Colonial Park Cemetery – Haunted Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia

Colonial Park Cemetery isn’t just one of Savannah’s oldest burial grounds—it’s also one of its most haunted. Established in 1750, this historic cemetery has witnessed centuries of death, disease, and disturbing events that seem to have left permanent supernatural imprints on the grounds.

Historical Background

Year Built: 1750

Original Purpose: Public burial ground serving Savannah’s growing colonial population

Significant Events: The cemetery became a mass grave during the devastating yellow fever epidemic of 1820, claiming hundreds of lives in a matter of weeks. During the Civil War, Union soldiers desecrated the grounds, vandalized tombstones, and even changed death dates on markers as a cruel joke—some believe this disrespect awakened angry spirits that still roam the cemetery today.

Paranormal Activity Summary

Visitors consistently report seeing shadowy figures darting between the ancient tombstones, particularly after sunset when the cemetery takes on an especially eerie atmosphere. Cold spots appear without warning even on sweltering Georgia summer days, and many people have captured strange orbs and mists in photographs that seem to follow visitors through the grounds.

The sounds of children’s laughter echo through the cemetery despite no living children being present, and some visitors report feeling invisible hands touching their shoulders or tugging at their clothing. Electronic devices frequently malfunction or drain completely within minutes of entering the gates, leading paranormal investigators to believe the spirits are drawing energy from modern technology.

Ghost Stories & Reports

The most frequently reported spirit is Rene Rondolier, a child murderer who was supposedly hanged from a tree within the cemetery—witnesses claim to see his hanging corpse swaying from the branches on foggy nights. A ghostly little girl in a tattered dress has been spotted playing near the children’s section, vanishing when approached by concerned visitors who initially mistake her for a living child.

Local folklore tells of a voodoo priestess buried in an unmarked grave who cursed anyone who disturbs the cemetery, and some believe she’s responsible for the misfortune that befalls disrespectful visitors. The “duel ghosts” are two men in colonial-era clothing who allegedly died in a pistol duel on the grounds and are sometimes seen reenacting their fatal confrontation in the early morning hours.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The brick vault section near the cemetery’s rear wall is considered the most intensely haunted area, where visitors report overwhelming feelings of dread and despair. Many people refuse to walk through this section after experiencing the sensation of being watched by dozens of unseen eyes or hearing whispered voices speaking in languages they don’t understand.

Can You Visit?

Open to the Public? Yes

Entry Fee: Free (accessible during park hours)

Tour Availability: Multiple ghost tour companies in Savannah include Colonial Park Cemetery as a stop on their nightly walking tours, typically running from 7 PM to midnight.

Photography Allowed? Yes

Visiting Hours: The cemetery is open daily from dawn until dusk, though the locked gates don’t stop determined ghost hunters from peering through the iron fence after dark.

Best Time to Visit

Paranormal activity reportedly peaks during the autumn months, particularly around Halloween when the veil between worlds is said to be thinnest. Late evening visits just before the cemetery closes seem to produce the most supernatural encounters, with many investigators claiming the hours between 9 PM and midnight are most active—though you’ll need to view from outside the gates during these hours.

First-Hand Accounts & Eyewitness Reports

A tour guide named Sarah reported in 2019 that she watched a full-bodied apparition walk directly through a solid tomb before disappearing, an experience that left her shaken despite leading ghost tours for five years. Paranormal investigator teams have recorded EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) in the cemetery that clearly say “get out” and “leave us,” suggesting some spirits don’t appreciate visitors disturbing their eternal rest.

Photography enthusiasts frequently share images from Colonial Park Cemetery showing mysterious figures that weren’t visible to the naked eye when the photos were taken. One viral photo from 2021 showed what appeared to be a Civil War soldier standing among the graves, his transparent form clearly visible in the background of a tourist’s selfie.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

The cemetery has been featured on multiple paranormal television programs, including episodes of “Ghost Hunters” and “Most Haunted,” with investigators documenting unexplained temperature drops of up to 30 degrees in specific locations. Teams using EMF detectors consistently record massive electromagnetic field spikes near certain graves, particularly around the vault section where no electrical sources exist to explain the readings.

One investigation team captured thermal imaging footage showing a human-shaped heat signature moving through the cemetery that disappeared when they approached its location. Spirit boxes used during overnight investigations have produced intelligent responses to investigators’ questions, with spirits identifying themselves by names that match historical records of people buried in the cemetery.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

While the cemetery is safe to visit during daylight hours, trespassing after closing time is illegal and actively enforced by Savannah police who patrol the area regularly. The aged tombstones and uneven ground create tripping hazards, especially at night, and several visitors have been injured after becoming disoriented or frightened while exploring in low light conditions.