With Atlanta's long, rich history, it's not surprising that some of the area's older homes are said to be haunted. »RELATED: Photos: Atlanta's haunted houses
These are five of the most haunted old houses in Atlanta, with residents who have supposedly stayed beyond their natural lifespans.
Rhodes Hall
Known as the "castle on Peachtree," Rhodes Hall was built in 1902 by furniture magnate Amos Rhodes. Today its upper floors serve as headquarters for The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, and the opulent home is often the site of weddings.
It's been the site of a Ghost Hunt Weekend, and rumors say the mansion is haunted by Mrs. Rhodes, who passed away in the home, as well as apparitions of laughing children. Sightings of a dark, evil "Shadow Man" have also been reported in the basement, and people have told of lights turning on and off on their own as well as unexplained voices and footsteps.
Several different tours are offered, and you can also follow Ghost Hunt Weekend's Facebook page to see when they're heading back to Rhodes Hall.
L.P. Grant Mansion
Credit: atlantapreservationcenter.com
Credit: atlantapreservationcenter.com
This home was built by Lemuel Pratt Grant and his first wife in 1856. Its varied history include use as a hospital during the Civil War, and it was also the birthplace of golf legend Bobby Jones.
By 1941, the house had changed owners several times and had become dilapidated. Margaret Mitchell loaned money to Boyd Taylor, the owner of the house at the time, but later sued him. Mitchell died a year later, and Taylor felt that Mitchell had forgiven him for their dispute, because he said she visited him every spring, bringing jonquils from her Oakland Cemetery grave.
The Atlanta Preservation Center currently owns the home and offers tours.
Meadow Nook
Credit: Christopher Oquendo Photography
Credit: Christopher Oquendo Photography
Located on Alston Drive in East Lake Country Club, Meadow Nook is the second-oldest home in Atlanta, built in 1856 by Col. Robert A. Alston, it has been reported as haunted by several residents, according to the book "Civil War Ghosts of Atlanta," including some who reported dishes breaking when no one was in the kitchen.
It's since been lovingly restored by Charlie and Sylvia Harrison, who peacefully co-exist with Alston's ghost, whom they refer to as "The Colonel."
The Harrisons told Georgia Tech Alumni Magazine that relatives and guests from out of town have reported encounters with The Colonel. The couple also says they've had cabinet drawers mysteriously open to reveal lost items.
Barrington Hall
Credit: roswell.gov
Credit: roswell.gov
Built by Barrington King in 1842, Barrington Hall is located in Roswell and has seen many descendants of the family die in the home over the years, according to the book "Roswell History, Haunts and Legends." One family descendant who visited the area with her husband said that he took a photo that showed a woman in period dress in a side garden but was told that no such person was there that day.
It's currently owned by the city of Roswell, and staff members have reported hearing mysterious voices and footsteps and smelling cigarette or cigar smoke with no apparent source that could be found.
Tours of Barrington Hall are conducted on the hour from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-3 p.m. on Sunday.
The Thornton House
Credit: stonemountainguide.com
Credit: stonemountainguide.com
This home is the oldest restored home in Georgia and was built in 1784. It has been moved several times and is now located within Stone Mountain Park. The ghost of a preteen girl has been spotted on the stairs and has been known to pull the hair of teenage girls who visit the home, according to the book "Ghosts of Atlanta: Phantoms of the Phoenix City."
Staff members are reported to have spotted her, as have guests to the home. In addition, candles will blow out throughout the home, even without the presence of breezes.
The home is featured in Stone Mountain Park's Historical Attractions Tour.
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