This Opera House In Georgia Has A Dark And Evil History That Will Never Be Forgotten
Marisa Roman
Author
Located in Columbus, Georgia, The Springer Opera House is one of the most famed monuments in the state. It truly is a beautiful, charming place that holds so much unique history. Some of the more prominent personalities that have graced its stage throughout the years include Oscar Wilde, John Philip Sousa, Ethel Barrymore, Will Rogers and even Franklin D. Roosevelt. This roster alone is enough to make The Springer Opera House one of the most significant preserved theaters in the country.
However, there is a dark secret with which this Opera House is haunted. In fact, management doesn’t necessarily promote this secret, which ultimately makes this theater also one of the most haunted in the country.
Legend has it, there is an actor who haunts the theater in a restless manner. Maybe you remember him, or perhaps have heard of him—Edwin Booth.
Edwin Booth was a famous 19th-century American actor who toured throughout America and the major cities of Europe, performing Shakespearean plays. He was a well-known actor of his time, however one dark and evil family secret overshadowed any and all of his accomplishments.
Edwin was the brother of John Wilkes Booth, the man who assassinated President Abraham Lincoln.
The brothers performed together, along with their famous father, in a much-acclaimed production of “Julius Caesar” in 1864. However, the killing of President Lincoln a year later forced the family into seclusion. A decade later, Booth performed “Hamlet” at The Springer Opera House and had a performance which wowed the crowd so much so, he almost pulled his family name out of the mud.
Almost.
After his death, residents believed that Booth remained in the theater because the state welcomed him with open arms, haunting it in ways he found enjoyable. But it wasn’t just Booth as the only ghost causing people to get goosebumps and see floating orbs of light. Other ghosts have been reported, including a looming figure of a man who is often times seen on stage, then strangely disappears. Or a little girl in the costume shop, sorting buttons.
As legend states, Booth promised that after his death he would return and haunt the Springer until it staged a performance of “Hamlet” once again.
A tour guide once witnessed a strange phenomenon in the smaller upper balcony area, which is no longer used because it is considered a fire hazard. This means the doors to these seats remain shut, but many have reported seeing all these doors open as they enter the main hall. Several workers state that if they are in the opera house alone they almost always hear strange unexplained noises.
A few more strange occurrences are detailed in the video below, courtesy of Chattahoochee Heritage. Watch if you dare.
Have you ever experienced a ghost at Springer Opera House? Share your experience with us!
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