Frightening Local Lore Comes To Life On This Mississippi Walking Tour
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published October 07, 2018
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
Calling all ghouls, ghosts, and goblins! If you’re looking for a great way to have some spooky fun this Halloween season, look no further than Haunted Holly Springs. Now in its 4th year, the event includes several tours – each of which leads you to some of the city’s eeriest sites. As you explore haunted houses and spooky cemeteries, you’ll hear about Holly Springs’ most notorious ghosts and local legends. Take a look:
Holly Springs is one of the most haunted towns in Mississippi. The area’s spooky history began long before the town was even established.
Long ago, a Chickasaw Princess named Latoka and her lover, Paola, were murdered by Chickasaw Chief Tullahoma at present-day Spring Hollow Park. According to local legend, Chief Tullahoma disappeared after the murders; however, his spirit, carrying a bloody tomahawk, is said to be seen wandering the park to this day.
Years later, Alexander McEwen came to the area and named Holly Springs. McEwen eventually built a home, which is known today as the Featherston Place. It’s also known as one of the town’s most notorious haunts.
The historic home is allegedly haunted by McEwen’s wife, Eliza. Over the last 100 years, Eliza’s ghost has been seen countless times by both residents and guests. According to eyewitnesses, she’s always wearing the same thing – a dress with a striking brooch.
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Having been occupied by Union soldiers throughout the Civil War, Holly Springs is no stranger to death; however, one of the most infamous murders didn’t take place until the end of the war.
The murder happened at present-day Bottomless Cup coffee shop. Back then, the shop was owned by James Nelson. As the story goes, Nelson was murdered right outside his shop by Confederate marauders. Over the years, numerous people have spotted Nelson’s bloody ghost both at his store and his house across town.
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Claiming the lives of more than 300 people within a matter of months, the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1878 is by far the most traumatic event in Holly Springs’ history.
Catholic nuns from the church tended to patients. Sadly, many of the nuns contracted Yellow Fever and passed away. The church now houses the Yellow Fever Martyrs Museum, which is somewhat of a paranormal hot spot. It’s said that the museum’s mannequins come alive during the dark of night.
Linden Hill is another notorious haunt but not just in Holly Springs. The historic home is one of the most haunted in north Mississippi.
Dating back to the 1900s, Linden Hill originally belonged to the Cawthorn family. As legend has it, the Cawthorn’s awoke one night to a horrifying sight – their daughter Beulah standing over their bed, wielding a hatchet. Following the frightening ordeal, Beulah was shipped off to an insane asylum, never to return home...in person, that is. Today, Beulah’s spirit haunts the home. Her ghost was spotted as recently as this year by the home’s new owners.
One of the town’s newest haunts is Graceland Too, a former Elvis Presley-themed museum.
The museum was run by Paul MacLeod for over 20 years. In 2013, both MacLeod and another individual died in the house. Since then, Graceland Too has witnessed an increase in paranormal activity. Paranormal investigators, Kudzu Paranormal, recently visited the home and recorded numerous EVPs and other unexplained phenomena.
All of these locations (and more) can be visited during Haunted Holly Springs’ annual Haunted Ghost Walking Tours, which are available throughout October. This is the only walking ghost tour in all of north Mississippi, so mark your calendar because you don’t want to miss it! For more information, or to preorder tickets, click here.
So, did you know about this tour? Ever taken it? Have another favorite spooky tour? Tell us in the comments section!
This isn’t the only hair-raising tour you can take in the Magnolia State. Read about others here!
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