Top Ten Most Haunted in Memphis
Memphis, often called the “Home of the Blues” and the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” boasts a rich and diverse cultural heritage. It’s a city known for its legendary music scene, mouthwatering barbecue, and pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement.
From historic landmarks to juke joints that hide sinister stories, these locales are where the otherworldly and the natural converge. Join us as we delve into the chilling tales that haunt the very heart of Memphis.
1) The Lorraine Motel
Purchased by African-American businessman Walter Bailey in 1945, the Lorraine Motel was a beacon of progress and unity in a deeply segregated era. A visionary entrepreneur, Bailey dreamed of creating a space where people of all races could unite harmoniously. Formerly the Marquette Hotel, in 1948, he renamed the establishment in honor of his wife, Loree, a tribute to the love that fueled his mission for equality.
The Lorraine Motel gained recognition in the Green Guide, solidifying its reputation as a haven for civil rights activists and musicians alike. The motel’s guest list was a who’s who of the music world, with legendary figures like Ray Charles, Otis Redding, and Aretha Franklin gracing its rooms. It would famously become a backdrop for impromptu jam sessions and passionate discussions about the changing tide of civil rights.
The Day That Changed the World
The tunes and good times wouldn’t last. On April 4th, 1968, Memphis’s most haunting chapter unfolded when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in front of room 306 of the Lorraine Hotel. The tragedy continued to spread when Loree Bailey, the beloved wife of Walter Bailey, succumbed to an aneurysm on that fateful day.
Amidst the historical significance, the motel now serves as the National Civil Rights Museum. Room 306, where Dr. King was assassinated, and room 307, where Loree Bailey suffered her aneurysm, remain preserved as eerie time capsules. Visitors to the museum report overwhelming feelings of dread, sadness, and cold spots near these rooms. And it seems no one is immune to the heavy energy from the Lorraine Motel.
Haunted Tales From Hollywood
Before he was known for his role on “Boston Public,” Chi McBride struggled to make it in Hollywood and his personal life. One day, while traveling through Memphis, the actor found himself in front of the Lorraine Hotel amid an unexplained spell. McBride recalls feeling the weight of that fateful day and having visions of the horrific events that transpired twenty years before his visit. His experience was so profound that he detailed it in an episode of Celebrity Ghost Stories.
2) The Arcade Restaurant
The Arcade Restaurant, Memphis’ oldest continuously operating eatery, was founded by Greek immigrant Speros Zepatos in 1919 and has witnessed nearly a century of history. It served as the last meal stop for many servicemen departing for World War I and II, becoming a cherished part of their memories. The restaurant’s heyday arrived in the 1950s when it embraced a classic diner style with neon signs and boomerang table tops. Even Elvis Presley had a favorite booth here, indulging in his beloved banana and peanut butter sandwiches.
However, like much of downtown Memphis, The Arcade faced a downturn in the aftermath of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination in 1968. Due to the city’s curfew, it was forced to close its doors at night. Harry Zepatos, Speros’s son and owner of The Arcade, felt the weight of his family’s legacy and the restaurant’s struggles. Reports of Speros’s ghostly apparition visiting the restaurant during this time added an intriguing layer to its history. The Arcade and downtown Memphis experienced a revival in the 1980s, attracting a vibrant art community and renewed interest in the city.
The Hauntings:
- Sightings of Speros Zepatos’s apparition have been reported, with witnesses feeling positive and protective energy from his presence.
- An eerie incident occurred when a row of shot glasses was mysteriously swept from the bar onto the floor in the newly opened back room of the restaurant.
- A psychic medium revealed that spirits haunting The Arcade may not be linked to Speros but could be the restless souls of victims of the 1878 yellow fever epidemic. These individuals were improperly buried during the crisis, and their presence may linger within the restaurant, potentially awaiting a proper resting place.
3) Earnestine and Hazel's
Earnestine and Hazel’s, known as the most notorious haunted bar in Memphis, occupies a historic building with a dark and fascinating history. Originally a church in the late 1880s, the current structure was built in 1918. In the 1930s, Abe Plough transformed the first floor into a drug store, gaining fame for his hair tonic and antiseptic healing oils. The building transitioned into Earnestine & Hazel’s Sundries in the 1950s, a cafe and juke joint known for its chili and vibrant music scene.
Ernestine and Hazel, its owners, took a unique approach to the challenges they faced. Instead of barring prostitutes from the establishment, they offered a mutually beneficial arrangement, allowing them to conduct their business in the upstairs rooms. The jukejoint became a hub for legendary blues and Motown performers, attracting famous names like B.B. King, Ray Charles, and Sam Cooke.
Haunting Melodies
The post-MLK assassination period led to a decline in the cafe’s reputation, primarily due to its association with a brothel business that continued long after tourism dwindled. The building faced disrepair, but its revival came from Russell George, who restored it to its former glory. Tragically, Russell’s life ended within its walls in 1993. The most famous ghostly activity centers around a mischievous jukebox that turns on and off, plays songs of its choosing, and seems to respond to patrons’ conversations and emotions.
The upstairs rooms carry heavy feelings of dread and despair. Unseen hands have touched visitors, voices have been heard, and full-blown apparitions have been witnessed. Orbs and faces in old wallpaper have also been captured in photographs taken at the bar.
4) The Green Beetle
The Green Beetle is a historic dive bar with a shadowy history dating back to Prohibition. Rumors suggest it may have operated as a speakeasy during that time, frequented by infamous figures such as George “Machine Gun Kelly” Barnes, who is said to have left bullet holes behind the bar during a fit of rage.
In 1939, Frank Liberto opened The Green Beetle, now touted as the oldest tavern in Memphis. Frank and his wife, Mary, worked hard to provide delicious food and drinks in a welcoming environment. The bar became a hotspot for celebrities, including Elvis, Hank Williams, and Desi Arnaz.
Dark Shadows & Restless Spirits
However, the bar’s history is not without violence and tragedy. Multiple murders and brawls occurred on the premises, earning it a reputation as a dangerous dive bar, especially during the 1980s. The most infamous incident involved a patron named Horace Robinson, who was shot and killed after defending a woman’s honor.
The bar witnessed more violence when the former manager, Ricky Estes, attacked a patron and injured a police officer. Estes was known for his violent tendencies and later received the death penalty for another murder in Memphis.
The violent and emotional events in and around The Green Beetle have left their mark on the establishment. Reports of spectral activity include flickering lights, strange noises, and moving objects.
The Memphis Ghost Investigation and Spirit Rescue team encountered several spirits in the bar. They identified Frank Liberto, the bar’s founder, as a benevolent presence who visits often. Another spirit, named Marilyn, was described as a young woman with long blond hair who met her end by hitting her head. Marilyn enjoys interacting with the living and dislikes loud music. She’s believed to be responsible for the flying wine glasses.
5) The Pontotoc Hotel
The Pontotoc Hotel, built in 1906, is a historic residence in Memphis with a rich and secretive past. While it has served as a private residence for over 30 years, its rusted sign still bears witness to an earlier era filled with stories of sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll.
In its early years, from 1906 until at least the late 1920s, the Pontotoc was known as an upscale bordello that also featured Turkish baths, catering to railroad and riverboat travelers. To maintain discretion, it was publicly advertised as a rooming house for single gentlemen. The proprietors, Edwin and Maggie Cash, were so upset by being publicly accused of running an “indecent house” that they sued their accuser.
During this time, Memphis was a city rife with brothels, opium dens, and vice, with frequent police raids on “hop joints” and the arrest of street-walkers.
In 1929, Greek immigrant Dan Touliatos bought the Pontotoc Hotel. It became a popular lodging for vaudeville performers appearing at The Orpheum, and the local Greek community often gathered there for socializing.
Echoes of Tragedy: The Haunting Legacy
The Pontotoc Hotel’s storied history is marred by a series of sudden and tragic incidents that have left a lasting imprint on its very walls, giving rise to the paranormal activity that haunts it to this day.
In the tumultuous 1960s, this establishment bore witness to a string of heart-wrenching deaths. Three souls met their untimely demise due to heart attacks during altercations that escalated beyond control. Among them was Sam Pappas, who tragically suffered a heart attack while being confronted by a young boy wielding a firearm. His final words resonated with profound sorrow as he lamented the transformation of Memphis from the city he once knew and loved.
Yet, the hotel’s dark history doesn’t end there. Sidney, the enigmatic caretaker of the Pontotoc, carried with him an air of discord. His bouts of disruptive behavior, often fueled by intoxication, earned him the ire of fellow residents. In a chilling turn of events, Sidney’s life was tragically cut short when he was discovered in the basement’s charred boiler room, his body unrecognizable. It is surmised that he met his demise by falling into the boiler while descending with a load of coal. These tragic incidents have left an indelible mark on the Pontotoc Hotel, casting shadows that continue to linger and manifest as paranormal phenomena.
Reported Hauntings:
- Residents and visitors have reported various paranormal experiences at the Pontotoc Hotel. One former resident recalled nightly visits from the ghost of Sidney, which terrified her family enough to move out.
- Witnesses claim to have seen a girl crying in one of the windows, and many have captured orbs in their photographs.
- The lingering phantom smell of burning hair serves as a reminder of the tragic events that occurred in the basement.
Despite these eerie occurrences, the current residents of 69 Pontotoc believe that the spirits in the building are benevolent and protective. Leigh Davis, one of the residents, has grown to feel a positive energy from the spirits, viewing them as kind and accepting of her family.
6) The J.A. Austin House
The J.A. Austin House, built in 1876, is a historic relic complete with its own share of heart-wrenching tragedies. In the post-Civil War era, John Alexander Austin, a Confederate Army veteran, sought a new beginning in Memphis. He found love in the arms of Azalia Fowler, and their early years were filled with happiness, marked by the births of two children, John A. Jr. in 1872 and Louise in 1874. However, their idyllic life would soon be shattered by a series of heart-wrenching events.
Tragedy first struck when their third child, born in March 1877, fell victim to the devastating yellow fever epidemic that swept through Memphis, leaving the Austins bereaved. Azalia’s own life took another heart-rending turn when she was diagnosed with peritonitis, a rare but often fatal condition, shortly after giving birth to their fourth child, Willis, in November 1878. She passed away at the tender age of 28, leaving J.A. Austin a widower with three young children.
Grief-stricken, J.A. Austin mourned for three long years before finding love again. In 1881, he married Lillie A. Martin of Mississippi, rekindling hope for a brighter future. Tragically, their happiness was short-lived, as their son, Charles, passed away in May 1883.
Despite the heartbreak, Lillie sought solace in her faith, regularly conducting church meetings within the J.A. Austin House until her own passing in 1904.
Reported Hauntings:
- Visitors and residents have reported mysterious occurrences in the J.A. Austin House.
- Sightings of apparitions and the feeling of a presence have been noted, suggesting that spirits from the past may linger within these walls.
- Unexplained noises and sensations are not uncommon, adding to the house’s mystique.
- Some believe that Azalia’s spirit may still reside here, watching over her precious children even in the afterlife.
7) The Orpheum Theater
Constructed in 1928, the Orpheum Theater emerged during the Roaring Twenties, a vibrant period of artistic and societal change characterized by prosperity, cultural dynamism, and an insatiable desire for entertainment. During this time, Memphis, a bustling hub of creative expression and creativity, drew renowned performers from around the country.
The Orpheum Theater, with its opulent architecture and state-of-the-art facilities, quickly became a focal point for this burgeoning cultural scene. Legends like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong graced its stage, awaking audiences with their musical prowess. The theater became a cherished gathering place, a sanctuary of entertainment and escape during the tumultuous times of the early 20th century.
Despite the Great Depression’s financial challenges, the Orpheum found salvation in a group of dedicated citizens. Yet, the Orpheum’s history holds more than tales of resilience and artistic excellence—it also harbors a ghostly resident named Mary.
Mary’s Mischievous Presence
Known for her mischievous antics, Mary delights in switching lights on and off and playfully opening and closing doors. Despite her tricks, she doesn’t appear to harbor any ill intent. Witnesses often describe her as a 12-year-old girl with brown pigtails, forever donning a white school dress. She’s frequently seen running and twirling through the theater, a spectral embodiment of eternal childhood. Even seasoned performers like Yul Brenner, during a 1982 performance of “The King and I,” claimed to witness Mary’s ethereal presence.
A University of Memphis paranormal investigation revealed that Mary met her tragic end in a streetcar accident just outside the theater. In the Orpheum’s bright lights and music, she seemingly found solace. One chilling incident involved visitors who felt an intense cold and observed faint lights darting about the balconies, reminiscent of Tinkerbell from “Peter Pan.” They witnessed a young girl dancing in the lobby before she inexplicably disappeared. Loud banging sounds from a nearby broom closet added to the eerie atmosphere. Recent sightings continue to cement Mary’s status as an enduring enigma within the Orpheum’s history, with her favorite seat, C-5, being a hotspot for her apparitions and inexplicable cold spots, leaving a lasting impact on those who encounter her.
8) The Woodruff Fontaine House
The Woodruff Fontaine House, initially built by Amos Woodruff in 1870-71, was a prominent residence for wealthy families and underwent various ownership changes throughout its history. From being a private residence to plans of becoming an antique shop and a Free Art School, it eventually found its purpose as a museum, thanks to the Association for Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities.
Hauntings at the Woodruff Fontaine House
Within the historic Woodruff-Fontaine House, the benevolent spirit of Mollie Woodruff Henning, the daughter of Amos Woodruff, is said to linger. Her ethereal presence is considered friendly and helpful, and she may still occupy her former room, affectionately known as the Rose Room or Mollie’s Room, on the mansion’s second floor. During guided tours, visitors often notice impressions left on the bedspread, suggesting that Mollie enjoys sitting on her bed, which is respectfully cordoned off to preserve its historical charm.
Mollie’s spectral interactions extend beyond her room. Witnesses have claimed she kindly revealed the original arrangement of her furniture, indicating her preference for a traditional setup. It seems Mollie is not content to stay put; she roams the mansion, curiously observing the living occupants and occasionally following those who pique her interest.
However, not all entities within the mansion share Mollie’s benevolence. There are reports of a malevolent male presence, particularly in the parlor and on the third floor, exhibiting hostile behavior, such as forcefully removing a necklace from a staff member.
During a paranormal investigation led by Rich Newman of Paranormal Incorporated, a female presence followed the investigators down to the basement, an area not typically associated with paranormal activity. This entity seemed curious about the investigators’ activities and conversations.
These lingering spirits add an intriguing layer of history and mystery to the Woodruff Fontaine House, making it a site of interest for those fascinated by the paranormal.
9) The Metal Museum
The Metal Museum, formerly known as the National Ornamental Metal Museum, once served as the Marine Hospital Service in the 1800s. The current facility was constructed in 1881 after the previous hospital in Napoleon, Arkansas, was repeatedly flooded in the 1870s. In addition to caring for veterans, this facility treated yellow fever patients and conducted specialized research to find a cure for the disease.
Today, visitors report spine-chilling, unexplained experiences, including whispers echoing through empty corridors and the soft but unmistakable sound of footsteps. Sightings of spectral figures clad in Marine attire roaming the museum grounds add to the uncanny ambiance.
One building, in particular, harbors a dark secret in its basement: a morgue and a body chute. This sinister setting frequently serves as a focal point for ghostly occurrences, with disembodied voices echoing through the still air.
Paranormal investigators have been drawn to the Metal Museum, capturing electronic voice phenomena (EVP) that offer compelling evidence of spectral presence.
10) The Inn at Hunt Phelan
The Inn at Hunt Phelan, a grand 16-room mansion, was once the headquarters for the Confederate and Union military leadership. Notably, Union General Ulysses S. Grant planned strategies for the Battle of Vicksburg from the mansion’s library and parlor. After the war, it returned to private ownership, and in the 20th century, it fell into disrepair until a dedicated restoration effort breathed new life into this historic treasure.
Hauntings at The Inn at Hunt Phelan
The Inn is rumored to be haunted by the spirit of a former servant, Nathan Wilson. According to the legend, before the Hunt family left the mansion in 1873 to escape a yellow fever epidemic, they entrusted Nathan with a chest of gold. Tragically, Nathan succumbed to yellow fever and was found dead in the home with a shovel and muddy boots, seemingly in an attempt to bury the gold to keep it safe. To this day, the spirit of a man in 19th-century attire is said to linger, appearing desperate to convey a message to those who will listen.
Haunted Memphis
From the poignant reminder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy at The Lorraine Motel to the mischievous spirits that linger within the walls of Earnestine and Hazel’s, the otherworldly is an integral part of Memphis’ vibrant identity.
Are you ready to experience the haunting history of Memphis firsthand? Join us for an unforgettable journey into the otherworldly on a spine-chilling Memphis ghost tour with Memphis Ghosts!
Sources:
http://hauntedhouses.com/tennessee/orpheum-theatre/
https://www.memphisheritage.org/john-alexander-austin-house/
https://katieaune.com/ghost-hunting-in-memphis/
https://unearthedmemphis.com/2021/03/01/season-two-episode-two-earnestine-hazels/
https://hauntedhouses.com/tennessee/woodruff-fontaine-house/
https://www.hauntedrooms.com/tennessee/memphis/haunted-places
