Location: Multiple

Date: 2/2005

City: Savannah

State: Georgia

Written by: Sue

Scott, Susie and myself did a little investigation on our own while vacationing in Savannah, Georgia. The Marshall House Hotel is the oldest hotel in Savannah, opening it's doors in 1851. We spent three days there. We spoke with the manager and one man on staff concerning the ghosts within the hotel. They assured us there is activity, telling us the ghost of Mary Marshall herself is heard singing to sick soldiers, as she did during the Civil War. The Marshall House Hotel was used as a hospital by the Union Army in 1864 and 65. There have been ghost sightings of some of the soldiers from time to time.

After many years, it began it's decline and closed in 1957, some thought forever. In 1999, it underwent a tremendous renovation and reopened to the public. The rooms are well appointed with all the traveler amenities such as computer hookups, TVs with cable, bright yellow colors and pine furniture. Wrought Iron beds were lush with fine linens and comforter type bedspreads. There are lovely white housecoats there for your use. There is turn down service and a newspaper at your door each morning. The superior continental breakfast boasts of so much more than you would dream. Fresh fruits, hot coffees and juices, bagels with toasters to heat them, cereal, danishes, muffins and more.

The people we talked to said many patrons have come down in the mornings, saying they had seen a cat on the second floor. They do not permit pets and one has to conclude the cat was a ghost and has been seen often. We did not hear a purr or get a glimpse of it though.

The management was cordial and told us we could take pictures and look around. What a treat. Parts of the hotel are original, with wide board, very old hardwood floors. If ever a place says ghosts, this one did.

We came away without enough measured evidence to really say there are ghosts there. We got multiple orbs on camcorder tapes and had those feeling that you learn to heed. We concluded the orbs were dust and you cannot make a statement of validity on feelings alone.

We also had great fun on our midnight ghost tour in a hearse. The driver was congenial, well-versed in history and had the resounding voice of a radio announcer telling his ghost tales as we rode in the rickety old Cadillac hearse that was converted for you to sit up high  and see out. 

As we rode by the Pirates House Restaurant, I snapped a picture capturing a slight bit of ecto forming. It was at this point our guide told us that it's the most haunted place in Savannah.

We enjoyed Bonaventure Cemetery and the old Spanish Moss was spooky and pretty at the same time. We visited many graves there, including little Gracie Watson who died at 6 years old of pneumonia. Her statue had to be put behind a fence to keep people from touching her.

There was also Johnny Mercer's bench with his songs titles written along the sides of it. He and his family are buried in Bonaventure Cemetery. It was wonderful to browse and read about him.

Though we were not asked to do an investigation, we thought while we there there, why not? Thanks to the Marshall House Hotel and friendly staff who stand ready to make your visit a pampered and an indulgent stay.

Equipment used: Sony Nightshot Camcorder, Non-contact Thermometer, Digital recorders, EMF meter and several digital cameras, a 35mm camera and a laptop computer. So, as much as we would love to tell you the hotel is haunted, we can only tell you we had no scientific proof. We had plenty of goosebumps and gut feelings.

From Ghostec, I am hauntingly yours,

Sue