With the origins of Macon tracing back to 1806, the city is a place steeped in history. And it’s also rumored to be home to a few ghostly residents. From grand old mansions to historic forts, these eerie locations offer a glimpse into the city’s past and a chance to experience the supernatural. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or simply looking for a thrilling adventure, these five Macon haunts are sure to leave a lasting impression.
1. Fort Hawkins
Fort Hawkins was established in 1806 and was used as a US Army fort for trading with the Creek Nation. Its establishment heavily contributed to the founding of Macon just 17 years later. Although it was used for mostly trade, that doesn’t mean the fort hasn’t seen action. It was most famously used by the US during the War of 1812 against the British. Because of this, it’s said that visitors can see the apparitions of young US Army soldiers who died during that era. There have also been reports of visitors seeing the spirits of Native Americans who lived around the fort before they were forced west of the Chattahoochee River.
Entrance to the Rose Hill Cemetery where claimed “shapeshifter” resides in Macon. December, 2022 (Max Bickers)
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The Rose Hill Cemetery is a 50-acre cemetery that was established in 1840. Situated along the Ocmulgee River, it’s a popular destination for its picturesque views. Before becoming the resting place of some 19,000 Maconites, the Rose Hill Cemetery was originally designed by Simri Rose to be a community garden.
The cemetery is most famously known for being the final resting place for Duane and Gregg Allman of Macon’s beloved Allman Brothers Band. However, what’s said to be haunting the cemetery is something else. Long ago, some 600 Union and Confederate soldiers were buried throughout the hillsides of the cemetery. When visiting late at night, it is rumored that the ghosts of the soldiers can be seen roaming about or continuing their battles from the Civil War. There have also been reports of visitors seeing the ghosts of early Macon residents still dressed in the clothes from their era.
The Johnston-Felton-Hay House in Macon, Georgia captured on Monday, January 31, 2022. (Naya Tillitt)
Spanning 18,000 square feet, the Hay House is one of Macon’s most famous destinations for tourists. Its Italian Renaissance Revival style is known for standing out from the Greek Revival architecture of the antebellum era. Built in 1859, the house now stands as a museum.
The house is said to be haunted by at least a half dozen spirits that often make themselves known to those visiting. Visitors have reported feeling chills, hearing footsteps, and doors slamming with no one there. There are also rumors of a spirit seen as an elderly woman wandering the halls in a dress from the 1800s. The ghost of a past resident known as Mary Ellen Felton was recently seen by a maid of the Hay House as well.
Eliza Moore
The Burke Mansion was built in 1887 and is located in the Historic Intown District of Macon. Now serving as a bed-and-breakfast, the mansion has been used as an antique shop, a family home, and a rehabilitation center for cancer and drug patients.
Guests who have booked stays here have reported paranormal encounters. The most common reports are seeing the spirits of past employees roaming the halls. Other reports have said that the ghosts of the mansion’s past guests can be seen as well. There are also reports of guests seeing the apparitions of the Burke family members that first lived in the house in the late 1800s.
5. The 1842 Inn
The 1842 Inn is a popular place for special events like weddings, parties, and other social events. Former Macon mayor John Gresham built the home in a Greek revival style, and it served as his family home until being sold to the B. F. Adams family in 1900.
The inn is said to be haunted by Gresham and his family members. There is a reported unidentified female entity who is in the home as well. She is described as a tall and thin blonde woman, and can be seen doing chores around the house. A very young female spirit has been reported by guests and is believed to have died there during the early 1900s. There is a belief that the young spirit is the daughter of the unidentified female spirit, and they can be seen together at times.
Macon’s unique blend of Southern charm and supernatural intrigue continues to bring in tourists from all over. These haunted locations provide a glimpse into the city’s past and an opportunity to experience the unexplained. So, if you’re ready to explore the spooky side of Macon, gather your courage and embark on a ghostly adventure!
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