Student Journalist at Mercer University Dedicate Blog to Macon Ghost Investigations
From Old City Cemetery, to the infamous Hay House, it is no secret that Macon, Georgia is home to some of the state’s spookiest, creepiest, allegedly ‘haunted’ landmarks.
Also known as the ‘Heart of Georgia’, Macon is rumored to be riddled with ghosts, spirits, and even ‘shape-shifters’. Most Macon natives are familiar with all of the city’s ghostly secrets, while adventure-seeking tourists come to explore the city’s chilling scenes themselves.
“I’ve always heard that Macon was haunted, but I never knew if there was any validity behind it. I just assumed most of the stories were myths to bring in tourists,” said Taylor Key, a macon local.
Student journalists at The Macon Newsroom explore some of the city’s most haunted spots, seeking the truth about the entities that linger there for their new blog, Ghosts of Macon. Here’s a recap of what they found:
#5: Ocmulgee Brewpub
Known as the home of the ‘best brews and burgers around’ Macon, Georgia, Ocmulgee Brewpub is one of the most popular storefront locations in Downtown, Macon. Aside from its reputation as a high-quality American eatery, it is also known for being a ‘haunted hotspot’ in Macon, according to a 13WMAZ article published in 2018.
“I actually work at Ocmulgee Brewpub, I’ve been there since March. That’s when I first learned about Vincent,” Key said. “Vincent is the ghost who messes with us at the restaurant. Like, sometimes I’ll hear the phone ring but when I answer it’s silent and I can hear my voice echoing.”
Student journalists Naya Tillitt and Maura Rutledge explore the allegedly haunted location and share all of their findings and specific information about ‘Vincent’ the ghost haunting the restaurant in their radio feature story! Give it a listen!
Rose Hill Cemetery is the final resting place for hundreds of Macon locals, natives, and even celebrities. However, it is also the alleged home of a shapeshifting spirit that roams the acres of the cemetery.
While the Rose Hill Shapeshifter is not known by many, it has left a lasting impression on those who have encountered it.
“I’m usually not afraid of graveyards, but Rose Hill does sometimes give me the creeps,” said Shykimbria Mobley, a resident of Downtown Macon. “I’ve never seen any ghosts myself but I’ve definitely heard the rumors.”
Student journalist Max Bickers shares his findings on the Rose Hill Shapeshifter in his investigative photostory. Check it out!
#3: The Abandoned Old City Cemetery
Rose Hill Cemetery’s predecessor and now abandoned graveyard, Old City Cemetery has been completely ghosted and supernatural ones are the only beings that remain there. The resting place only lasted 25 years, from its opening in 1825 to its closing in 1840 when the owners decided that they needed more space.
Years after Rose Hill’s opening, in 1891, the city of Macon dug up the bodies resting in Old City Cemetery and moved them into Rose Hill Cemetery.
However, many believe that the spirits of the people previously buried there remain.
“I actually know of Old City Cemetery, and it’s even creepier than Rose Hill [Cemetery],” Mobley said. “Digging up bodies just doesn’t sound like a good idea to me. People are meant to be left in peace, so moving them might have actually disturbed their spirits.”
Student journalists Jaidyn Bridgeforth and Saaniah Hardy have investigated the rumors of these spirits remaining and shared their findings in their photo story.
#2: The ‘Phantom Filled’ Grand Opera House of Macon
The Grand Opera House of Macon is known for more than its grand performances. It’s also infamously known for being one of the most haunted places in Macon, Georgia. After multiple deaths plagued the building, many citizens believe that the spirits of those who died there still roam the walls.
From the disappearance and then death of Randall Winder, the establishments executive director, to a few deaths of performers on the premises, there is a good bit of probable cause for the spooky rumors.
Since Winder’s death, employees of the establishment have claimed to hear phantom noises and even have felt hands touching their shoulders when no one else was there.
“Working downtown, I’ve heard all the rumors honestly. But, the stories behind the Grand Opera House spook me the most because people actually died there,” Key said. “Plus one [allegedly] committed suicide? That makes it even scarier.”
The Opera House’s current senior technical director and long-standing employee Bob Mavity has been gathering information on the hauntings over the course of his 28-year career and shared it with student journalists Olivia Scott and Amelie Horance. They compiled all of this information and shared it in their article, ‘The Phantom of Macon Opera’.
#1: The Infamous Hay House of Macon
The most well known, allegedly haunted spot in Macon is the Infamous Hay House of Macon. Also known as the ‘Palace of the South’, the four floored mansion is equipped with many impressive features such as rare technological features for its time of construction, separate living quarters for summer and winter, and expensive art pieces decorating the 30-foot walls.
Another distinct feature of the manor is the spirits that allegedly roam its halls.
After the final owner of the home, Ms.Hay, passed away decades ago, the home was turned into a private museum and was eventually declared a national landmark in 1974.
It was around that time that paranormal activity began to be reported. Rumors of odd occurrences began to circulate and evolved into the urban legends surrounding the house.
Now, most citizens know the landmark for its chilling reputation.
“The Hay House is huge. With it being owned by rich people over the years, there’s no telling what secrets or spirits are held there,” Mobley said.
Student journalists Kendall Ross and Shane Zachos share some of the rumors and facts behind them in their video story, The Haunted History of Hay House: Macon’s “Palace of the South”. Give it a watch!
Between these five haunted hotspots, Macon, Georgia has plenty of ghost rumors to go around. Whether you’re bordering on the brink of belief, or already aware of what beings exist beyond our comprehension, check out Ghosts of Macon for a frightening, hair-raising read!
