Step Into Civil War Haunted History At The Octagon Hall Museum In Franklin, Kentucky
By Will Suphan|Published March 05, 2024
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Will Suphan
Author
Will has been living in Arizona off and on for 30+ years in the Phoenix Metro and Tucson areas. He has traveled all over the state as well as having lived all over the Southwest. He's been writing for OnlyInYourState for one year and has previously written for Digital Journal. Will has a passion for travel and writing and combining the two is what he loves most. He loves solo international travel and has been to Thailand, France, Japan, and Cambodia.
Here in Kentucky, we have so many places that were important parts of Civil War history, and many of them are reported to be haunted. Visitors to many of these places claim to have seen the ghosts of soldiers and other spooky phenomena. Even if you don’t have such experiences, these places are quite intriguing for fans of historical places and events. If you like both, then you must check out the Octagon Hall Museum in Franklin, Kentucky.
The Octagon Hall Museum was originally built as a home for Andrew Jackson Caldwell and construction began in 1847 and was completed in 1859. However, a mere two years later, war was to come to this area.
The place was occupied by Confederate and Union forces at different times throughout the Civil War. There are several structures still around from those times, like this Summer Kitchen which was repaired in 2007.
The graves of unknown soldiers are on the grounds as well as a small cemetery surrounded by a stone wall. Perhaps it’s some of these who are said to haunt the area. Reports of ghostly soldiers from both sides as well as slaves and Caldwell family members are purported to have been encountered here.
When you tour the interior of the building, you’ll see antique furniture and objects as well as photos and documents that share the storied history of this old building. Don’t be surprised if you hear some odd noises!
You’ll get to see many of the original furnishings and household items that were used by the previous owners. You’ll also see mannequins representing those who once lived here in most rooms wearing the clothes that were of their times.
It’s intriguing to see the kinds of kitchen implements and utensils that were used over 175 years ago. Some of them are so sturdy that they could still be used today! Imagine cooking your stew in a pot over the fire in a copper kettle or cooking up breakfast in centuries-old cast iron skillets!
There are also structures barely holding on that were part of the original homestead. Octagon Hall has become a mecca for ghost hunters and aficionados of the paranormal. TV shows from A&E, The Travel Channel, SyFy, and other networks have filmed episodes here. There are regular novice ghost hunts available as well.
Have you ever visited the Octagon Hall Museum in Franklin, Kentucky? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments. For the most current updates and events, follow the Octagon Hall Museum on Facebook. While you’re taking a road trip to Franklin, be sure to explore some of the other historical sites in this charming town:
