Welcome to Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, where historic charm and Southern superstitions collide in one of the region’s most curious estates—the Longfellow House.
Nestled quietly along the shimmering shoreline of Pascagoula, the Longfellow House is more than just a picturesque Southern mansion. With its antebellum architecture, romantic legends, and a mysterious energy that makes your skin prickle, this historic home has fascinated historians and ghost hunters alike for generations. While it carries a storied past linked to poets, soldiers, and settlers, it also hides shadowy secrets in its halls that defy logical explanation. Whether you’re a literary enthusiast, a history buff, or a paranormal investigator in search of your next adventure, the Longfellow House has something for everyone—and some things for the brave.
The History
Origins of the Longfellow House
The Longfellow House, also known as the Bellevue House, dates back to the 1850s and is located in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Though often romantically linked to the famed American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, there’s actually no confirmed evidence that he ever stepped foot inside the house. The name is more of a mythological association with Longfellow’s poem “The Building of the Ship,” which echoes the maritime heritage of the Gulf Coast region.
The mansion was built by Daniel Smith Graham, a wealthy cotton broker, and was one of the first major estates to grace the Pascagoula coast. With wide verandas, tall columns, and views of the Gulf, the house exuded affluence and Southern grace. It was constructed in the Greek Revival style, which was popular among Southern aristocracy leading up to the Civil War.
Civil War and Local Legacy
During the Civil War, the Longfellow House was reportedly commandeered by Union forces who used it as a temporary base and lookout station. Like many grand homes of the South, the war shifted its fortunes, and over time, it fell into disrepair. Still, locals always kept a watchful eye on it, treating it as an icon of Pascagoula’s resilience and faded glory. In the 20th century, preservation efforts began to restore the estate to its former beauty, including a listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, the mansion is operated under the stewardship of the Knights of Columbus, who use it for events and continue its preservation. Despite its event-friendly façade, the house has drawn spiritual curiosity for decades. Visitors often report a peculiar heaviness in the air, as if generations past still linger, refusing to be forgotten.
The Haunt
Paranormal Reports and Stories
The Longfellow House is more than a historic landmark—it’s one of the Gulf Coast’s most intriguing paranormal hotspots. Numerous visitors, paranormal teams, and even employees of the Knights of Columbus have reported strange phenomena inside the home and on the surrounding property.
- Unexplained Cold Spots: Guests report sudden drops in temperature, especially in the upstairs hallway and near the old fireplaces. These cold pockets often precede feelings of being watched.
- Phantom Voices: On several documented ghost hunts, investigators captured whispers and even distant crying using EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) equipment. The voices are often soft, child-like or melancholic—adding to the air of mystery.
- Spectral Figures: Shadows have been seen moving down hallways or peeking from behind doors. One of the most recurring apparitions is that of a woman in a long, light-colored gown seen drifting near the second-floor balcony.
- Disembodied Footsteps: Long after tours have ended, caretakers have heard heavy, measured footsteps pacing the hardwood floors upstairs, though the areas are securely locked and empty.
Who—or What—Still Lingers?
Many theories float around regarding who might be haunting the Longfellow House. Some say it’s the spirit of a Confederate soldier who never left after the Union occupation. Others whisper of a tragic family incident that occurred sometime in the 1800s—perhaps a death due to illness or a heartbroken woman who threw herself into the sea.
Interestingly, while the home’s official records don’t detail such happenings, almost every psychic or medium who has walked through its hallways has claimed the presence of multiple spirits. One woman who visited during a public tour said she felt a “motherly presence” upstairs that brought her to tears. Several paranormal researchers even believe that the land beneath the structure holds older, possibly pre-colonial energy, hinting at Native American or early settler residual hauntings.
Equipment-Friendly Exploration
For intrepid ghost hunters, the Longfellow House offers a range of paranormal activity hotspots. Bring along K-II EMF detectors, thermal cameras, and digital recorders—you won’t be disappointed. The attic and the grand staircase are especially active. Previous visitors have captured photos with unexplained mists, orbs, and even partial human forms in the background. Due to its age and architectural design, the house creates an acoustically rich environment that can also confuse noise sources—making it a challenging but rewarding investigation site.
A Final Word to Ghost Hunters
The Longfellow House in Mississippi is a rare gem—at once elegant, historic, and undeniably haunted. Whether you’re touring the grounds on a moonlit evening or spending a quiet afternoon scanning for spiritual energy, this place leaves an impression. It balances its stately charm with an undercurrent of sorrow, mystery, and lingering presence that draws curious minds to its doorstep year after year.
If you’re a ghost hunter seeking your next investigation site, don’t overlook this coastal treasure. With deep historical roots and numerous unexplained phenomena, the Longfellow House offers both context and potential evidence for serious paranormal researchers.
And for those who simply appreciate Southern history with a supernatural twist? Well, this timeless mansion has a few spine-tingling stories to share—if you’re brave enough to listen.
Plan your visit to the Longfellow House, and see for yourself where history whispers through the walls.