elizabeth Howard, who tragically lost her life on the property after complications from childbirth. Guests and staff have reported sightings of her ethereal figure, often drifting through the mansion’s halls. However, many believe her presence to be benevolent, bringing comfort to those who encounter her.

Beyond the Lady in White, Cedar Grove Mansion is said to host other restless spirits stemming from the mansion’s period as a Union hospital. Visitors have experienced unexplained footsteps, disembodied voices, and the sensation of being watched, especially in the dead of night. These encounters have piqued the curiosity of paranormal enthusiasts and investigators.

Visiting Cedar Grove Mansion

Cedar Grove Mansion is located at 2200 Oak Street, offering self-guided tours that allow visitors to explore its haunted grounds. However, the Inn at Cedar Grove is fully operational, offering luxury accommodations–if you can stand the paranormal. Whether you’re interested in the history, its architecture, or the mysteries, Cedar Grove Mansion promises a captivating and eerie journey.

As you wander the hallowed halls of the inn, you’ll find yourself immersed in the elegance of a bygone era. You will also find yourself keeping an eye out for signs of the otherworldly. The Lady in White and the enigmatic whispers of the past await those who dare to explore this historic gem.

4. Longwood Mansion: Natchez

Natchez is home to numerous historic landmarks, but none quite as enigmatic as Longwood, an antebellum architectural marvel. Its distinctive octagonal design, Moorish-style architecture, and sprawling grounds create an atmosphere of grandeur. However, it is the tale of its abrupt and unfinished construction that sets the stage for lingering ghostly echoes.

The Tragic History of Longwood Mansion

Longwood, also known as “Nutt’s Folly,” was designed and commissioned by Dr. Haller Nutt. He was a wealthy cotton planter in the late 1850s. Its Moorish-inspired design was a departure from the traditional antebellum architecture of the era. It was and is a unique and captivating structure. The mansion consists of six stories, with only the basement and the first floor completed.

The outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 disrupted the construction of Longwood, leaving it forever incomplete. Dr. Nutt and his family had to abandon their dream home and the grand vision they had for it. The upper floors of the mansion remain untouched, frozen in time with exposed wooden beams and brickwork.

Longwood is renowned for its ghostly legends, with visitors and staff reporting paranormal encounters over the years. The Nutt family, it is said, still roams the upper floors. Their lingering presence can be felt by those who venture into the unfinished parts of the mansion. Eerie footsteps, spectral apparitions, and unexplained sounds have all been attributed to these restless spirits.

Visiting Longwood Mansion

Find the incomplete Longwood Mansion at 140 Lower Woodville Road. It is open for guided tours. It offers a glimpse into both the grandness of the completed portions and the haunting atmosphere of the unfinished floors. Furthermore, exploring Longwood is like stepping into a time capsule. The echoes of the past, unfulfilled dreams, and the lingering spirits create an eerie yet fascinating experience. It is a place where history and the supernatural intertwine. It leaves visitors with a sense of unfinished business and a glimpse into a different era.

5. Waverley Mansion: West Point

Tucked away in West Point, Mississippi, Waverley Mansion has a haunting past. Its splendor, beauty, and the eerie tales of its history and the spirits that reside within its walls make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique blend of history and the paranormal.

The Tragic History of Waverley Mansion

Built in 1852 by Colonel George Hampton Young, Waverley Mansion showcases the splendor of Greek Revival architecture. Its iconic white columns, wrap-around verandas, and meticulously landscaped gardens exude an air of timeless grace. The mansion also served as a thriving cotton plantation during its heyday.

Waverley Mansion’s most famous ghost is the “Lady in the Window.” Legends suggest that she is Eliza, the wife of Colonel Young. Visitors and staff have reported seeing her ghostly apparition in one of the mansion’s upstairs windows, looking out longingly. The story goes that she pines for the children she lost and the life she once knew.

Additionally, the mansion’s halls are also said to be filled with paranormal activity, from unexplained footsteps and the sound of a music box playing, to a general sense of being watched. It’s not uncommon for those who explore Waverley Mansion to have ghostly encounters that leave them both awestruck and spooked.

Visiting Waverley Mansion

Located at 1852 Waverley Mansion Road, Waverley Mansion welcomes visitors to explore its rich history and the haunted stories that surround it. As you wander through its halls and gardens, you may find yourself entranced by its beauty and equally captivated by the eerie whispers of the past. The Lady in the Window and the other spirits said to reside here will accompany you on your journey, leaving you with a profound sense of the history and mystery that continues to live within these storied walls.

6. Merrehope: Meridian

Merrehope is a historical treasure that seamlessly blends Southern charm, stunning architecture, and the enduring echoes of a bygone era in Meridian, Mississippi. With its opulent interiors and lush gardens, Merrehope Mansion is an enchanting destination that beckons history enthusiasts and those captivated by tales of the supernatural.

The Tragic History of Merrehope

Constructed in the mid-19th century, Merrehope embodies the elegance of the antebellum South. Its Greek Revival-style architecture, complete with imposing columns and classic Southern verandas, has been home to prominent figures. However, the mansion has also witnessed the changing tides of American history.

In fact, Merrehope is reputed to be home to several lingering spirits. One of the most famous tales revolves around a ghostly lady dressed in white, often sighted gliding through the mansion’s halls. Visitors and staff have described encounters with her ghostly presence, adding to the allure of this historic estate.

Additionally, beyond the lady in white, the mansion is said to be a site of otherworldly activity. Visitors have reported unexplained sounds, ghostly footsteps, and an uncanny sense of being watched. These accounts have stirred the curiosity of paranormal enthusiasts and those intrigued by the mysteries of the past.

Visiting Merrehope

Merrehope is located at 905 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Drive. The property offers guided tours for visitors eager to delve into the mansion’s rich history and the ghostly legends that enshroud it. As you wander through Merrehope’s finely preserved rooms, you’ll be transported to a time of Southern grace and beauty. Yet, you may also find yourself attuned to the whispers of the past, the spectral residents who are said to inhabit this grand mansion. It’s a place where history and the supernatural seamlessly intertwine, leaving you with a deeper appreciation of the mysteries and enduring stories that linger within its elegant walls.

7. The Windsor Ruins: Port Gibson

Deep within the Mississippi woods near Port Gibson, the Windsor Ruins stand as a poignant yet mysterious testament to the South and the ravages of war. These haunting remains, composed of 23 Corinthian columns, offer a stark contrast to their serene surroundings, evoking both awe and a sense of haunting melancholy.

The Tragic History of Windsor Ruins

Windsor Ruins was once the magnificent Windsor Mansion, constructed in 1861. This sprawling plantation home, designed by architect David Shroder, stood as a symbol of Southern wealth and architectural affluence. Its 29 columns and 9,000 square feet made it one of the most prominent structures of its time.

However, tragically, the mansion’s existence was short-lived. During the Civil War, Union forces set fire to Windsor Mansion, reducing it to ruins in 1863. All that remains today are the haunting columns that once supported its grand portico.

Visitors to the Windsor Ruins have often captured unusual photographic anomalies, such as unexplained lights, shadows, or mist, adding to the site’s reputation for being haunted. Furthermore, some have also reported sensations of being watched, contributing to the eerie atmosphere that surrounds the site.

Visiting Windsor Ruins

You can find Windsor Ruins at 1530 Windsor Ruins Road, and it is open to the public for exploration. As you walk among the solitary columns of the site, you can’t help but be transported to an era of Southern majesty that was forever altered by the tumult of war. It is a place where the past lingers in the air, whispering tales of a bygone age and the tragedies that befell this once-stately mansion, now reduced to haunting remnants.

8. Glenwood Cemetery: Yazoo City

A haunted list would not be complete without at least one cemetery. Located in Yazoo City, Glenwood Cemetery serves as a final resting place for many souls. It is a serene and picturesque place, with moss-draped oaks and grand monuments that pay homage to the area’s past. However, it’s also steeped in folklore, including the infamous legend of the Witch of Yazoo.

The Tragic History of Glenwood Cemetery

Established in 1873, Glenwood Cemetery is a stunning blend of art, architecture, and nature. Its historical significance and the elegance of its tombstones and mausoleums make it a notable attraction for history enthusiasts and those with an appreciation for Victorian-era funerary art.

One of the most enduring legends associated with the cemetery is the tale of the Witch of Yazoo. As the story goes, a witch buried in the cemetery sought revenge from beyond the grave, causing a series of misfortunes in Yazoo City. Her grave, rumored to be encased in a protective cage of iron bars, has become a focal point of supernatural fascination.

Furthermore, Glenwood Cemetery has earned a reputation for ghostly encounters and unexplained phenomena. Visitors have reported hearing strange sounds, experiencing sudden temperature drops, and witnessing shadowy figures that appear and disappear among the tombstones. Some believe these encounters are connected to the restless spirits of the Witch of Yazoo, and others are laid to rest here.

Visiting Glenwood Cemetery

Glenwood Cemetery is open to the public. You can find it at 501 West Jefferson Street. As you stroll through the mossy avenues, you may find yourself captivated by the beauty and serenity of the site. However, you may also find whispers of the past and the lingering spirit of the Witch of Yazoo. It is a place where history and legend intersect, where the lines between the living and the supernatural blur, inviting you to ponder the persistent mysteries that reside within its hallowed grounds.

9. Rowan Oak: Oxford

Rowan Oak is more than just another historic house in Mississippi. Located in Oxford, it is a sanctuary for literary enthusiasts and a place where the stories of William Faulkner, one of America’s greatest novelists, come to life. However, this elegant Southern mansion is also steeped in history and tales of the supernatural–what great author’s home wouldn’t be?

The Tragic History of Rowan Oak

Built in 1844, Rowan Oak became the home of William Faulkner in 1930, and it was where he penned some of his most famous works. Faulkner’s Nobel Prize-winning novels, such as “The Sound and the Fury” and “As I Lay Dying,” were conceived within its walls. Today, the house serves as a tribute to his legacy.

However, Rowan Oak is not just a shrine to Faulkner’s literary genius. It is also known for its ghostly residents. The apparition of the Nobel laureate himself has been reported, and his presence is often sensed in his writing studio. Mysterious footsteps and whispers also add to the otherworldly atmosphere of the house.

Visiting Rowan Oak

Visitors can tour Rowan Oak, walking in the footsteps of a literary giant and witnessing the very rooms where Faulkner crafted his masterpieces. Sprawling grounds and the lush beauty of the Mississippi landscape surround the house. It is located at 916 Old Taylor Road and is open to the public.

As you tread the same grounds and enter the rooms where William Faulkner’s imagination thrived, you may find yourself transported to a time of literary brilliance. And, just maybe, you’ll sense the ghostly presence of the author himself, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to Rowan Oak.

10. Callaway Hall: Columbus

Coined MUW or just “The W” by locals, Mississippi University for Women is located in Columbus. It stands as a distinguished institution in the state’s educational landscape. It also boasts a rich history and a commitment to academic excellence. Founded in 1884 as the first public college for women in the United States, MUW has evolved into a coeducational university. However, it still retains its deep-rooted traditions and commitment to empowering students.

The Tragic History of Callaway Hall

MUW, and more importantly, Callaway Hall, has a compelling history. Callaway Hall Dormitory is the oldest building on the campus, constructed in 1860. While it is not uncommon for students and staff to experience unexplained phenomena throughout the campus, Callaway Hall is the most significant.

Callaway Hall was used as a hospital during the Civil War. The legend tells of a Civil War nurse, Mary, who fell in love with a wounded soldier. However, tragedy struck when the soldier went back to war, never to be seen by Mary again. Broken-hearted, Mary killed herself and is said to have haunted the halls ever since.

Furthermore, residents of the dormitory have documented eerie experiences. They have witnessed apparitions on student beds, elevators riding up and down, faucets turning on and off, and the sounds of weeping echoing throughout the storied halls.

Visiting Callaway Hall

The MUW campus, located at 1100 College Street, welcomes visitors, prospective students, and alumni, though access to Callaway Hall is restricted to residents. However, as you step onto the campus of Mississippi University for Women, you enter a place where history and the supernatural coexist. The legend of Mary and the unexplained occurrences within Callaway Hall might just make a believer out of the largest of skeptics.