Do two words go together more than “haunted” and “cemetery”? We think not. North Carolina has a history that dates back to America’s founding, so of course, our graveyards and historic cemeteries are especially terrifying. If you’re looking for places that are eerily beautiful during the day, but extra spooky at night, these seven are filled with history and haunts. Without further ado, here’s a list of the most haunted cemeteries in North Carolina.

1. Cedar Grove Cemetery, New Bern
Cedar Grove Cemetery, 808 George St, New Bern, NC 28560, USA
Trip Advisor / EdKast
During the yellow fever epidemic that ravaged New Bern, Christ Church ran out of room to bury the dead, so Cedar Grove was established in 1800. It's home to a beautiful coquina wall that surrounds the gravesites. Those buried here range from a Civil War general to multiple congressmen, and even the inventor of Pepsi: Caleb Bradham. Most of the haunting myths and legends revolve around "The Weeping Arch," which was built in 1854. It's made from a local stone called "shell stone" that consists of fossilized remains of sea creatures and sea shells. The name Weeping Arch was coined from the fact that it bleeds on people - or, drips a strange liquid of clear water tinted with a red, rusty color. Legend has it that during a funeral, the pallbearer to be hit with a drop of liquid from the arch will be the next to die in the group. The origin of this mysterious stone dates back to a duel between Governor Spaight and a man named Stanly. Spaight was killed in the duel, but the arch is said to drip three drops, pause, and drip three more drops to "Avenge Spaight's blood." Whatever might be true - it seems wise to avoid those mysterious drops if you plan to visit. While you're in the area, be sure to explore the town of New Bern, North Carolina. It's brimming with charm and scenery.
2. Riverside Cemetery, Asheville
Riverside Cemetery, 53 Birch St, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
Flickr / jay joslin
Flickr / PunkToad
Riverside was established in 1885 and since, over 13,000 individuals have been buried here. You'll even find famous grave sites belonging to authors Thomas Wolfe and William Sydney Porter (O. Henry). Influential southern politician, Civil War officer, and former North Carolina governor Zebulon Baird Vance is also buried here. The cemetery is also the resting place of many veterans, including 18 German sailors from WWI. Yet, its close location to the 1865 Battle of Asheville has the area surrounded in ghost stories. People claim to hear the shouting of troops, gunfire, and even an entire phantom army. There's no denying that Riverside Cemetery is one of the most haunted locations in Asheville.
3. Old Settlers' Cemetery, Charlotte
Old Settlers' Cemetery, 200 W 5th St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
Yelp / Chamiese N.
Yelp/Willard J.
Old Settlers' is one of the oldest cemeteries in North Carolina; buried here you'll find notable and prolific figures that date back to the founding of Charlotte. Thomas Polk (great uncle to U.S President, James K. Polk) is buried here. In 1775, Thomas built his home at the crossroad of Great Wagon Rd (now Tryon St.) and a Native American trading path (now Trade St.). He is said to be the founding father of Charlotte. Now located in the heart of Charlotte's Uptown, much mystery surrounds this historic cemetery. While prominent figures were laid to rest, it's also the burial site of many African American servants. The cemetery was used from 1774 to 1878 until Elmwood Cemetery was built right across the street. Due to the historic nature, both Elmwood Cemetery and Old Settlers' are said to be one of the most haunted sites in Charlotte.

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4. Elmwood Cemetery
Yelp/Michael H.
Historic Elmwood/Pinewood Cemeteries, 700 W 6th St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
Yelp / Michael H.
In the fall, haunted ghost tours are offered in both Elmwood Cemetery and Old Settlers'. Neither have lights, and while the lights of the city somewhat illuminate the area, at night it's so dark you will need to bring a flashlight. Elmwood/Pinewood Cemetery is an example of Charlotte's diverse yet segregated past. Elmwood was built in 1853 on 100 acres and included the separated Pinewood Cemetery for burial of African Americans. Today, many notable Charlotte figures are buried here, like developer Edward Dilworth Latta, Charlotte mayor S.S McNinch, and Charlotte's first major African American architect W.W Smith. Since the 1800s, Elmwood didn't serve as just a place for the dead, but also the living. People would take afternoon strolls in the area and it was even designated as a park. While Old Settlers' represents the vast amount of prominent figures in Charlotte's Revolutionary History, Elmwood is home to those of the 'new south' movement. All of the divisive energy and lingering history is still felt today. While beautiful, it also is very eerie. There's a lot of complicated history to be uncovered at one of the most haunted cemeteries near Charlotte, North Carolina.
5. Old Smithville Burying Ground, Southport
Old Smithville Burying Ground, 401 E Moore St, Southport, NC 28461, USA
Flickr / Gerry Dincher
Flickr / Gerry Dincher
As the oldest cemetery in Southport, North Carolina, Old Smithville is a story of North Carolina's historic past along the Cape Fear. The cemetery dates back to before the Revolutionary War. By the time Smithville was recognized as a town in 1756, the small cemetery had already existed for a number of years. Many important people of North Carolina's early past are buried here, like Governor and Colonel Benjamin Smith who fought under the command of George Washington. The burying ground is also a reminder of the tragic past involving early ships out to sea, including a memorial honoring five sailors who disappeared off the coast during a severe storm and were never seen again. Also a large burying ground for Confederate soldiers, the hauntings said to happen here are somewhat interesting. For one, there is Singing Ghost Tony, also known as Tony Caseletta, an Italian immigrant and musician. In 1882, on his way to work, the boat he was riding in sunk and Tony was the only casualty. Buried here, Tony is said to haunt both the cemetery and the nearby Inn; apparently, he's also still singing away. With loads of oak trees draped in Spanish moss, this southern cemetery is somewhat gothic in appearance as well as stories. There's also a gravestone here marked "Joe's Legs" that appears to be giving passersby the middle finger. Another notable headstone belongs to an incredibly tall man. Elias Gerthal Gore stood was 7-feet-11-inches and was said to weigh around 400 pounds.
6. St. James Episcopal Church, Wilmington
St. James Episcopal Parish, 25 S 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA
Flickr / jaydro
A notoriously haunted cemetery, St. James is included on many Wilmington ghost walks. St. James Episcopal Church was built in 1739, and five years later, the first grave was dug. Today, it is regarded as one of the most haunted cemeteries in the state and this mainly revolves around a man who was buried alive. In 1810, after the young Samuel Joselyn got in a fight with his wife, he rode away on horseback in the middle of the night, in the middle of winter. The next day, a search party found his body cold, frozen, and in four inches of water. He was buried soon after, but in the days that followed, friends of Joselyn reported that he came to them in their dreams begging them to dig up his body. They gave in to his request, but later wished they hadn't. They found him in a dried puddle of blood, his fingers down to the bone from trying to claw his way out. Centuries later, visitors to the cemetery claim to see the figure of a man leaning against Joselyn's headstone. Many believe that due to the horrific nature of his death, he continues to the haunt cemetery. When it comes to little-known ghost stories from North Carolina, this is a particularly haunting one.
7. Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh
Flickr / Mel Trent
Oakwood Cemetery was established in 1869 near the Capitol Building in the historic Oakwood neighborhood of Raleigh. From Civil War generals to notable politicians, many are buried here on the 102-acre property. Oakwood Cemetery has been rumored to be haunted for a number of years; so much so, even paranormal investigators have studied the area. For being a somewhat beautiful place during daylight hours, the nature of the hauntings here are actually quite angry. Visitors have reported being punch, receiving stings on their neck (with red spots to follow), and even scratches along their arms. Paranormal investigators found that when at the cemetery, their flashlights failed within ten minutes and thermometers were reading patches of 47-degrees on an otherwise warm night with temperatures in the 70s. Of course, Raleigh is known for much more than its haunted destinations. Check out our recommendations for fun things to do in Raleigh, North Carolina.

What are your thoughts on this list of the most haunted cemeteries in North Carolina? Have you visited any of these destinations before? If so, feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with us — we would love to hear from you!

If you’re looking for more haunting history in North Carolina, did you know there’s an underwater ghost town deep within the mountains? It’s positively fascinating — and undeniably chilling.

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most haunted cemeteries in North Carolina

Beth C. | August 22, 2022

What are some other haunted destinations in North Carolina?

North Carolina is brimming with paranormal activity. While cemeteries are well-known places to spot a ghost in the Tar Heel State, you'll be amazed by just how many other spots throughout the state are equally as haunted. In fact, we've even put together a road trip that will take you to the most haunted places in North Carolina. One of the most notorious locations on this trip is the Omni Grove Park Inn located in Asheville, North Carolina. This beautiful hotel in the mountains is home to the Pink Lady who, according to legend, fell from a 5th-story room to her death. Over the past decades, visitors have spotted her ghost roaming the halls. Fortunately, she is said to be good-natured and especially friendly to children. She has a particular fondness for pranks and, apparently, if you stay the night in Room 545, you might just notice some of your belongings moved around.

What are some haunted hotels in North Carolina?

As mentioned above, the Omni Grove Park Inn is perhaps the most famous haunted hotel in North Carolina, but there are definitely some others. These spooky spots include the Green Park Inn in Blowing Rock, the Carolina Inn, 1889 White Gate Inn, the 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa, the Winds Resort Beach Club in Ocean Isle, Brunswick Inn in Southport, Balsam Mountain Inn, and the Asheville Seasons Bed & Breakfast. Would you ever stay in one of these notoriously haunted hotels in North Carolina?

Does North Carolina have any haunted bridges?

Driving at night in Asheville, you might discover something positively chilling if you pass by Helen's Bridge, a haunted bridge in North Carolina. According to legend, if you pass over this bridge and call Helen's name, you might encounter her troubled spirit.

 

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