Shadows of the Past: Ghost Stories that Haunt Wilson County

Tennessee is known for some of the most eerie ghost stories. The Ghosts of Carnton Plantation and The Bell Witch, in Adams, are some of the most popular.

Carnton Plantation of Franklin
Carnton Plantation is known as the most haunted building in Tennessee. The home of John and Carrie McGavock, the plantation was the site of the “five bloodiest hours” of the Civil War on November 30, 1864.

During the Battle of Franklin almost 10,000 soldiers were killed. Mrs. McGavock graciously offered her home to serve as a Confederate field hospital. Hundreds of wounded were treated and many died. To this day, the bloodstains on the floor are still visible. Nearly 1,500 soldiers were buried on the property on land donated by the family.

Not only do many spirits haunt the house, but there are numerous reports of hearing gun and cannon fire and the charging of horses outside. Confederate Generals have been seen pacing the porches, soldiers appear to walk the property, and Carrie McGavock is said to be seen in a long dress, gazing toward the cemetery. Unexplained moans and groans have been heard in the cemetery, as well as apparitions of soldiers walking among the graves
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The Bell Witch of Adams
In 1804, the Bell family, consisting of John and Lucy Bell, and their children, built a house and started a farm on 1000 acres, located on the Red River in Robertson County, Tennessee. The first appearance of unusual disturbances surrounding the Bell family is usually reported as an incident on the farm in which John Bell fired a shot at a “dog-like” creature that vanished.

Knocking on the doors and windows, the sound of wings flapping against the ceilings, and the sound of rats gnawing on bedposts were reported. More disturbingly, the sound of choking and strangling could be heard along with chains dragging and heavy objects hitting the floor. The “Spirit” increased its activity, sometimes physically abusing the family members. Joel, Richard Williams, and, especially, Betsy were subjected to being struck, pinched, and having their hair pulled relentlessly by the Bell Witch. One of the central goals of the Bell Witch seemed to be the death of John Bell Sr. “Old Jack Bell” as the spirit called him, was blasted with curses, heinous threats, and serious physical torments. John Bell died on December 20, 1820.

The Bell Witch crashed the funeral disrupting the service and singing bawdy drinking songs. Legend has it that the Bell Witch even had an encounter with then-future President Andrew Jackson. After hearing the stories, Jackson owned property on the Red River and desired to visit the Bell farm. Though it played a relatively minor role in the original Bell Witch legend of the early 19th Century, the cave on John Bell’s property has since become a focal point for visitors hoping to experience a bit of the haunting themselves. Added to the National Historical Registry in 2008, the cave is the only original feature from the legend that can still be seen today largely unchanged from the way the Bell Family would have seen it in 1817. The Bell Witch has been the subject of countless modern books, analyses, documentaries, and movies, including the 2006 wide-release motion picture An American Haunting, very loosely based on the Bell Witch legend.

Did you know there are also some hauntings in Wilson County?
Among the scenic landscapes and historic sites, this county is known for its collection of spine-chilling ghost stories. From haunted mansions to eerie battlefields, we delve into the supernatural tales that have captivated the imaginations of Wilson County residents for generations.

1. The Phantom Lady of Cedars of Lebanon State Park:
   At Cedars of Lebanon State Park, there are reports of a spectral figure, often described as a woman in white, who is seen wandering through the trees and disappearing into thin air. Some believe she is the ghost of a grieving mother who tragically lost her child in the park. Witnesses have reported hearing cries of anguish and feeling an inexplicable sense of sadness in her presence.
2. Haunted Echoes in Lebanon Square:
   Lebanon Square, with its historic charm, is said to harbor ghostly whispers from the past. On quiet nights, residents claim to hear the distant notes of a phantom piano, its music echoing through the cobblestone streets. The square becomes a stage for the unseen, where the spirits of yesteryears share their stories in spectral serenades.
3. The Ghostly Soldiers of the Battle of Lebanon:
   During the Civil War, the Battle of Lebanon took place, leaving behind a trail of tragedy. It is said that the restless spirits of fallen soldiers haunt the area where the battle occurred. Locals have reported hearing distant gunfire, seeing apparitions in tattered uniforms, and experiencing an eerie sense of unease in and around battleground sites like Fite-Fessenden House and Lebanon Square.
4. The Mysterious House on Cainsville Road:
   Cainsville Road is home to an abandoned, dilapidated house that has fueled numerous ghost stories in Wilson County. Strange lights emanated from the windows, while others claim to have witnessed shadowy figures lurking in the vicinity. The house is steeped in rumors of tragic events and unexplainable happenings, making it a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts.

This area is a treasure trove of ghostly tales and haunted locations. From wandering spirits in picturesque parks to supernatural echoes of the past on historic battlegrounds, the county’s ghost stories continue to capture the imaginations of locals and visitors alike.

Whether rooted in tragic events, residual energies, or the fantastical imagination of those who tell the stories, these supernatural encounters have become an integral part of Wilson County’s rich folklore and served as a chilling reminder of the mysteries beneath the surface.