Spooky Spots in Spartanburg
Halloween is right around the corner, and if you’re anything like us, you’re probably dying to pack in as many thrills and chills as you can.
If you’ve been looking for new ways to get scared stiff this season, not only do we have Nightmare Hollow and Wompus Woods for terrifying trails, haunted hayrides, and a whole night full of frights, but we’ve got our fair share of ghosts waiting for you all around town.
From the silly to the shocking, come discover where you can encounter the spirits of Spartanburg.
Hell’s Gate
Spartanburg’s oldest graveyard has been serving as the eternal home for late Spartanburg-area residents since the late 1800s. Though well-kept and pleasing at first glance, the further you venture into the cemetery, the more it transitions from the peaceful resting place at Oakwood Cemetery to the unsettling grounds of Hell’s Gate.
The lore?
First, Hells Gate was the place where prisoners, orphans, people with no family, and those too poor for a proper burial were laid to rest.
Then, in 1914, 100+ graves were relocated to this cemetery in order to make room for a new development, thus disturbing all of the souls whose remains were moved.
Finally, the area has served as a popular spot for satanic activity for decades, and maybe even centuries.
With such a storied past, it’s no wonder Hell’s Gate is rife with not only hauntings, orbs, even otherworldly screams, but that visitors report that their cell phones die on entry, or cannot make calls and rather only lead to busy signals. Others still mention feeling ill, or overcome with a sense of dread when they head to the “old” part of the cemetery.
Spartanburg, South Carolina has some wonderful cemeteries that cover some two and a half centuries of funeral and land-use trends. Feel free to visit them all… if you dare.
Lake Lyman
It’s probably best to call it a day around sundown, or prepare for the worst.
By day, Lake Lyman is a beautiful 350 acre lake that serves as a popular fishing hole, boating spot, and event space. But by night, well, this pretty lake is pretty haunted.
Legend has it that there was once a party hosted at Lake Lyman that took a grim turn. Unfortunately, a woman was assaulted before ultimately being murdered by her attacker. Unable to make it to her final resting place, those down by the lake around midnight have reported hearing her screams. Others have seen a faint glowing light over in the trees.
Part of the Middle Tyger River, this otherwise unassuming lake is surrounded by tons of outdoor recreation opportunities. From quaint living to golf and fishing, Lyman has a lot to offer residents and visitors alike. So, visit by all means, but keep in mind it’s probably best to call it a day around sundown, or prepare for the worst.
Converse College
While hundreds of prospective students tour Converse College every year, you may want to tour in hopes of catching a glimpse of one of the many ghosts occupying the liberal arts school. To start, theres:
- A friendly ghost-boy in Williams Dorm,
- The somewhat-hostile “White Lady” in Pell Hall,
- A sports-loving entity in the Evans Building, who will make sounds like a dribbling basketball or sneakers on the court, and
- Hazel Abbott, who has been known to cause a ruckus in the prop room, or give chills to those who sit in her seat at the The Hazel B. Abbott Theatre.
But, most notorious of them all, is the ghost in the bell tower of Wilson Hall.
Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, Wilson Hall was built in 1889 and originally housed the entire college. With an innocent enough past, this esteemed building now contains shocking secret. Kept behind a locked door at the top of a staircase resides a ghost repeatedly described as hostile, angry, and dangerous. Though not many have seen this distressed spirit, the few who have are quick to report it looks upon you with chilling red eyes.
One of seven options for higher-education in our college town, Converse College is the full-package for spooky sightseeing and an excellent education.
South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind
Maybe—just maybe—Martha is still hanging around because she enjoys keeping up with the school’s remarkable growth and progress
Reverend Newton Walker founded the School for the Deaf and the Blind in 1849 and served as it’s President until his untimely death in 1961. After his passing, the Reverend’s wife—Martha Walker—ran the school for several years before eventually entrusting it to her brother, though she was never officially declared the school’s President.
While Martha no longer managed the school, she remained on campus until she passed in 1900 and is said to still be roaming Walker Hall to this day—but why?
Some believe she’s still keeping an eye on the students. Others suspect she’s upset over never having been named President. Regardless of the reason for her unrest, teachers and students alike have proclaimed seeing her tough, stoic figure walking up-and-down the halls, standing on the staircase, and monitoring the third-floor of Walker Hall, as well as hearing disembodied voices and footsteps when no one else is around.
Located on 160 beautiful acres four miles from downtown Spartanburg, the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind has come a long way from it’s humble beginnings in a repurposed hotel building. The state-supported school now spans 40 buildings that house classrooms, libraries, vocational training centers, dormitories, and recreational facilities, so maybe—just maybe—Martha is still hanging around because she enjoys keeping up with the school’s remarkable growth and progress.
Foster’s Tavern
We’ll end with the friendly spirits of Foster’s Tavern—and no, we’re not just talking about the ghosts of cocktails past.
Originally just a house, owner Anthony Foster saw the opportunity to convert his home into a tavern since it just so happened to be conveniently located along the route to Charleston. Proving to be a huge success, in the 1830s it even served as the last stagecoach stop to the nearby Glenn Springs resort and hotel. After multiple expansions and a recent renovation, the three-story brick house now boasts an impressive 20 rooms.
The current residents have admitted to hearing strange noises like knocking or loud clunks, and have felt their hair being tussled when completely alone. But while the home is a private residence, it has been opened a on occasion for the Spartanburg County Historical Association’s home tour. Fortunately, you don’t need to go inside to see the supernatural.
Locals have noted seeing full stagecoaches exit the front door, and being greeted by the Abraham Lincoln-esque driver. Take a drive by when you’re in town because that’s definitely a sight you’d never forget!
Not exactly a ghost-hunting thrill-seeker? If you prefer the more wholesome fall activities like hay rides, pumpkin carving, and hikes thorough the gorgeous changing leaves, don’t fret—there are still plenty of ways you can FALL in Love with Autumn in Spartanburg!
Locals: have you seen anything spooky across Spartanburg County? Share all your stories with #OneSpartanburg for a chance to have your content featured on our social media accounts (and obviously follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest if you don’t already)!
