Most Charlotte residents probably wouldn’t think twice when they walk by the Dunhill Hotel Uptown or attend an event at Founders Hall; however, most don’t realize that these two popular places have a reputation for being among the most haunted places in the city. Charlotte has numerous ghost stories that exist in its history, and there are some very interesting and unexpected places that are still said to be haunted to this day. If you are one to seek out paranormal activity and are looking for places to spot a ghost in the Queen City, you must visit the locations below. But we warn you, go at your own discretion!
1. The Dunhill Hotel
The Dunhill Hotel is the oldest hotel in Charlotte, and probably the most haunted as well. Although it draws in tourists with its elegant and luxurious charm, many visitors have reported hearing voices and noises while staying at the hotel. Others have experienced chills in air and a prickle up their spine as they describe the feeling of being watched while sleeping at the hotel. If you think you have the courage to see for yourself, book a night in the hotel and let us know how it turns out!
2. Historic Latta Plantation
Latta Plantation is a historic cotton plantation located in Huntersville, which is about 25 minutes north of Charlotte. Standing since the 1800s, Latta Plantation is now a tourist attraction where visitors can take guided tours around the old home and learn about what it was like to live and work on a plantation in early 19th century Piedmont. The spirits of the Latta family, the original owners of the home, are still thought to inhabit the house today. Many visitors report hearing the sounds of children laughing under the porch or doors slamming throughout the house. There have also been reports of a dark, shadowy figure moving from room to room, so don't be alarmed if you come across this ghost during your visit, it's just one of the Latta family members making you feel at home!
3. Queens University
Queens University is a top-notch private college in the heart of the Myers Park neighborhood. Brick buildings beneath a canopy of large oak trees paint a picture-perfect scene for a college campus. Walkers, joggers, and cyclists passing by the campus may stop every now and then to take in its beauty, but they have no idea about the spirits that haunt its hallways.
One particular disturbing story tells of a young woman who attended the college in the 1800s and was a resident of Albright Hall. While there, she met and fell in love with a classmate, another woman. In this time period, many disapproved of the relationship, including her parents, who threatened to disown her when they learned of it. The story goes that the girl slit her wrists in despair and can be heard walking and banging around the halls calling for her lover.
Another story out of Queens takes place in the Courtyard, where students have reported seeing what looks like a body hanging from one of the trees and Civil Car soldiers lying on the ground. Reports of banging noises, shaking beds and desks, and temperature changes are common around campus. If these stories are something you want to learn more about, head over to Queens University; we're sure you'll find a student willing to share some chilling secrets.
4. Founders Hall
Founders Hall is a large atrium and event space located in the Bank of America Corporate Center in Uptown Charlotte. The Hall has been the setting of many weddings, formal functions, and charity events. Thousands of people walk through Founders Hall each day as they go to their corporate jobs, yet few think about the sad girl who wanders the building restless day in and day out.
Story has it that in the early 1800s, Founders Hall served as a medical school in what was called Founders College at the time. The medical school used cadavers stolen from private graves to practice their techniques, and rumor has it that a woman whose body was stolen and sold to the school continues to haunt Founders Hall today, expressing her displeasure for being moved from her grave. Some people have even seen what looks like a young girl crying and screaming, walking through Founders Hall in the evenings.
5. McAlpine Creek Park
McAlpine Creek Park is known for a haunted trail that keeps visitors alert while hiking the area. When walking the trail, you'll come across an old mill house, where a skeleton was once found and its spirit restlessly haunts the trail. Hikers have reported hearing footsteps and seeing shadows while walking this trail alone... so be sure to bring a friend or dog when you decide to take a hike here!
6. Kings Mountain State Park
Kings Mountain State Park is located in Blacksburg, SC - just under an hour's drive from Charlotte. This park is unique because it is the location of the Battle of Kings Mountain, a historic skirmish during the Revolutionary War and a turning point for the American army. Kings Mountain State Park is considered a historic landmark and pays tribute to this battle with a two mile trail that leads visitors to the exact area where the American Patriots met the British Loyalists in the fight for their freedom. As park visitors walk to this spot, they will pass many battle monuments along the way, as well as a soldier's grave, which creates an ominous feeling along the trail.
Many report hearing the sounds of horses galloping and men yelling as they walk the trail, and some even see shadowy figures on horseback when it is close to sunset. Other paranormal activity has been described as quick, chilly breezes at night or unexplained knocking on the doors of the public restrooms. You should definitely make a point to visit this park to to learn about the history, but just beware of the shadowy men on horseback you might encounter while there.
What other haunted places do you know of in Charlotte? Tell us in the comments.
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