by Rich Newman
Locals say that the lonely, spectral soldier seen walking through Fort Pickens National Park is the poor soul who was blown to smithereens that day. If you want to catch a glimpse of this spirit, you will want to stick close to the fort area of the park. But the remainder of the park also has its fair share of tales. These concern the restless spirits of Native Americans who are heard, and sometimes seen, in the park.
During the years of the Indian Wars, Fort Pickens was used as a prison—and many of the prisoners were Native Americans. Famous Apache chief Geronimo was actually held here (along with a few of his personal warriors) from October 1886 until May 1887. Nobody believes the Native American spirits include Geronimo, however. They seem to be the unfortunate, random prisoners who most likely perished while staying at the fort. The ghostly activity there includes the sounds of chanting, war cries, and the usual moans and groans of those in anguish.
If you plan a trip to Fort Pickens for the ghosts, you should know that you can actually camp in this park, which makes it one of the few Civil War sites you can explore after dark. They even offer a “night owl” pass that allows non-campers to stay on the premises for a while after sundown.
Fort Zachary Taylor
Key West, Florida
When the decision was made to shore up the defenses along the southern coast of the United States, a series of forts were constructed. Fort Zachary Taylor (known as “Fort Zach” by locals) was one of these. Work began on the fort in 1845 and continued until 1850, when it was deemed ready for operation. It was named after famed general and president Zachary Taylor, who had just died in office.
In 1861, at the onset of the Civil War, Union Captain John Milton Brannan seized the fort to keep it out of Confederate hands. During the entirety of the war, the fort watched over the Florida waters, preventing enemy ships from sweeping through. There weren’t any actual battles at the fort, but many argue that the Union presence at the fort was an important factor in limiting the supplies received by the Confederate Army, which contributed to its demise.
So what do you do with a historic fort located in a gorgeous place like Key West? You use it for weddings! And events. And offer tours of the historic locations. But what if your type of entertainment is geared more toward the spooky? Hey, Fort Zach has you covered!
While the fort didn’t participate in any battles during the Civil War, it certainly had its fair share of woes. The primary source of these was disease. Yellow fever would strike the population, dysentery would ravage the prisoners, and a rash of diphtheria would take its toll. Most of the spirits that are said to exist at this location are a result of these horrific afflictions. The most well-known ghost being a man who is known as “Wendell.”
The legend goes that in 1968 a Naval employee named Howard England was visiting Fort Zachary Taylor to look for Civil War artifacts. While there he was visited by a spirit named Wendell Gardener, who promptly pointed out the best spots for Howard to dig. After the ghost was proven correct, and dozens of war relics were found, Howard let it be known how he found the items. Some say he was even thanked by some of Wendell’s relatives who hadn’t known what happened to him. This spirit has been seen a few times within the fort since then.
Other paranormal activity at the stronghold includes a ghostly girl who has been spotted near the old hospital, a phantom army who is seen marching the grounds, and shadowy shapes that like to patrol the old mess hall. If you take the official tour of the fort, or decide to wander on your own, you want to pay special attention to the locations mentioned here, as well as the basement where prisoners were held. Disembodied voices, cold spots, and the occasional, pale apparition have been experienced there.
Fort James Jackson
Savannah, Georgia
Known to locals as “Old Fort Jackson,” this awesome nineteenth century fortification is quite the sight to see. Perched alongside the Savannah River, Fort Jackson has been restored to its original glory, and it now features tours for those who want to see a little bit of history.
Built in 1808, Fort James Jackson’s construction was authorized by President Thomas Jefferson. The country was poised for a return to war with either France or England, so it was intended to be the last line of defense for the city of Savannah. It would actually be the War of 1812, though, before the fort saw a lot of active duty. And then there’s the Civil War …
Along with Fort McAllister and Fort Pulaski, Fort Jackson protected the Confederate city of Savannah, as well as the entrance to the Savannah River. The fort was commanded by Colonel Edward Clifford Anderson during the war—and the Rebels managed to keep their grip on the trio of Southern forts until the city of Savannah was captured by Major General William T. Sherman on December 20, 1864.
At that point, the Southern troops fled to South Carolina until the end of the war.
You can, of course, learn all about the role of Fort Jackson in the Civil War if you take the tour—and you will hopefully see an extra sight on the tour as well.
It seems that the old fort is known for a specific ghost and story. The legend states that a soldier by the name of Private Patrick Garrity was stationed at his post near the drawbridge when his superior, Lieutenant George Dickerson, came by to check on him. Here is where the details get a bit sketchy …
It seems that Private Garrity took umbrage with the visit, so he attacked the lieutenant with the butt of his rifle. Once the officer was down, the soldier realized what he had done, so he fled and leaped into the moat just outside the drawbridge.
Unfortunately for Garrity, this is where his story would end; as men shouted and ran to the scene, the private was drowning in the moat below.
The lieutenant would actually recover from his wounds. Now it’s said that Private Garrity haunts old Fort Jackson. His apparition has been spotted in various parts of the place. They say you can see him, standing in his Confederate uniform, looking forlorn and lost.
Fort Pulaski.
Fort Pulaski
Savannah, Georgia
Perched at the mouth of the Savannah River on Cockspur Island, Fort Pulaski has been guarding the port of Savannah since 1833. During the Civil War, the fort was a strategic and contentious location. When it became clear that the state of Georgia was going to secede from the United States, troops from Savannah occupied the fort. They would soon be replaced by Confederate soldiers who manned the location until 1862. It was then that Union forces positioned on Tybee Island began attacking the fort.
Though Colonel Charles H. Olmstead, commander of the fort, anticipated a strong infantry attack, the Federal commander, Captain Quincy A. Gillmore, opted to use his new “rifled cannons” to assault the fort’s walls. After a mere thirty hours of bombardment, Colonel Olmstead surrendered the stronghold. From this point on, Fort Pulaski would be in Federal hands.
Action at the fort was low after it was taken by the North—and it eventually became a prison. Housing a group of Confederate officers known as the “Immortal Six Hundred,” the stronghold continued to hold down the port of Savannah until the end of the war in 1865.
The Fort Pulaski National Monument is quite the tourist destination today. Boasting trails that meander along the beach (and the awesome lighthouse nearby) and tons of water-driven activities, the site sees over 350,000 visitors a year. And many of these are people hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the ghosts said to wander the old fort. And who might these ghosts be? Well, most believe them to be from the aforementioned immortals.
While the Confederate officers were being held prisoner at Fort Pulaski (1864–1865), horrible conditions were in place. They endured bouts of dehydration, starvation, and disease (mostly dysentery and scurvy). Thirteen died before the remainder of the officers were transferred to Fort Delaware (and if you’ve read about Fort Delaware in this chapter, you know that it wasn’t so great either). These are the poor souls that are said to walk within Fort Pulaski.
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The hottest of spots for ghost watching is said to be the casemate where these prisoners were held, as well as the stairs leading away from this area. But being ethereal in nature, the spirits certainly aren’t confined to this area. Sightings of apparitions and the sounds of otherworldly moans have been witnessed in almost every area of the fort.
Local legend actually recalls a ghost appearing during the shooting of the movie Glory at this location. The story states that some actors were relaxing when a Confederate officer approached and reprimanded them. They would later learn that no such person was on set. So my advice would be to take a nice tour of Fort Pulaski when you visit (they actually offer candlelit tours at times) and have an audio recorder and camera handy. This seems to be a place with a high chance of paranormal encounters.
Fort Blair
Baxter Springs, Kansas
Built in 1863 as a post along the road between Fort Smith, Arkansas and Fort Scott, Kansas, Fort Blair was known to troops back in the day as Fort Baxter, due to its proximity to the town of Baxter Springs. It was a largely lazy post, even during the American Civil War, until October 6, 1863, when a roaming band of Confederate raiders led by William Quantrill decided to attack the post.
Known as “Quantrill’s Raiders,” the group was en route to winter in Texas when they happened upon a pair of Union teamsters who had just left Fort Blair. After questioning and killing them, Quantrill decided to attempt an attack on the installation. Unfortunately for the post, a large amount of their men were actually gone—and an entire wall was missing from the fort!
The commander of the post, Lieutenant James B. Pond, had decided the fort needed to be larger, so they had removed one of the walls and sent some men to gather materials to enlarge the fortifications. And that was when Quantrill attacked. Despite the loss of soldiers, however, Lieutenant Pond and his garrison managed to stave off the raiders and maintain their grasp on the facility. But Quantrill wasn’t finished.
As the Confederates were leaving the battle, they encountered a small force under the command of General James G. Blunt who was traveling to Fort Smith. Once again, a battle ensued, but this time the affair was a slaughter. Quantrill’s men swarmed the Federals, killing and scattering them. General Blunt, along with a few men, managed to make it back to Fort Scott, but the bulk who were captured were executed on the spot. The entire affair is now known as the Baxter Springs Massacre, and you can read all about it at the Fort Blair Historic Site.
As for the ghosts, they are a remnant of the horrible aftermath of this battle. People have felt cold spots, heard moans and groans, and even seen misty apparitions at the site of Fort Blair. Check out the area around the replicated frontier fort, as well as the small cabin on the grounds. These seem to be the center of the activity.
Fort Scott
Fort Scott, Kansas
Named after Winfield Scott, this frontier fort was established in 1842 as protection between Forts Leavenworth and Gibson. It played a vital role in securing the peace between Native American tribes of the plains and settlers who were arriving in Kansas to start a new life. The fort closed briefly, however, in 1853 due to rising tensions in the South (and the Mexican–American War) and the proximity of the able Fort Riley.
When the American Civil War ignited, Fort Scott was needed again, and Union soldiers moved quickly to reestablish its military might in August 1861. Confederate General Sterling Price made it his goal to capture Fort Scott, but only got as close as the Battle of Dry Wood Creek (which was a mere ten miles away). Once the war was over, the Federal soldiers stuck around to protect the railroads being constructed in the area, but they packed up and left permanently in 1873.
While there are no actual fort walls around the Fort Scott National Historic Site today, there’s plenty of the historic buildings standing that were in and around them. The locals also offer several versions of paranormal tours that you can enjoy while you visit; some of the tours concentrate on the fort, some include haunted places throughout town. The key spots to swing by in the fort include the old Officer Quarters buildings, the historic Free State Hotel, the stables, and the general courtyard/lawn area.
The Officers Quarters is known for the ghost of a widow, who watched her husband die there. Some say he shot himself while doing gunslinger style tricks, some say he committed suicide. Either way, he died in her arms and now she remains behind looking for him. Visitors have seen her apparition peering from the windows of the quarters. Once you’ve had your fill of window watching here, head on over to the Free State Hotel.
During the “Bleeding Kansas” years, opponents of slavery stayed at this hotel (it’s also known as the Fort Scott Hotel), while supporters of slavery shacked up at the Western Hotel. The only residents of the Free State Hotel today, though, are the spirits of several children. People who have toured inside say you can hear them laughing and playing—and even one witness had a small hand tug at his leg. They are the spirits of orphans who resided there at one point, according to local lore.
Your final two ghostly stops, the stables and the courtyard, are home to your typical military post paranormal activity. Glimpses of spectral soldiers, the sounds of men (and horses) who aren’t there, and a pervading feeling of being watched top the list of experiences at these locations.
Fort Jackson
Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana
The twin strongholds of Fort Jackson and Fort Saint Philip stood guard over the port leading into the city of New Orleans during the nineteenth century. They were constructed under the direction of President Andrew Jackson and were part of a large battle (called the Battle of Forts Jackson and Saint Philip) during the American Civil War.
The battle was initiated on April 18, 1862, when a Federal fleet under the command of Flag Officer David G. Farragut began a bombardment of Fort Jackson. This attack lasted until April 23 and had little effect upon either side, though three Union ships—the Kineo, Itasca, and Pinola—managed to break through the defensive chain that was blocking the river entrance to the city of New Orleans. That was all Farragut needed.
On April 24, the Union fleet barreled past the two forts to take on the Confederate ships waiting for them. The Southern gunboats were the last defense of the city and they would fail miserably. With a disorganized attack and command, the Confederate ships were reduced to fighting the Northern boats one-on-one. In the end, only one Federal ship was lost and twelve Southern ships were destroyed (some by their attackers, others by their own men as they fled and abandoned them).
Demoralized by the act of letting the Union fleet get by them (and also by the harsh conditions the men were living in during the bombardment), the men of Fort Jackson mutinied and caused the surrender of the fort. Shortly thereafter, Fort Saint Philip followed suit. Then, of course, the city of New Orleans became occupied territory. The victory by Farragut would spurn him to force the surrender of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi, too.
Today, Fort Jackson is a park owned by Plaquemines Parish, and the locals say it is haunted by the ghosts of the disgraced Confederate soldiers. Of course, after the fall of the city of New Orleans, the Union Army used the fort as a prison, so that may have something to do with it as well. Either way, apparitions have been spotted, disembodied shouts and cries have been heard, and shadowy figures have been spotted in various areas at the fort. The old Fort Saint Philip is just across the way from Fort Jackson, but it is now private property and can’t really be visited.
If you make a trip to Fort Jackson, stay tuned to the weather and information posted on the Plaquemines Parish website. The flooding and horrible weather that’s plagued Louisiana the last few years has had a negative effect on the fort and park in general.
Fort McHenry
Baltimore, Maryland
When most folks think of Fort McHenry, they think of the national anthem of the United States. It was after the Battle of Baltimore (o
f the War of 1812), when the American soldiers successfully defended the fort against the British, that Francis Scott Key wrote the poem “Defence of Fort M’Henry.” The poem would be paired with the tune “Anacreon in Heaven” to form the song we now know as the “Star-Spangled Banner.”
Later, the fort would be used exclusively as a prison, including the period of the Civil War. Confining political prisoners and Confederate prisoners of war, Fort McHenry housed some of the most well-known Southern sympathizers of Maryland, including George William Brown (Mayor of Baltimore), George P. Kane (the police commissioner), and even the grandson of Francis Scott Key (Francis Key Howard). How’s that for irony?
With such a checkered past, it comes as no real surprise that visitors and park rangers alike have seen some rather bizarre ghostly activity at the fort. The strangest of these stories involves the sighting of two sets of feet floating in the air. They are presumed to be the feet of those who were once hanged in the courtyard. But the ethereal feet are just the beginning of the paranormal happenings at this awesome site.
The most well-known ghost on the premises is that of a soldier, presumed to be of the Civil War era, who marches the outer battery alongside the infamous Rodman guns. Some think the spirit is one Lieutenant Levi Claggett, who was killed during the Battle of Baltimore (but if this is the case, he is wearing the wrong period uniform). Others say it’s an African American soldier named William Williams who was also killed at the same battle (also dressed wrong). But the prevailing sentiment—and the one that makes the most sense given the attire—is that the marching ghost is a soldier who committed suicide in the years leading up to the Civil War.
The idea that the ghost is the man who committed suicide is also upheld by another interesting fact; the cells where the prisoner is said to have killed himself is also quite the hot spot on the premises. People who have been in the cells say they can feel the presence of a lonely soul in despair, and cold spots when he’s around. But, perhaps, he has a bit of company in the cell as another ghost is also thought to haunt this area. Some believe the spirit of the aforementioned George William Brown is also there.
