In honor of Halloween, I wanted to focus on some places I've been, and plan to go, that are just a little spooky.
We've talked my favorite ghost, Agnes. She haunts Brenau University, if you can call it haunting, and plays pranks on students. Legend is, she was a heartbroken music student that committed suicide in Pearce Auditorium's mythical pool under the stage in the 1920s.
Alta Vista, New Holland, Flowery Branch, Auraria cemeteries... Well, the list goes on. Cemeteries are always a little on the spooky side. I'm personally a fan of Alta Vista, which is the resting place of several Brenau past presidents as well as historical figures, like Revolutionary war soldiers and the notorious Civil War General James Longstreet.
Speaking of Auraria, it's the closest ghost town to Gainesville, on the outskirts of Dahlonega. Auraria was a gold rush town that is now just a field and a few buildings, and even in the daylight, it's not a place for a solo trip.
Booger Hill in Cumming, a gravity hill, also has a ghost story attached. Legend goes two slaves were hung on two giant oak trees that surround the road, and if you put your car in neutral, they either pull you backwards or push up you uphill.
Sautee Nacoochee mound is rumored to be the grave of two lost lovers, but archeologists really did find dozens of graves under the mound once. There's also an Indian Mound in Dahlonega, which I haven't visited yet, but it's rumored to belong to a princess.
Dawgs fans have probably visited this gravesite. All of the past Ugas that have passed on are buried in a tomb on campus. Not exactly scary, but it will definitely give you the feels if you love the Dawgs, or just love dogs.
In in the animal kingdom, there's also a monkey memorial at the Autry Mill Nature Preserve after a legend about farmers killing cluster of monkeys out of fear inspired one artist.
Buford General was an old hospital, and let's face it, abandoned hospitals are terrifying. It's (or was?) in Gwinnett County.
The Dawson Forest Nuclear Reactor is located in the Dawson WMA, but the reactor is pretty mysterious, we do know it's apparently owned by the city of Atlanta. Another thing we know? It's got a big fence and "No Trespassing" signs.
The Georgia Guidestones, or Stonehenge of the South, is a mysterious granite monument in Elberton, that may or may not be a reference to a new world order or aliens, and are a hotbed for conspiracy theories. But, they're also beautiful, resting at the highest point of the county.
And lastly, one of my most favorite chilling stories: the Gainesville tornado of 1936. This isn't local legend, it's one of the deadliest tornados in US history, leaving over 200 people dead. As a college student, I was honored to hear the stories of several tornado survivors at the 75th anniversary, including a story from the late John Jacobs, Jr., who's son would later become my boss.
I'm sure I'm missing a few things - if you've got a spooky story or strange location to share, email me at [email protected]
Have a happy and safe Halloween! Until next time, stay curious.
