The Old Chatham County Jail: Savannah’s Most Haunted Landmark
Savannah, Georgia, is known for its Southern charm, historic architecture, and—let’s be honest—its ghosts. But few places in this haunted city are as terrifying as the Old Chatham County Jail. Established in 1737, this jail housed over 300 prisoners during its 250-year history. It was closed in 1989, but the spirits of its past inhabitants? They never left.
A Dark History: The Jail’s Grim Past
The Old Chatham County Jail wasn’t just any prison. It was a place of suffering, despair, and death. For over two centuries, it held some of Georgia’s most dangerous criminals. When it closed in 1989, the building was repurposed to store city archives. But it wasn’t long before employees began reporting strange activity.
Footsteps echoing in empty hallways. Voices whispering when no one was around. A constant feeling of being watched. And then, things got physical. Employees reported being touched, pushed, and even thrown against walls by an unseen force.
Paranormal Investigations: Evidence of the Supernatural
When the strange occurrences became too much to ignore, paranormal researchers were called in. What they found was chilling. Videos of ghostly figures. EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) capturing eerie voices. And poltergeist activity that defied explanation.
One of the most shocking incidents involved a 150-pound metal plate. Researchers watched in horror as it flew across the room, hitting the opposite wall with such force that it left a permanent mark.
The Infamous Cell of Carl Isaacs
Of all the cells in the Old Chatham County Jail, one stands out as the most active: the cell of Carl Isaacs. Isaacs was no ordinary criminal. In 1973, he escaped from a Maryland jail and, along with his brothers, headed to Florida. But their journey took a dark turn when they ran out of gas in Georgia.
Desperate, they decided to rob a trailer home owned by the Alday family. What followed was a nightmare. Isaacs and his brothers murdered five members of the Alday family, raped and killed Mary Alday, and dumped her body in the woods. The crime remains one of the most horrific in Georgia’s history.
Isaacs was eventually captured and sentenced to death. He spent years on death row in the Old Chatham County Jail. And even after his execution, his spirit is said to linger.
The Malevolent Spirit of Carl Isaacs
Paranormal investigators who’ve entered Isaacs’ cell report an overwhelming sense of dread. Many describe it as an oppressive, almost evil energy that’s hard to shake even after leaving the cell. Some have even claimed to see Isaacs’ ghost, his malevolent presence still haunting the space where he once lived.
Because of these experiences, access to the jail is heavily restricted. While paranormal teams are allowed to investigate, casual visitors are turned away. The risk is simply too great.
The Jail’s Demolition: Will the Hauntings End?
Recently, rumors have circulated that the Old Chatham County Jail has been demolished. If true, what happens to the spirits that once called it home? Do they move on, or do they linger, bound to the land where so much suffering occurred?
While the building may be gone, the stories and the energy it held remain. For those who’ve experienced its hauntings firsthand, the Old Chatham County Jail will always be a place of fear and fascination.
A Glimpse into the Haunting
For those brave enough to explore the jail’s dark history, here’s a short segment from a TV show that delves into its paranormal activity.
Final Thoughts
The Old Chatham County Jail is more than just a building; it’s a testament to Savannah’s haunted past. Its stories of suffering, violence, and supernatural activity make it one of the most chilling locations in the city. Whether the jail still stands or has been demolished, its legacy—and its ghosts—will continue to haunt those who dare to remember.