From hotels and houses, to restaurants and museums, Alabama is home to a variety of haunted places. One of the state’s most haunted locations is Pope’s Tavern and Museum. Read on to find out why this historic attraction is a must visit.
Pope's Tavern and Museum is located in downtown Florence, Alabama at 203 Hermitage Drive. It's situated on the road that Andrew Jackson created in order to move supply wagons and artillery from Nashville, Tennessee to New Orleans, Louisiana.
Dating all the way back to the 1830s-1840s, Pope's Tavern is believed to be one of Florence, Alabama's oldest buildings. Supposedly, the original building was constructed in 1811, but it burned.
Pope's Tavern was once a stagecoach stop, tavern and inn, hospital and private residence. Since the 1960s, it's been operated as a museum. Pope's Tavern and Museum sees between 1,500 to 2,000 visitors each year. The museum focuses on the founding of Florence, Alabama and its role in the Civil War.
Many soldiers were treated at Pope's Tavern during the Civil War. It's believed that 33 soldiers died in the building and many others underwent surgery.
According to several reports, Pope's Tavern and Museum is rumored to be haunted. There have been many reports of apparitions of amputees in the main bedroom, which was once used as the ward during the time the building was operated as a hospital. Screaming and popping sounds have been heard, and several people have also reported the smell of blood.
