CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Does the Halloween season leave you craving something spooky? Are you in search of the frightful, fearful, or spine tingling? The Clarksville area has plenty of ghost stories and thrilling events and experiences that are sure to excite.
Some places below may not be open to the public.
Haunted Places
Smith Trahern Mansion (101 McClure Street): Built in 1859, the mansion was home to Mr. And Mrs. Christopher Smith. Christopher Smith was a riverboat captain and had also made his fortune raising tobacco. One day, Mr. Smith was sailing in bad weather and drowned. When news reached Mrs. Smith, she refused to accept his death. She spent the rest of her days walking alone through the mansion, on the widows walk and looking out the windows, waiting for Christopher to return. Visitors claim that they still see Mrs. Smith staring out of the upper windows and walking the widows walk.
Resthaven Memorial Garden (Madison Street): Located off Madison Street near Sango Event Center, Resthaven Memorial Garden has been open since 1954. But much earlier, something sinister is said to have happened. Behind the gardens is a house that was once the home of a slave owner. Rumor has it that one of his slaves forced himself upon his daughter and got her pregnant. Enraged, the master killed the slave. Now legend says the slave’s ghost is seen roaming the house looking for his child.
Bellwood Mansion (Bellwood Landing Rd, Indian Mound): Bellwood Mansion is reportedly an abandoned mansion in the middle of the woods, and it’s a magnet for local legends about ghost sightings and witchcraft.
Thrilling Events
Bell Witch “Spirit” Events (430 Keysburg Rd, Adams): The history of the Bell Witch Cave dates back to 1817. The Adams, Tenn. farmer John Bell, and his family began to experience strange things and unexplained happenings shortly after moving to the area. Their struggle became so great, that Bell finally enlisted the help of his neighbor, James Johnson, who insisted more people needed to know what was happening. People believed “Kate”, the “Bell’s Witch”, was tormenting the family for reasons unknown culminating in Bell’s mysterious death in 1820. Read about the history here.
Every year, Cave Tours and a play “Spirit” are held in the fall to commemorate the events. Learn more about the Bell Witch Festival on their Facebook page.
Clarksville Zombie Hunters (3975 Marthas Chapel Rd, Cunningham): Clarksville Zombie Hunters invites people of all ages to test their skills as they enter into the ‘haunted woods’ in Cunningham, Tenn. Visitors are able to choose from five different attractions including Haunted Paintball Hayride, Shooting Gallery, Dark Maze, Zombie Mission, and Movies at the Hunt. Learn more and purchase tickets at Clarksville Zombie Hunters website.
Octagon House Ghost Hunts (6040 Bowling Green Rd, Franklin, Ky): Investigate the infamous haunted Octagon Hall Museum with seasoned Paranormal Investigators. Legend says the spirits of Civil War soldiers still haunt the home, arguably the most haunted home in the South. Tours and ‘hunts’ are held every Friday and Saturday in October from 7 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. Ticket information can be found on their Facebook page.
