Explore the Haunted Battlefields of Savannah
Savannah is a city that has seen not one but three wars raging through its streets. The devastation of these battles, along with two fires and multiple yellow fever epidemics, left the city’s population hindered. Because of these events, Savannah proudly bears the title of the most haunted city in America.
Scattered across the city are the remains of these old battlefields. Concrete and historical markers now cover many, yet the souls of these battles still tangle in an eternal fury. Apparitions of soldiers and the smell of gunpowder prop themselves into our world and onto unsuspecting visitors.
We will explore what’s left of these battlefields, most now one of the 22 city squares that the city is known for. Madison Square, Monterey Square, and Johnson Square all have ghostly residents.
Stories of freedom fighters downed in the heat of battle continued to be told inside these squares. The spirits Casimir Pulaski and William Jennings all line up alongside the night’s batch of curious tourists to hear their stories unfold.
Next time you are in Savannah, hear it from the best. Take a ghost tour with US Ghost Adventures – if you dare!
What Battles Took Place in Savannah?
Savannah is an objectively important port city. Nestled alongside the Savannah River, it was a vital access point both inland and out to the sea. The various enemies of Georgia, the British, throughout two wars and later Union troops, sought to put a chokehold on the city’s trade. Suffocating a valuable trading port meant depleting resources for the enemies. The city of Savannah is on par with Gettysburg regarding wartime carnage and spiritual activity.
The Battle of Savannah occurred on October 9th, 1779, sending nearly 1000 freedom righters to their grave. The British control of the city before evacuating after the war ended in 1782. This battle occurred all over the city and is now embedded in the landscape.
Another famous battle site, Fort Jackson, was constructed in 1808 and was utilized to keep the city safe during the War of 1812. It succeeded in its duties and would continue to do so throughout the civil war.
While the city was spared by General William Tecumseh Sherman during his infamous “March to the Sea,” Confederate soldiers stationed at Fort Macallister were overwhelmed by Union troops in a short and decisive battle.
William Jasper and Madison Square
Our first spirit lost his life during the great Battle of Savannah. Sgt. William Jasper perished in this battle, defending American ideals and revolutionary thought. Jasper heroically lifted the South Carolina flag after being wounded defending Fort Moultrie in the First Siege of Charleston.
Three years later, in 1779, during the Siege of Savannah, he and his regiment were called to defend the coastal city. He answered with bravado but was shot down by General Benjamin Lincoln’s troops.
To commemorate his gallantry, a statue was constructed in the center of Madison Square. This statue, designed by sculptor Alexander Doyle, depicts Jasper holding a flag in his left hand while his right-hand sports a fresh bullet wound. At his feet is his hat, also covered in bullet holes.
The square was constructed in 1839 and named after the 4th President of the United States, James Madison. Since its construction, visitors to the beautiful public space have seen and heard strange things.
It is rumored that the area was once used as a mass grave site during the Battle of Savannah. The remains of British soldiers have been discovered during the construction of the various homes in the area. Shadow figures appear, often running towards the unsuspecting living. Some say it’s Jasper, still defending his country and the city of Savannah.
Who haunts Madison Square in Savannah, GA?
The spirit of Sergeant William Jasper, a colonial war hero, and the ghosts of dead British soldiers.
Casimir Pulaski and Monterey Square
While there are various counties, streets, and cities named after William Jasper, this war hero has garnered a smaller, just as important thank you. A square and two statues, one in Washington D.C, of this Polish Revolutionary War hero have been placed in his honor. His intriguing and courageous story continues to fascinate tourists to Savannah.
Casimir Pulaski was a Polish man who immigrated to America after failing to defend Poland from Russia’s invasion in the mid-1700s. After moving to the new world, he joined the colonials in their fight for freedom.
During the Siege of Savannah, which lasted for two months between September and October of 1779, he was mortally wounded. His wounds would have killed most men, but he carried on for two days before succumbing to his injuries.
His burial site became a mystery for centuries after the war. Some believed he was laid to rest at sea, and others were under speculation that he was buried just outside of city limits. A statue was erected of him in Monterey Square in 1853, though the dates vary.
The decrepit statue of the “Father of American Cavalry” was in dire need of restoration by the 20th century. A shocking discovery was made while work carefully began on the marble statue. A box of human remains was found underneath the cornerstone of Pulaski’s state. The age of the skeleton and wounds matched up with the description of Pulaski at the time of his death. DNA tests only further proved that this was indeed Pulaski.
While the mystery of Pulaski’s deathbed had been solved, another remained. Many visitors to Monterey Square have been met by a strange man with a peculiar accent late at night. He is dressed in Revolutionary War-era clothing and seems lost. Shocked and confused, his new acquaintances blink, and he is gone. Reports of this man have been occurring since the square was constructed.
While the conclusive answer is to assume this is Pulaski, the truth is we may never know.
Haunted Savannah
To know the truth, you have to see it for yourself. The spirits of Savannah’s Battlefields still linger throughout the city’s many squares and streets. Take a ghost tour with US Ghost Adventures to hear the stories firsthand and experience the dark side of America’s first planned city. Our expert tour guides are well-versed in history and the otherworldly. Check our website for further information and booking details.
Sources:
https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ga-fortjackson/
https://www.battlefields.org/visit/battlefields/savannah-battlefield
https://www.savannah.com/pulaski-square/
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/savannah
https://www.chsgeorgia.org/OFJ/history
https://www.savannah.com/madison-square/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casimir_Pulaski_Monument_(Savannah,_Georgia)
