History, Legends, and Paranormal Activity

Nestled in the historic city of Savannah, Georgia, the Old Orphanage at 117 Houston St. is widely regarded as one of the most haunted sites in the region. The building’s long history and the tragic fire that claimed the lives of several young girls have fostered countless reports of unexplained noises, eerie sightings, and ghostly apparitions. Visitors and locals alike speak of chilling encounters that continue to fuel the orphanage’s haunted reputation.

Savannah's enduring fascination with the supernatural finds one of its most compelling stories within the walls of this former orphanage. Its atmosphere, combined with its links to real loss and sorrow, makes it a focal point for those seeking a direct connection to the city’s haunted past.

History of The Haunted Orphanage of Savannah

The story of Savannah’s haunted orphanage is rooted in centuries-old architecture, local tragedy, and enduring legends. Accounts of fires, epidemics, and spectral sightings have made the site one of Savannah, Georgia’s most talked-about haunted locations.

Origins and Early Years

The building that would become the orphanage was constructed in the early 19th century, around 1838. Like much of historic Savannah, it featured antebellum architectural details, thick masonry walls, and high ceilings. Its original purpose was unrelated to child care, having served at times as both a local impound lot for animals and, later, as a communal space for the city.

Savannah’s expanding population and frequent storms led the community to repurpose many older buildings. The structure’s sturdy design made it a safe haven during hurricanes, drawing families and children during emergencies. Its proximity to central Savannah made it accessible and prominent within the city landscape.

Transformation Into An Orphanage

As Savannah grew, so did the need for facilities to care for children orphaned by outbreaks of disease and disaster. In the mid-1800s, the building was officially converted into a female orphanage. By 1854, amid a severe Yellow Fever epidemic, the orphanage housed many young girls who had lost their families to illness.

Tragedy struck when a catastrophic fire broke out in the late 1800s, devastating the orphanage. Reports suggest that 11 of the 17 girls residing there perished in the flames. This event became a defining moment in the building’s history, cementing its reputation as a haunted house and a focal point of local sorrow.

Renowned Hauntings Over Time

The orphanage quickly gained notoriety for unexplained phenomena in the aftermath of the fire. Visitors and residents have reported seeing apparitions of young girls, hearing echoing cries in the empty halls, and witnessing physical disturbances. Paranormal investigators have recorded cold spots, sudden drops in temperature, and strange noises in key areas of the building.

The location became a fixture in Savannah’s haunted house tours. While some stories rely on folklore, many document consistent reports spanning over a century. The haunted reputation is reinforced every year, as locals and tourists alike share new encounters within the orphanage’s historic walls.

Famous Hauntings and Paranormal Events

The Haunted Orphanage of Savannah is linked to a wide range of unexplained sightings and chilling accounts. Visitors and paranormal researchers have chronicled both specific apparitions and a noticeable pattern of supernatural activity over the years.

Reported Apparitions and Orbs

Eyewitnesses have consistently described ghostly figures of children in the orphanage’s halls and dormitories. Apparitions wearing period clothing are frequently seen near the main staircase and in former play areas.

Staff and tourists alike report the sudden appearance of glowing orbs in photographs, particularly at dusk. These orbs are most notable in rooms that once housed large groups of children.

Unexplained cold spots and fleeting shadows have been documented by local guides. Nearly every room in the orphanage is said to be home to multiple spirits, each with distinct behaviors. Some orbs reportedly follow visitors as they move between rooms.

Notorious Ghost Stories

One especially persistent legend surrounds a caretaker named Mrs. Wilcox, whose apparition allegedly comforts lost or frightened children. Her gentle presence is most often sensed in the dormitory wing.

Stories circulate about a shadowy male figure appearing at windows after midnight. According to local lore, this apparition is tied to a tragic fire that occurred decades ago.

Whispers and footsteps are often heard late at night, accompanied by the faint sound of children singing. These incidents continue to fuel Savannah's reputation as a haven for ghost stories and folklore.

Ghost Hunters’ Investigations

Paranormal teams have conducted multiple overnight investigations at the orphanage. Using EMF meters and thermal cameras, ghost hunters have reported consistent spikes in activity, especially in the basement and attic.

Audio recordings have captured unexplained voices, sometimes responding directly to investigators’ questions. Investigators frequently document doors opening or closing without visible cause.

A table of notable findings:

Date Finding Room 2022-03-14 Loud footsteps (recorded) Main hallway 2023-07-11 Moving orbs (video) Playroom 2024-01-05 Unseen voices (audio) Dormitory

Teams continue to return, hoping to gather further evidence of paranormal entities.

Celebrity Sightings and Media

Several television crews have featured the Haunted Orphanage on paranormal-themed shows. Well-known investigators have visited, documenting their experiences for national audiences.

During a high-profile episode of a popular ghost hunting series, one celebrity guest claimed to see a child-sized apparition vanish near the central staircase. Media attention often brings new visitors, some of whom report their own encounters soon afterward.

The orphanage's stories have been highlighted in books, news coverage, and online articles. This exposure has cemented its status as one of Savannah’s most frequently discussed haunted sites.

Architectural Features and Significant Locations

The Haunted Orphanage of Savannah is notable for its distinctive masonry, intricate woodwork, and a complex layout that blurs the line between shelter and secrecy. Several features of the building hold unique historical and cultural value, drawing researchers and storytellers to its rooms and corridors.

The Chimney’s Dark Legend

The central chimney stands out as both an architectural focal point and a source of chilling stories. Built from hand-fired brick, its size suggests it once provided heat to nearly every room—a necessity for the building’s original orphan occupants.

Local lore attributes the chimney with unusual occurrences, including mysterious cold spots around its base and reports of faint voices echoing within the flue. Several caretakers have noted soot appearing overnight, which some see as a sign of unresolved spirits.

Key Features:

Hand-fired brickwork
Hidden flues running to upper floors
Original iron grate, still intact

The chimney connects to both the folklore of the building and historical events, with some accounts claiming that it served as a gathering spot during tumultuous periods in the orphanage’s past. This blend of material history and anecdotal evidence makes it a focal point for visitors and historians alike.

Secret Tunnels and the Underground Railroad

A network of tunnels beneath the orphanage is one of its most discussed and researched features. These passages, constructed of brick and clay, are believed to have played a role in the Underground Railroad, providing clandestine routes for those seeking freedom.

Entry points to the tunnels are found behind old laundry rooms and within basement storerooms. Architectural plans show narrow passageways that connect to other historical buildings in the area, lending credence to reports of their use in secret movements.

Notable aspects:

Tunnel walls lined with brick and clay
Entryways concealed by false panels
Possible links to the broader network of Underground Railroad paths in Savannah

While documentation is limited, oral histories from the city support the theory that the orphanage was a key waypoint, with its labyrinthine structure helping shelter and move individuals safely through the city. The legacy of these tunnels continues to attract both paranormal investigators and historians.

The Haunted Orphanage in Savannah Culture

The haunted orphanage stands out as a notable site among Savannah’s famous haunted places. Its legacy persists through local traditions, public events, and city legends.

Role in Local Folklore

Stories about the orphanage are a fixture in Savannah’s folklore. Residents often recount tales of shadowy figures and unexplained occurrences within the building. These stories have been passed down for generations, shaping the way locals see the city’s past.

The orphanage is regularly included in ghost tours, attracting visitors interested in the supernatural. Guides mention it alongside other historic haunted sites like 432 Abercorn. It contributes to Savannah’s reputation as a haunted city, with residents regarding the stories as “part of our culture” rather than mere superstition.

Local authors and historians sometimes reference the orphanage in books and articles. Tales of tragedy and lingering spirits help keep its memory alive. The building and its history serve as example of how places can become cultural landmarks, even through dark events.

Influence During Halloween

During Halloween, the orphanage’s influence is most visible. Ghost tours feature it on their most popular routes, and tour groups often gather at its gates to share narratives of the reported hauntings. Its tragic history becomes central to seasonal events, reinforcing Savannah’s haunted identity.

Numerous Halloween festivities highlight the orphanage, including historical reenactments and storytelling sessions. Organizers use detailed accounts of the fire and reported sightings to engage attendees. The orphanage’s eerie reputation makes it a focal point for both tourists and longtime residents.

Haunted house attractions sometimes model settings after the orphanage, drawing on its symbolism. This connection increases interest in local ghost stories and adds depth to Savannah’s Halloween traditions. The site continues to influence how the city celebrates its haunted heritage.

Visitor Experiences and Tours

Visitors to the Haunted Orphanage of Savannah have a range of options for exploring its storied past. Many come seeking first-hand paranormal experiences, others are eager to learn through guided investigations and immersive accounts shared by previous guests.

Guided Ghost Tours

Multiple companies in Savannah offer structured ghost tours that include the orphanage as a key stop. These tours are often led by guides who are deeply familiar with the building’s lore, combining storytelling with historical details. They typically cover the orphanage’s background and highlight commonly reported hauntings.

A typical tour may include nighttime walkthroughs with EMF detectors or other ghost-hunting equipment. Groups often stop in the children’s dormitory, reported as the site of unexplained sounds and moving shadows. Some tours offer a comparison of haunted houses throughout the city, allowing participants to contrast their experiences at the orphanage with those at places like the Sorrel-Weed House or Colonial Park Cemetery.

For added context, some tours present visual aids or arrange the stories spatially, using the building’s blueprint. Tour companies often adjust their content seasonally, with extended hours during October or special events that may include guest speakers with expertise in local paranormal history.

Noteworthy Encounters from Guests

Many guests have reported unexplained phenomena at the orphanage, with experiences ranging from fleeting chills to more tangible encounters. Documented incidents frequently include sudden cold spots, whispers when no one is nearby, or sightings of what appear to be childlike apparitions.

A number of visitors describe feeling an immediate heaviness upon entering certain rooms, especially near the old nursery. Some recount hearing soft footsteps or giggling, even when tours are conducted in small groups.

Anecdotal records organized by tour guides and guestbooks often highlight patterns in these encounters. Notably, several guests have reported that digital devices malfunction in the main hallway, with photos sometimes displaying orbs or blurred figures. Such stories are typically shared at the end of the tour to encourage conversation among participants and compare experiences across different haunted houses in Savannah.

Connections to Other Haunted Locations

The Haunted Orphanage of Savannah is not isolated in its supernatural reputation. Its surroundings and regional context contribute to a dense tapestry of haunted legends, shared phenomena, and cultural parallels.

Nearby Haunted Mansions

Savannah’s historic district is known for grand old mansions, many associated with ghostly sightings. Several famous haunted homes, such as the Sorrel-Weed House and the Mercer-Williams House, are within walking distance of the orphanage.

These mansions often share similar stories of tragic pasts—untimely deaths, lost children, and unexplained noises. The close proximity of the orphanage to these sites has led locals to speculate about shared activity among the buildings.

Paranormal investigators sometimes note how similar patterns of cold spots, sudden drafts, and apparitions occur both in the orphanage and the neighboring mansions. This has prompted theories about underground tunnels or simply spiritual energy that lingers in this part of the city.

Key haunted mansions near the orphanage:

Sorrel-Weed House
Mercer-Williams House
The Olde Pink House

Bonaventure Cemetery’s Proximity

Bonaventure Cemetery, one of the most visited cemeteries in the American South, lies just a short drive from the orphanage. The cemetery is famous for its elaborate Victorian monuments and mossy oaks. It is also at the heart of Savannah’s famous ghost lore, with guides recounting regular sightings of spectral figures and eerie sensations.

There have been persistent rumors that some of the orphanage’s former residents were buried in Bonaventure Cemetery. Paranormal reports have claimed to spot childlike apparitions, especially at dusk, fueling connections between the orphanage and the cemetery grounds.

The physical closeness of these sites has fostered ghost tours that deliberately link the orphanage with Bonaventure, highlighting the intertwined history of loss and remembrance. Many visitors seek out both locations in a single afternoon to immerse themselves in Savannah’s haunted heritage.

Comparisons with New Orleans Hauntings

Savannah and New Orleans often compete for the title of America’s most haunted city. Both feature a high concentration of reputedly haunted buildings, many linked to colonial-era tragedies, epidemics, and fires.

The haunted orphanage’s stories bear similarities to sites in New Orleans, such as the Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop or the infamous LaLaurie Mansion, particularly in their reports of residual hauntings and apparitions connected to children. Both cities are known for extensive ghost tour industries that embrace local folklore and personal accounts.

Unlike Savannah, New Orleans often attributes its hauntings to a broader mix of cultural influences, including French, Spanish, and Creole traditions, as well as voodoo practices. However, the tales of unexplained footsteps, shadowy figures, and emotional echoes in orphanages and homes remain a clear point of comparison.

Preservation, Controversies, and Future

Ongoing preservation efforts face challenges from debates about the orphanage’s history and its place in Savannah’s cultural landscape. At the same time, unresolved questions and skepticism continue to shape discussions about how—or if—the site should be maintained.

Efforts to Preserve the Orphanage

Preservation groups in Savannah have made efforts to secure the future of the haunted orphanage. Organizations like the Historic Savannah Foundation have engaged in advocacy and fundraising activities to maintain the structure and ensure it meets safety standards. Upgrades have included structural reinforcements and roof repairs.

Community involvement has played a key role. Local volunteers and historians work to keep records of events and ensure historic details are not lost during restoration.
Efforts also focus on maintaining accessibility for tours, as the site draws significant interest from visitors.

Some preservationists argue for adaptive reuse, suggesting the building be repurposed as a museum or educational center. The fate of the building remains uncertain due to funding limitations and differing opinions on how the site should be used in the future.

Ongoing Debates and Skepticism

Controversy surrounds the orphanage due to conflicting accounts about its history and reports of hauntings.
Skeptics question the authenticity of paranormal claims, pointing to a lack of concrete evidence despite frequent ghost tours and investigations.

There is also debate about the site’s portrayal in the media. Some argue that focusing on haunted legends detracts from the real experiences of children once housed there.
Ethical concerns about “dark tourism” have prompted discussion on how best to balance historical accuracy with popular interest.

Preservationists and critics alike emphasize the importance of transparency in storytelling. Disagreements persist over whether the orphanage should be highlighted for its ghost stories or as a part of Savannah’s broader historical narrative.

The Haunted Orphanage of Savannah