The haunting of Lake Lanier in Georgia is one of the most famous and eerie legends in the state, and it has gained widespread notoriety due to the lake's mysterious and tragic history. Here is the legend and some of the historical background that contributes to its spooky reputation:

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The Creation of Lake Lanier

• Background: Lake Lanier was created in 1956 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a reservoir to manage water resources for the Chattahoochee River. It is located in northern Georgia and covers an area of around 38,000 acres. To create the lake, entire towns, farmland, and forests were submerged, including homes, cemeteries, and structures that were not fully demolished.

• Legend: The idea that entire communities were drowned beneath the water gives rise to a sense of unease and mystery. Some believe that the spirits of those whose graves were disturbed during the flooding haunt the lake.

The Legend of Boo Hag

• Origin: Gullah/Geechee culture of the coastal South Carolina and Georgia Sea Islands.

• Story: The Boo Hag is a malevolent spirit that creeps into homes at night, riding or suffocating its victims as they sleep. It's said that the Boo Hag can slip through keyholes or cracks and steal the energy of the living. To protect yourself, it's recommended to leave a broom by your bed or place salt around your door, as the Boo Hag is compelled to count every grain, often running out of time before dawn.

The Tale of the Plat-Eye

• Origin: Gullah/Geechee culture.

• Story: The Plat-Eye is a shape-shifting spirit believed to haunt areas where people were buried without proper rites, often the graves of enslaved Africans. It can take various forms—sometimes a small animal, other times a large, terrifying creature. The Plat-Eye is said to guard treasures or seek revenge on the living, and it is known to play tricks on those who wander alone at night.

The Legend of the Highgate Vampire

• Location: Washington, D.C.

• Story: This lesser-known tale involves an African-American woman who was supposedly a vampire. According to the legend, she was buried in Highgate Cemetery, but was seen roaming the city at night, seeking out victims. The story likely reflects fears and superstitions within the African-American community during the time.

The Ghosts of the Myrtles Plantation

• Location: St. Francisville, Louisiana.

• Story: The Myrtles Plantation is often cited as one of the most haunted homes in America, with a history deeply intertwined with slavery. One of the most famous ghosts is that of Chloe, an enslaved woman who was supposedly punished for eavesdropping by having her ear cut off. Seeking revenge, Chloe allegedly poisoned the family’s children, but was later hanged by fellow enslaved people. Her ghost, often seen wearing a green turban, is said to haunt the plantation.

The Bell Witch

• Location: Adams, Tennessee.

• Story: While the Bell Witch legend is not exclusively an African-American story, it is significant in Southern folklore. The story tells of a malevolent spirit that terrorized the Bell family in the early 19th century. Some versions of the tale suggest that the spirit was connected to the family’s treatment of enslaved people, adding a layer of racial tension to the haunting.

The Ghosts of Southern Plantations

• Various Locations: Throughout the Southern United States.

• Story: Many Southern plantations are said to be haunted by the spirits of enslaved people who suffered and died there. These stories often involve the restless souls of those who were mistreated, murdered, or denied a proper burial. Ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and other supernatural occurrences are commonly reported at these sites.

The Haunted Story of Marie Laveau

• Location: New Orleans, Louisiana.

• Story: Marie Laveau, the legendary Voodoo queen of New Orleans, is said to still haunt the city. Her spirit is often reported near her grave in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where visitors leave offerings in exchange for favors. Some say her ghost can also be seen walking through the French Quarter, continuing her mystical work.

The Ghosts of the Fox Theatre (Atlanta)

• Legend: The Fox Theatre, one of Atlanta’s most iconic landmarks, is rumored to be haunted by several spirits. The most famous ghost is said to be a former theater worker named Joe, who died in an accident while working at the theater in the 1940s. His spirit is said to roam the theater, protecting the building and ensuring everything runs smoothly. There are also stories of a woman in white who appears on the balcony and unexplained cold spots.

• Significance: The Fox Theatre has become a hub for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers who are fascinated by its eerie reputation.

The Old Governor’s Mansion (Milledgeville, Georgia)

• Legend: This historic mansion, which served as the residence for Georgia’s governors from 1839 to 1868, is believed to be haunted by several spirits. Some say the ghost of Governor Joseph E. Brown's wife, who passed away during the Civil War, still lingers in the halls. Visitors and staff have reported hearing mysterious footsteps, seeing shadowy figures, and experiencing objects moving on their own.

• Significance: The Old Governor’s Mansion is a significant historical site, and its ghostly tales add an air of mystery to its rich history.

The Oakland Cemetery (Atlanta)

• Legend: Oakland Cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries in Atlanta, is the final resting place for many notable figures, including Margaret Mitchell (author of Gone with the Wind), Civil War soldiers, and Atlanta’s elite. The cemetery is believed to be haunted by the spirits of Confederate soldiers who roam the grounds at night, as well as other restless souls. Visitors have reported seeing apparitions and hearing disembodied voices.

• Significance: Oakland Cemetery’s history, combined with its beautiful but eerie setting, makes it one of the most haunted places in Atlanta.

The Windsor Hotel (Americus, Georgia)

• Legend: The Windsor Hotel in Americus, Georgia, is a grand hotel built in 1892. According to local legend, the hotel is haunted by the spirits of a maid and her daughter who were allegedly murdered in the elevator shaft by a jealous husband. Guests and staff have reported hearing the sounds of a child laughing, footsteps, and the elevator moving on its own.

• Significance: The Windsor Hotel’s haunting is well-known in Georgia, drawing paranormal investigators and those curious about its eerie past.

The Pirate's House (Savannah, Georgia)

• Legend: Savannah, known as one of the most haunted cities in America, is home to the infamous Pirate’s House, an old inn and tavern dating back to 1753. Legend has it that pirates would kidnap drunken patrons and force them to serve on their ships. There are also stories of ghostly pirate apparitions, as well as strange noises and footsteps coming from the underground tunnels beneath the building.

• Significance: The Pirate’s House is one of Savannah’s oldest buildings and has long been a center of ghostly lore.

The House on Kennesaw Mountain (Kennesaw, Georgia)

• Legend: Kennesaw Mountain was the site of a significant Civil War battle during the Atlanta Campaign. A house that stood on the battlefield is said to be haunted by the spirits of Civil War soldiers who died in battle. People have reported seeing ghostly figures dressed in Confederate uniforms, as well as hearing cannon fire and gunshots late at night.

• Significance: Kennesaw Mountain is a historic site with a deep connection to the Civil War, and its ghostly legends are tied to the tragedies of that time.

The Haunting of Rhodes Hall (Atlanta)

• Legend: Rhodes Hall, also known as the "Castle on Peachtree," is a historic mansion in Atlanta built in 1904. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of Amos Rhodes, the mansion's original owner, and possibly other members of his family. Visitors and employees have reported seeing ghostly figures, hearing strange noises, and feeling cold spots in the building.

• Significance: Rhodes Hall is a popular spot for weddings and events, but its haunted reputation adds an element of mystery and intrigue.

The Crybaby Bridge (Georgia)

• Legend: Like many states, Georgia has its own Crybaby Bridge legend. One of the most famous is located near Columbus, Georgia. The story goes that a woman and her baby were killed in a car accident on the bridge, and now, if you park your car on the bridge at night, you can hear the sound of a baby crying. Some versions of the story say that if you look into the water, you might see the ghostly reflection of the mother searching for her child.

• Significance: Crybaby Bridge stories are common in Southern folklore, and this particular version continues to captivate locals.

The Surrency Ghost (Surrency, Georgia)

• Legend: The small town of Surrency, Georgia, became famous in the late 19th century for a haunted house owned by the Surrency family. The house was plagued by bizarre and violent poltergeist activity, including objects flying across rooms, strange noises, and fires spontaneously starting. The haunting was so intense that it attracted national attention at the time. The house no longer exists, but the legend remains.

• Significance: The Surrency ghost story is one of Georgia’s most famous paranormal cases and remains a popular topic among ghost hunters.

The "Georgia Guidestones" Curse (Elberton, Georgia)

• Legend: The Georgia Guidestones, a mysterious set of granite monuments in Elberton, Georgia, were erected in 1980 under strange circumstances. The inscriptions on the stones, which speak of preserving humanity and balancing nature, have fueled conspiracy theories and legends, with some believing the site is cursed or linked to secret societies. While not a ghost story, the eerie presence of the Guidestones and their cryptic messages have become a source of fascination and fear.

• Significance: The Georgia Guidestones became a focus of paranormal and conspiracy theories, especially after their partial destruction in 2022.

The Haunted Hay House (Macon, Georgia)

• Legend: The Hay House, a grand mansion built in the mid-19th century in Macon, is said to be haunted by the original owners, the Johnston family. Reports of ghostly apparitions, unexplained sounds, and cold spots have circulated for decades. Some visitors claim to have seen the figure of a woman dressed in 19th-century clothing wandering the halls.

• Significance: The Hay House is a historic landmark, and its ghost stories add a layer of intrigue to its rich history.

These stories, while varied in origin and detail, provide a window into the unique cultural landscape of African-American folklore. They serve as powerful reminders of the history, struggles, and spiritual beliefs that have shaped the African-American experience.
 

The Legend of Rawhead and Bloody Bones

The legend of Rawhead (or Raw Head) and Bloody Bones is a chilling folktale that has its roots in British and Southern American folklore, with versions adapted by African-American communities. It is one of the most gruesome and terrifying stories passed down through generations, often told to frighten children into good behavior.

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The Story

The tale centers around two monstrous figures: Rawhead and Bloody Bones, sometimes referred to as a single entity called Rawhead and Bloody Bones. The names alone evoke fear, but the creatures themselves are described as horrifying, with grotesque appearances, often depicted as skeletal, skinless, or having blood-drenched, raw flesh.

Common Southern Version

One of the most popular versions of the legend in the Southern United States involves a friendly animal, usually a wild boar, named Rawhead who lives in the woods with a kind witch. Rawhead and the witch are close companions, and Rawhead is known for being intelligent and having a gentle spirit, despite his frightening name.

One day, a hunter comes to the woods and kills Rawhead while the witch is away. When she discovers what has happened, the witch becomes enraged and uses dark magic to bring Rawhead back to life. But Rawhead doesn’t return as he was. Instead, he is transformed into a terrifying, vengeful creature, now known as Rawhead Bloody Bones. The witch enhances him with new powers, and he becomes a ghastly figure with a head made of raw, bloody flesh, seeking revenge against the hunter and anyone else who comes into his path.

In some versions, Bloody Bones is a separate creature, often a gory, skeletal monster who lives in dark, damp places, such as under beds or in closets, waiting to terrorize children who misbehave or wander too far from home.

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The Douen (Trinidad and Tobago)

• Legend: Douens are the spirits of children who died before they were baptized. They are said to have backward-facing feet and wear large hats to cover their faces. Douens lure children into the forest by calling their names, and if a child responds, they will be lost forever. Douens are mischievous but can also be dangerous, especially to other children.

• Purpose: This legend is often told to warn children not to wander off alone or to be cautious of strangers.

The Soucouyant (Trinidad, Grenada, Dominica, and Saint Lucia)

• Legend: The Soucouyant is an old woman by day but turns into a terrifying, blood-sucking creature by night. She sheds her skin and turns into a ball of fire, flying through the air to suck the blood of sleeping victims. If someone finds her discarded skin and rubs salt on it, she will be unable to return to her human form and will die.

• Purpose: This legend reflects fear of witches and supernatural beings and is a warning to avoid wandering around at night.

The La Diablesse (French Caribbean islands, particularly Martinique and Saint Lucia)

• Legend: La Diablesse is a beautiful woman who hides her true nature: a demon with a cow’s hoof for a foot. She lures men into the forest or lonely paths, where they become lost and disoriented, sometimes leading to their death. Men who fall for her charms may never be seen again.

• Purpose: This tale is often a cautionary story for men to be wary of deceptive women or strangers.

The Heartman (Barbados)

• Legend: The Heartman is a terrifying figure in Barbadian folklore, said to be a demon or a man who steals the hearts of his victims, usually children. The Heartman is known to roam the streets at night, searching for hearts to take back to a devilish master. He serves as a boogeyman-like figure for children.

• Purpose: This legend serves as a warning for children to behave and stay close to home, especially at night.

The Baccoo (Guyana and Suriname)

• Legend: A Baccoo is a mischievous or evil spirit trapped in a bottle that grants wishes and brings wealth to its owner. However, the Baccoo is extremely dangerous and demanding, often requiring constant feeding with milk or bananas. If the owner fails to meet its demands, the Baccoo can turn violent or cause disaster.

• Purpose: This tale warns against greed and seeking quick wealth, as the Baccoo’s gifts always come with dangerous consequences.

The Churile (Guyana and Trinidad)

• Legend: The Churile is the ghost of a woman who died during childbirth or from being wronged by her husband. She is believed to wander in search of vengeance, often targeting men who are unfaithful or mistreat women. She appears as a beautiful woman to lure her victims but transforms into a horrifying figure before killing them.

• Purpose: The Churile is often seen as a cautionary figure, warning men to treat women with respect and fidelity.

The Duppy (Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago)

• Legend: A duppy is a restless ghost or spirit that roams at night, often causing harm or mischief. Duppies are believed to be the souls of the dead, either those who were wicked in life or who were not properly laid to rest. They can appear in various forms, including as animals or shadowy figures.

• Purpose: Duppy stories are meant to instill fear and respect for the dead, as well as encourage proper burial practices to prevent spirits from returning to haunt the living.

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The Asanbosam (Ashanti, Ghana)

• Legend: The Asanbosam is a vampiric creature from the folklore of the Ashanti people in Ghana. It is said to live in the trees of the forests, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting travelers. The Asanbosam has iron teeth, long, dangling legs, and hooked feet, which it uses to grab its victims from the treetops. It sucks their blood and leaves their bodies drained.

• Purpose: This creature serves as a cautionary tale to keep people from wandering alone in the forests, especially at night.

The Adze (Ewe, Togo/Ghana)

• Legend: The Adze is a vampiric being from Ewe folklore. In its natural form, the Adze appears as a firefly, but if captured, it transforms into a humanoid creature. The Adze can possess humans, particularly witches, and drink the blood of children and the sick. Those possessed by the Adze are often blamed for illness or misfortune in the community.

• Purpose: This legend reflects fears of witchcraft and possession, often associated with illness and unexplained deaths.

The Sasabonsam (Ashanti, Ghana)

• Legend: The Sasabonsam is another fearsome creature from Ashanti mythology. Similar to the Asanbosam, the Sasabonsam lives in the trees, but it is much larger and more demonic in appearance. It has long arms that can reach down from trees to snatch up humans and drag them to their doom. The Sasabonsam is often used to explain disappearances or deaths in the forest.

• Purpose: The Sasabonsam serves as a warning to avoid venturing into dangerous or unknown areas, particularly dense forests.

The Tokoloshe (Zulu, South Africa, but present in some West African cultures)

• Legend: The Tokoloshe is a small, mischievous, and malevolent spirit that can become invisible to humans. Although more commonly found in Southern Africa, some West African cultures also tell stories of similar beings. The Tokoloshe can cause great harm, including sickness or death, by strangling people in their sleep. Some believe it is sent by witches or sorcerers to harm others.

• Purpose: The Tokoloshe is often invoked to explain nightmares, sleep paralysis, or sudden illness.

The Kishi (Angola)

• Legend: The Kishi is a two-faced demon from Angolan folklore. It has the appearance of a handsome man from the front but a hyena's face on the back of its head. The Kishi uses its human side to seduce women, then reveals its hyena face to devour them. The Kishi’s ability to deceive and lure people to their doom makes it particularly terrifying.

• Purpose: The Kishi legend serves as a warning about deception and the danger of trusting strangers, particularly in romantic situations.

The Tingi-tingi (Sierra Leone)

• Legend: Tingi-tingi is a ghostly figure from Sierra Leone folklore that is said to haunt graveyards and dark forests. Described as tall and thin, with long limbs, Tingi-tingi wanders at night, luring people into the forest where they become lost forever. Its eerie, high-pitched singing can be heard in the distance, drawing victims toward it.

• Purpose: The legend of Tingi-tingi is often used to explain disappearances and discourage people from wandering near cemeteries or isolated areas.

The Fire-Spitting Monster (West African Mythology)

• Legend: Many West African cultures speak of monsters that spit fire, particularly those from the Yoruba and Igbo cultures. These monsters are often associated with evil sorcery or malevolent spirits sent to destroy villages. They appear as large, fearsome creatures that can burn entire villages to the ground if angered. The fire-spitting monster is often linked to stories of punishment for those who break cultural taboos.

• Purpose: This legend reinforces the importance of respecting community laws, traditions, and spiritual practices.

The Aisha Qandisha (Moroccan Influence, West Africa)

• Legend: Aisha Qandisha is a seductive and dangerous female spirit. While primarily a Moroccan legend, her influence has reached West African shores. She is said to lure men into relationships and drive them mad or even lead them to death. Like the Kishi, she represents the dangers of falling prey to a beautiful, yet deadly, spirit.

• Purpose: Aisha Qandisha serves as a warning about temptation and the perils of interacting with spirits.

The Gbekre (Ivory Coast)

• Legend: Gbekre is a fearsome deity from the Baoulé people of the Ivory Coast, often depicted as a humanoid figure with a monkey’s head. He is known for his violent nature, punishing those who disrespect his authority. Gbekre demands sacrifice and loyalty from his followers and is said to be a bringer of both justice and destruction.

• Purpose: Gbekre represents the fearsome power of spiritual beings in Baoulé culture and the consequences of disobedience to divine laws.

The haunting of Lake Lanier in Georgia is one of the most famous and eerie legends in the state, and it has gained widespread notoriety due to the lake's mysterious and tragic history. Here is the legend and some of the historical background that contributes to its spooky reputation:

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The Creation of Lake Lanier

• Background: Lake Lanier was created in 1956 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a reservoir to manage water resources for the Chattahoochee River. It is located in northern Georgia and covers an area of around 38,000 acres. To create the lake, entire towns, farmland, and forests were submerged, including homes, cemeteries, and structures that were not fully demolished.

• Legend: The idea that entire communities were drowned beneath the water gives rise to a sense of unease and mystery. Some believe that the spirits of those whose graves were disturbed during the flooding haunt the lake.

The Ghost of Lady of the Lake (Haunted Bride)

• Legend: One of the most well-known ghost stories surrounding Lake Lanier is the tale of the Lady of the Lake. According to the legend, in 1958, two young women, Delia Parker Young and Susie Roberts, were driving over the Lanier Bridge when they lost control of their car and plunged into the lake. Their car wasn’t recovered for decades, but in 1959, a woman's body, missing both hands and toes, was found floating in the lake. It was suspected to be Delia Parker Young, though the identification was not confirmed.

• The ghost of the "Lady of the Lake" is said to appear at night, walking the bridge in a blue dress, searching for her missing hands and toes, or wandering the shores near the lake.

• In 1990, the car was finally discovered along with the skeletal remains of both women, deepening the mystery and feeding the local ghost lore.

Frequent Tragedies and Accidents

• Legend: Lake Lanier has a dark history of tragic accidents and drownings. Since its creation, it has been the site of numerous boat accidents, unexplained drownings, and mysterious disappearances. Some locals believe the lake is cursed or haunted by the spirits of those who have died there. More than 500 people have died at the lake since its creation, and strange occurrences, such as powerful undercurrents, unexplained machinery malfunctions, and odd drownings, contribute to its eerie reputation.

• Hauntings: Visitors and locals often report seeing ghostly figures in the water, hearing unexplained splashing and screams, or feeling unseen hands pulling them underwater. These reports, combined with the sheer number of accidents, feed into the belief that something supernatural is at work.

Submerged Graves and Ghost Towns

• Legend: Before Lake Lanier was flooded, entire towns and cemeteries were submerged. Although many graves were relocated, it's believed that not all bodies were properly exhumed. There are stories that the souls of those buried in these forgotten graves now haunt the lake, angry at being disturbed and trapped beneath the water.

• The presence of intact structures, including roads, buildings, and bridges, beneath the surface of the water adds to the chilling nature of the lake. Some divers report seeing ghostly shadows or feeling a sense of unease when they explore the underwater remnants of these old towns.

Theories About a Curse

• Legend: Some locals and conspiracy theorists believe that Lake Lanier is cursed, and the many accidents and deaths are due to supernatural forces. This theory is supported by the lake's strange and tragic history, including the controversial displacement of families and communities during its creation. The belief in a curse stems from the idea that disturbing the land and displacing graves angered the spirits who now take revenge on the living.

Paranormal Activity

• Reports: Many who visit the lake report strange occurrences, including eerie cold spots in the water, seeing apparitions, and hearing disembodied voices, especially near the sites of tragic accidents. Some boaters claim their vessels have been inexplicably dragged or pulled by invisible forces, and swimmers describe feelings of being pulled down by unseen hands, even in calm waters.

Lake Lanier’s dark history, combined with these ghost stories and legends, has turned it into a focal point for paranormal enthusiasts and those seeking a chilling experience. Many people, especially locals, regard the lake with both awe and fear, believing that it is haunted by the spirits of those whose lives were lost, both in the lake's creation and through the many accidents that followed.