Tucked away in the charming town of Montevallo, Alabama, lies a house steeped in Southern elegance and eerie energy: the University of Montevallo – King House. With its Greek Revival architecture and picturesque setting, the King House is more than just a historic building. It’s a treasured landmark of the University of Montevallo and, some say, a hotspot for ghostly occurrences. Whether you’re a history buff, a student of the paranormal, or simply a curious traveler, this enigmatic destination has a story to tell—one that spans nearly two centuries. Join us on a captivating journey into the past (and possibly the supernatural) as we explore the haunting legacy of the University of Montevallo – King House.
The History
A Southern Gem Built in Antebellum Splendor
The King House, located on the campus of the University of Montevallo, stands as a testament to Alabama’s antebellum heritage. Constructed in the early 1820s, the house is believed to have been built by Edmund King, a wealthy planter, businessman, and one of the earliest settlers in Montevallo. As the region developed into a bustling hub of agriculture and commerce, King made significant investments in the area. His home reflected not only his affluence but also his influence.
The house’s architectural style echoes the Greek Revival movement that swept across the Southern United States in the 19th century—symmetrical façades, grand columns, and stately porches. What truly set King House apart in its time was its construction material: handmade bricks fired on the property, giving the home a durability and authenticity rarely matched.
Legacy of the King Family
Edmund King was more than just a successful businessman. He was a philanthropist, visionary, and supporter of education—values that live on through his former estate. After his death in 1863, the house remained in private hands for a time but was eventually acquired by what would become the University of Montevallo.
The University, founded in 1896 as the Alabama Girls’ Industrial School (AGIS), was part of a larger movement to provide women with quality higher education. Through the years, as the institution transformed into the co-educational University of Montevallo, the King House served various roles—from housing faculty to administrative functions. Its preservation was accorded priority given its historical and cultural value to the university and the community.
A Living Monument
Today, the University of Montevallo – King House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and continues to be an emblem of Montevallo’s storied past. Although it no longer functions as a private residence, the house is used for university events and meetings, as well as preservation education.
The grounds are impeccably maintained, offering modern students a glimpse into Alabama’s layered history. While many appreciate the King House for its historical and architectural significance, others find themselves drawn to it for reasons far more mysterious.
The Haunt
Whispers Between the Walls
Of all the buildings on the University of Montevallo’s historic campus, few stir the paranormal pot quite like the King House. Faculty, students, and staff have long passed down tales of supernatural experiences linked to the house. Paranormal investigators and local ghost hunters alike have taken a keen interest in the King House, with some declaring it one of Alabama’s most underrated haunted locations.
The Spirit of Edmund King
The most commonly reported ghost said to linger around the King House is none other than Edmund King himself. It’s believed that his deep attachment to his estate and his lifelong connection to Montevallo may have anchored his spirit to this location. Witnesses have often described seeing a tall, shadowy figure on the upper floors, usually around twilight or in the early morning hours. Windows that were once shut mysteriously open, and cold spots appear in rooms with no logical explanation.
Mysterious Sounds and Unseen Presences
Reports from maintenance staff and university personnel suggest that the house takes on a life of its own at dusk. Footsteps are heard across wooden floors when no one is present. Doors creak open and shut without assistance. Sinks have been known to turn on by themselves, and a few even claim to have heard faint piano music—despite no piano being on the premises during these reports.
One university employee recalled locking up the house after an event only to hear loud, deliberate footsteps down the hallway as they stepped outside. When they re-entered to investigate, not only was the house empty, but all the doors and windows remained locked. Could it be a residual haunting, or is the spirit intelligent enough to acknowledge company?
Paranormal Investigations and Anecdotal Evidence
While no official paranormal studies have been published by recognized institutions, local ghost hunting groups and amateur investigators have made several excursions to the King House. Many brought EMF detectors, spirit boxes, and thermal cameras, claiming to have captured unexplained spikes in electromagnetic activity near stairwells and rooms historically tied to the King family.
One notable paranormal team reports capturing several Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVPs) — brief, unexplained whispers like “get out” and “leave the light.” Skeptics argue it’s all in their heads, yet the volume of similar experiences suggests otherwise. Whether paranormal or psychological, the energy of the King House is undeniable.
Why You Should Visit
If you’re a ghost hunter, history aficionado, or both, the University of Montevallo – King House is a must-visit spot in Alabama. With its rich backstory, well-preserved architecture, and many reports of spirit activity, it’s a prime location for both paranormal investigation and historical appreciation.
Make sure to check with the University of Montevallo for tours or special events that allow public access to the King House. Bring a camera, a curious spirit, and maybe your EMF detector—you might just come away with a story of your own. After all, the shadows of Alabama’s past don’t always rest quietly—and in Montevallo, they just might whisper your name.