See my post, The History of Bonaventure. It's a great story with more photos.
Showing posts with label georgia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label georgia. Show all posts
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Bonaventure - Savannah, GA ~ Day 16
The Bonaventure Cemetery is considered the most haunted in Savannah, Georgia. Which, for a place like Savannah, is saying something.
See my post, The History of Bonaventure. It's a great story with more photos.
See my post, The History of Bonaventure. It's a great story with more photos.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
The Legends of Savannah's Tunnels ~ Day 6
Savannah is a city built on her dead. Well, what does that mean? Exactly??
Creepy.
I don't know about you but the thought of mysterious underground tunnels gives new meaning to walking down the street at night. A series of centuries-old tunnels exist beneath much of Savannah's historic district. And to know what might've gone on down there is enough to keep you up at night.
Not much is known for certain about these tunnels. They were most likely built at different times and for varying purposes. For example, some were likely built by the British as part of the city's early defense system. And not surprisingly some were most likely built as part of the underground railroad. But it's those other tunnels that make the little hairs stand up on my arms.
Adjacent to the old Candler Hospital is the entrance to one tunnel. It's actually where the old morgue used to be. But before it was Candler Hospital, legend has it, doctors used this secretive area to perform illegal autopsies and human experiments. (Can you say Frankenstein?!) It runs under the hospital parking lot to Drayton Street.
Savannah's first major yellow fever epidemic occurred in 1820 and 666 people died. The 1854 epidemic followed killing 1,040 and it culminated in a final yellow fever outbreak in 1876, killing 1,066. By September of that year 5,000 of Savannah's 28,000 residents had fled. During the yellow fever epidemic, it is believed that some of the underground tunnels were used to hide the bodies of the dead until nightfall when they would be buried in secret away from the prying eyes of Savannah's frightened citizens.
Yellow fever was a mysterious and frightening illness causing uncontrollable hemorrhaging and sudden death. Also according to legend, many were believed to have slipped into a coma and been buried alive.
VIA
About a block away from the Old Candler Hospital, on Calhoun Square - the only square with all it's original buildings still intact, sits a dilapidated Greek Revival structure known as 432 Abercorn. The house was built in 1868 and belonged to Civil War general Benjamin J. Wilson who's wife was one of Savannah's yellow fever victims.
She left behind a young daughter who is said to have died from heat stroke after being punished by her father and according to witnesses the little girl and her father never left. Years later 432 Abercorn is purported to have experienced a triple murder (of 3 little girls) and a missing person. You might also hear that the bodies of 10,000 slaves who died on their trip from Africa were deposited here. Most Savannians will tell you just walking by the place will give you goose bumps.
And, if it's pirates ye fancy, well mateys, they had a tunnel, too!
Dug directly beneath the Pirates' House Inn & Restaurant, built way back in 1753, is a tunnel known as the Pirate's Passage. It is said to have extended from the rum cellar to a dock on the Savannah River a block away. Druken patrons of the tavern sometimes awoken to find themselves aboard ship headed to China having been "shanghaied" by pirates through the passage.
And according the Pirates' House place mat, Robert Louis Stevenson was once a guest and it was here he is said to have met the real Captain Flint and inspiration for his classic novel, Treasure Island. Of course, Captain Flint is among the myriad of restless souls who are said to haunt the place but I'm guessing none of them look like Johnny Depp.
HOPE YOU'RE GIDDY WITH GOOSE BUMPS......
.........CONTINUES
Creepy.
I don't know about you but the thought of mysterious underground tunnels gives new meaning to walking down the street at night. A series of centuries-old tunnels exist beneath much of Savannah's historic district. And to know what might've gone on down there is enough to keep you up at night.
Not much is known for certain about these tunnels. They were most likely built at different times and for varying purposes. For example, some were likely built by the British as part of the city's early defense system. And not surprisingly some were most likely built as part of the underground railroad. But it's those other tunnels that make the little hairs stand up on my arms.
Adjacent to the old Candler Hospital is the entrance to one tunnel. It's actually where the old morgue used to be. But before it was Candler Hospital, legend has it, doctors used this secretive area to perform illegal autopsies and human experiments. (Can you say Frankenstein?!) It runs under the hospital parking lot to Drayton Street.
Savannah's first major yellow fever epidemic occurred in 1820 and 666 people died. The 1854 epidemic followed killing 1,040 and it culminated in a final yellow fever outbreak in 1876, killing 1,066. By September of that year 5,000 of Savannah's 28,000 residents had fled. During the yellow fever epidemic, it is believed that some of the underground tunnels were used to hide the bodies of the dead until nightfall when they would be buried in secret away from the prying eyes of Savannah's frightened citizens.
Yellow fever was a mysterious and frightening illness causing uncontrollable hemorrhaging and sudden death. Also according to legend, many were believed to have slipped into a coma and been buried alive.
About a block away from the Old Candler Hospital, on Calhoun Square - the only square with all it's original buildings still intact, sits a dilapidated Greek Revival structure known as 432 Abercorn. The house was built in 1868 and belonged to Civil War general Benjamin J. Wilson who's wife was one of Savannah's yellow fever victims.
She left behind a young daughter who is said to have died from heat stroke after being punished by her father and according to witnesses the little girl and her father never left. Years later 432 Abercorn is purported to have experienced a triple murder (of 3 little girls) and a missing person. You might also hear that the bodies of 10,000 slaves who died on their trip from Africa were deposited here. Most Savannians will tell you just walking by the place will give you goose bumps.
And, if it's pirates ye fancy, well mateys, they had a tunnel, too!
Dug directly beneath the Pirates' House Inn & Restaurant, built way back in 1753, is a tunnel known as the Pirate's Passage. It is said to have extended from the rum cellar to a dock on the Savannah River a block away. Druken patrons of the tavern sometimes awoken to find themselves aboard ship headed to China having been "shanghaied" by pirates through the passage.
And according the Pirates' House place mat, Robert Louis Stevenson was once a guest and it was here he is said to have met the real Captain Flint and inspiration for his classic novel, Treasure Island. Of course, Captain Flint is among the myriad of restless souls who are said to haunt the place but I'm guessing none of them look like Johnny Depp.
HOPE YOU'RE GIDDY WITH GOOSE BUMPS......
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Haunted Savannah Ghost Stories Series ~ Day 5
Depending on who you ask, America's Most Haunted City might be New Orleans. I've never been to Louisiana so I can't comment, but Savannah, Savannah I know. In my humble opinion, October is the best time to visit. The heat isn't so bad and the gnats are all but gone. In fact, it's quite cool here right about now, for the south anyway. But Savannah in October is spectacular regardless of the weather....or the gnats. There's October Fest, there's the film festival, the Greek festival and, oh yeah, there are ghosts, too. Lots of 'em.
There are always ghosts in Savannah but this time of year is perfect for a ghost tour. Pick your poison: go on a walking tour, a haunted trolley, in a hearse and if you're really brave, go on the All Hallows Eve Paranormal Hunt of the Dead tour.
If you're strapped for cash or it's too late to plan a trip, how about you join me for my Haunted Savannah Blog Tour. I'll tell you all the ghost stories I know....for FREE. How's that sound?
Starting tomorrow, and various days during October, I'll post a special Savannah ghost story. If you can't wait and you need one tonight, search my blog. You'll find some really great ones, my own ghost story's here somewhere, as a matter of fact. That should tide you over until tomorrow. Just try not to scare yourself too much. You'll need your rest for tomorrow night.
ARE YOU HAVING FUN YET?
Monday, August 1, 2011
The Georgia Aquarium
Sometimes it's easy to forget all of the cool things in your own "backyard".
The Georgia Aquarium is only about 4 hours away and well worth the trip.
I think jellyfish are some of the most beautiful creatures on the planet.
This little creature is pretty beautiful, too.
I was amazed at what a good time he seemed to be having even though I thought he'd be way too young to enjoy it.
The fish swimming overhead intriqued him.
The upside down jellyfish intriqued me.
So did the whale shark. His mouth is 4 - 5ft wide but his throat is only about the size of a quarter. He doesn't eat anything in this aquarium.
UPS delivers whale sharks. Just FYI in case you're considering one.
Someone better buy me the scuba tour for my birthday!
These Rays were huge.
Mesmerized.
I know I must be weird but I really like sharks. Of course, one has never tried to taste me so I guess it's easy to say on that side of things.
He thinks they're cool too but every time we read the Shark Encyclopedia before bed he asks to sleep with me.
Look Pax! Some one's waving at you in there!
Cherished Memories
Hey Look! It's Patrick!
Giant Japanese Spider Crabs. Do they give you the hebejebes?
My favorite, The Beluga.
Crawl through the tunnels to watch the River Otters. I did.
Don't punk out like most of the other adults. You can so fit in the tunnel. I did.
Don't punk out like most of the other adults. You can so fit in the tunnel. I did.
Ever wanted to pet a Sting Ray? Go ahead. They don't mind. They feel a little slimy though.
Momma, why is that alligator white?
The "coolest thing in here": The Electric Eel
The coolest boy in here: Mr. B
Even if the Georgia Aquarium isn't in your backyard, you really should go. Did you know they even do sleepovers? I might have to get in on that. That and the scuba dive. By the way, my birthday's in September.
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