In the heart of Savannah, Georgia—a city infamous for its Southern charm, antebellum architecture, and ghost stories—you’ll find one of the most legendary hotels in the state: The Marshall House. With a striking iron veranda and a chillingly rich history, this boutique hotel dates back to the mid-19th century and has since grown a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in the South. History buffs and paranormal investigators alike will find themselves drawn to this storied location, where antique beauty meets eerie mystery. Whether you’re staying for its old-world elegance or in hopes of catching a glimpse of a lingering spirit, The Marshall House delivers a hauntingly unforgettable experience.
The History
Founding and Civil War Years
The Marshall House was built in 1851 by Mary Magdalene Marshall, a pioneering businesswoman at a time when female entrepreneurs were rare. Located on Broughton Street in Savannah’s historic district, the hotel quickly became a hub for travelers and businessmen exploring the growing port city. Its prime location, matched with luxury accommodations—running water and gas lighting included—made it an elite destination for 19th-century guests.
During the Civil War, the operations of the hotel came to an abrupt halt, and the building was repurposed by General William Tecumseh Sherman’s Union troops as a hospital during their occupation of Savannah in 1864. Here, both Union soldiers and local citizens sought treatment for war-related injuries and deadly outbreaks of yellow fever. This pivotal era left a permanent mark on the building—both physically and, many suspect, supernaturally.
Post-War Recovery and Reconstruction
After the war, The Marshall House reopened but continued to serve as a medical facility during various yellow fever epidemics in the late 19th century. By the turn of the 20th century, the hotel had cemented its legacy in Savannah’s medical and military history, serving as a makeshift hospital more than a luxury resort more times than one would expect. This legacy would eventually fold into the lore of suspicious activity and ghost sightings experienced by guests today.
20th Century Decline and Restoration
The hotel operated for many decades before falling into disrepair and eventually closing in 1957. It spent several years in limbo—serving a variety of temporary purposes—until an extensive preservation effort was mounted in the late 1990s. In 1999, The Marshall House reopened as a historic hotel, carefully restored to blend modern comfort with its 19th-century character. From gas lamps to clawfoot tubs, period-appropriate antiques adorn every detail, making visitors feel transported in time—with perhaps a few spectral neighbors tagging along for the ride.
The Haunt
Ghostly Guests that Never Checked Out
If you’re a paranormal investigator or just someone with a love for things that go bump in the night, The Marshall House is a treasure trove of unexplained phenomena. Consistently ranked among the most haunted hotels in America, the paranormal activity here is well documented—and chilling.
Guests frequently report disembodied voices, children laughing in the hallways at all hours, faucets turning on by themselves, and unexplained footsteps echoing through the corridors. On more than one occasion, visitors have claimed to feel someone tugging at their bed sheets or gently touching their arm—only to find no one there.
The Ghosts of Civil War Soldiers
One of the most consistent claims involves apparitions of uniformed Civil War soldiers roaming the halls. These spirits are said to be former patients of the hotel’s makeshift hospital. Witnesses describe waking up to the sound of moaning or feeling watched, only to glimpse a translucent figure dressed in tattered military garb disappearing around a corner. Reports suggest Room 306 may be particularly active, though spirits are said to wander throughout the building.
The Children’s Spirits
Another common paranormal theme at The Marshall House involves ghostly children. Multiple guests have reported hearing children running and laughing in the hotel’s hallways late at night—even when no families with kids are staying at the hotel. Some guests have described seeing small handprints on bathroom mirrors, or toys being inexplicably moved during their stay.
Basement Discoveries and Remnants
During one of the property’s many renovations, workers uncovered human remains underneath the floor—believed to be amputated limbs from when the building served as a Civil War hospital. This shocking discovery has only fueled the building’s haunted reputation and may explain the heavy, emotionally charged atmosphere sensed by many visitors. Paranormal investigators often report cold spots near this area and equipment sensitivity spikes in EMF readings.
Paranormal Investigations
The staff of The Marshall House do not shy away from its reputation—many even openly share their own spooky experiences. From housekeepers feeling as though they’re being watched in empty rooms, to maintenance staff hearing whispering voices when no one is around, it seems the spirits of The Marshall House are not afraid of making themselves known.
Several paranormal groups have conducted investigations here, with many reporting Class A EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena), strange orbs caught on film, and unexplained movement on thermal imaging cameras. For ghost hunters eager for legitimate leads, this isn’t just a tourist gimmick—activity at The Marshall House is as consistent as it is ghostly.
Why You Should Visit
If you’re a history lover with a flair for the supernatural, The Marshall House in Savannah, Georgia, should be one of your top bucket-list destinations. Not only will you be stepping into a meticulously preserved piece of antebellum history, you’ll also have the rare chance to investigate one of the most haunted locations in the southern United States.
Whether you’re setting up EMF detectors in eerie hallways, listening for EVP in century-old rooms, or simply soaking in the ambiance of a bygone era, The Marshall House offers a travel experience unlike any other. The fusion of Southern elegance, war-torn past, and ghostly lore makes your stay as unforgettable as it is spine-tingling.
So pack your spirit box, bring your best infrared camera, and spend a night at The Marshall House—you never know who (or what) might be checking in with you.