IS THE GASTONIAN HAUNTED?
Our house has just enough creaks and nuances to fit in among the storied Savannah haunting grounds. But much to some thrill-seekers’ disappointment, The Gastonian is the least "rumored haunted" hotel among the {verdigreen} historic Savannah hotels collection.
Located near Forsyth Park, the inn was built as two adjacent residences in the 1860s. A lovely inn, this location is rarely associated with the typical rumors of haunts and spirits in Savannah.
However, if you wish to indulge in some of Savannah's ghostly folklore and haunts, we'll be happy to assist you with arranging one of the many Savannah Ghost Tours.
THE HAUNTED HOTELS & INNS OF SAVANNAH
Savannah, Georgia is known for its rich history and Southern charm, but it's also known for its thrilling ghosts and haunted sites. If you're looking to explore Savannah's haunted past, we invite you to stay with us—in our authentic historic inn—as you visit the city's most notorious specters and haunts.
WHY IS SAVANNAH CONSIDERED HAUNTED?
Along with New Orleans, Charleston, and Salem, Savannah often finds herself on the list of “America’s Most Haunted Cities.” With a history that dates back to the colonial period, there are ample tales of haunts in Savannah – and equally as many ghost tours and trolleys you can take to commune with the spirits.
So why the haunted reputation? Here are a few reasons haunted rumors abound in our lovely city.
From the Siege of Savannah in 1779 (240 killed, 600 wounded), to the Civil War, clashes have left their mark. Many stories you'll hear on the haunted tours involve unsettled soldiers lingering around and inside buildings.
In 1796 and in 1820, devastating fires destroyed hundreds of Savannah buildings. Also in 1820 and again in 1854, the Yellow Fever epidemic took the lives of a tenth of Savannah’s population. More epidemics followed—including one in 1876 killed 1,066 Savannahians.
Colonial Park Cemetery and other Savannah burial grounds are another reason for the haunted vibes. Colonial Park opened in 1750, and is the oldest intact municipal cemetery in Savannah. Its previous names include the Old Cemetery, Old Brick Graveyard, South Broad Street Cemetery, and Christ Church Cemetery. More than 10,000 people are buried in Colonial Park Cemetery, but there are fewer than 1,000 grave markers.
There are a number of burial grounds since 1750 that have now been covered up, built on top of, or paved over – earning Savannah the title “The City that Lives on her Dead.”