Savannah’s Haunted History: Ghosts of Colonial Park Cemetery

Savannah: America’s Most Haunted City? The Chilling Truth About Colonial Park Cemetery

They don’t call Savannah the “City Built on Its Dead” for nothing. Walk through its moss-draped streets, and you’re literally strolling over graves. Creeped out yet? You should be. Beneath the charming antebellum homes and cobblestone squares lies a darker history—one filled with yellow fever victims, Civil War vandalism, and restless spirits who really don’t appreciate being paved over.

And if you think that’s just ghost story fluff, think again. Savannah’s Colonial Park Cemetery is ground zero for paranormal activity, with over 10,000 bodies buried beneath its six acres—most of them still there, even if their headstones aren’t. So, what makes this place so haunted? Let’s dig in (pun very much intended).

Why Colonial Park Cemetery Is Savannah’s Paranormal Hotspot

A Graveyard With a Gruesome Past

Established in 1750, Colonial Park Cemetery was Savannah’s main burial ground for over a century. But here’s the kicker: Only about 1,000 headstones remain—so where are the other 9,000 bodies?

• Mass graves from the 1820 yellow fever epidemic (700+ victims).
• Family vaults where remains were recycled—yes, you read that right. Bodies turned to dust, got stuffed into urns, and made room for the next generation of deceased. (Talk about family bonding.)
• Union troops during the Civil War moved, defaced, or destroyed headstones for fun, leaving behind a confusing mess of misplaced graves.

And the real kicker? When the city expanded, they paved right over the cemetery’s edges, leaving who-knows-how-many bodies under Abercorn and Oglethorpe streets. Ever walked those roads? Congrats, you’ve probably stepped on someone’s grave.

Ghosts of Colonial Park: Who’s Still Hanging Around?

1. The Dueling Ghosts

Today, part of the cemetery is a children’s playground and basketball court. Harmless, right? Not quite. Visitors report seeing phantom duelists—spirits of men killed in old-fashioned pistol fights. (Because nothing says “fun playground vibes” like ghostly gunshots.)

2. The Shadow Figures & Green Mist

Wander the graveyard at dusk, and you might spot:

• Dark, humanoid shadows darting between tombstones.
• A glowing green mist that floats eerily near the oldest graves. (Spoiler: That’s not swamp gas.)

3. The Infamous “Hanging Tree” Ghost

The cemetery’s most famous specter? Rene Rondolier, a near-7-foot-tall ghost said to lurk near the back wall. Legend claims he:

• Murdered two young girls in the cemetery.
• Was lynched—either from the “Hanging Tree” or in a nearby square.

Here’s the twist: Historians can’t confirm Rondolier ever existed. But with hundreds of sightings, does it matter? Paranormal investigators call Colonial Park “Paranormal Central” for a reason.

Why Savannah’s Historic District Is America’s Ghost Capital

Colonial Park isn’t the only haunted spot in town. Savannah’s entire Historic District sits atop old burial grounds, making it a supernatural buffet.

Other Haunted Hotspots

• The Sorrel-Weed House: A Civil War-era mansion with phantom footsteps and a heartbroken ghost who may have jumped to her death.
• The Marshall House: A former hospital where guests report bloodstains reappearing on floors and ghostly nurses roaming halls.
• Bonaventure Cemetery: Made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, this sprawling graveyard is home to the “Bird Girl” statue and plenty of restless spirits.

So why is Savannah so haunted? Blame the unmarked graves, tragic history, and the fact that the city basically built its sidewalks on top of cemeteries. (Real estate tip: Maybe don’t do that.)

Want to See a Ghost? Here’s How

If you’re brave enough to visit, here’s how to maximize your paranormal odds:

Best Times for Ghost Sightings

• Dusk to midnight: When the veil between worlds is allegedly thinnest.
• Foggy nights: Because ghosts love dramatic entrances.
• During a ghost tour: Savannah’s guides know all the spookiest corners.

Where to Look for Spirits in Colonial Park

• The “Hanging Tree” (back wall) – Rene’s favorite spot.
• The playground area – Dueling ghosts love an audience.
• The oldest headstones – Shadow figures like to lurk here.

Pro tip: Bring a camera. Orbs and mist show up in photos way more often than you’d expect.

The Big Question: Are These Ghosts Real?

Skeptics will say it’s all folklore and overactive imaginations. But with hundreds of documented sightings, including from paranormal investigators, historians, and even cops, it’s hard to dismiss everything as coincidence.

• Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP): Recordings in the cemetery have picked up unexplained whispers.
• Thermal anomalies: Sudden cold spots in 80°F weather? Not normal.
• Photographic evidence: Too many visitors snap photos with mysterious figures in the background.

Bottom line? Whether you believe in ghosts or not, Savannah’s haunted reputation isn’t going anywhere.

Final Verdict: Should You Visit?

• If you love history with a side of chills, absolutely. Colonial Park Cemetery is:
• Free to enter (open daily until dusk).
• Packed with stories (both historic and supernatural).
• One of America’s most haunted places (bragging rights included).

Just maybe don’t go alone. And if you hear footsteps behind you when no one’s there? Run.