Southern Gothic

The underbelly of the American South comes alive in this dark audio documentary series about the rich histories and eerie legends that lie beneath the beauty and majesty of this uniquely American culture.

Madame Félicité Chretien 01/15/2021

Madame Félicité Chretien Just north of Lafayette, Louisiana– in the small town of Sunset– is Chretien Point, a beautiful Creole style two-story mansion that once served as the centerpiece to a vast cotton plantation known as Chretien Point. Today, the enduring legacy of Chretien Point is not in its bricks or furnishings, but in the story of its mistress, Félicité Neda Chretien. Commonly referred to as a ‘real-life’ Scarlett O’Hara – Madame Félicité Chretien was confident, strong-willed, intelligent, and beautiful. Félicité learned how to successfully run a plantation from her father, and it was she who saw Chretien Point Plantation through its most prosperous days, and it was Madame Chretien who saved it from its darkest. Still want more Southern Gothic? Consider becoming a to receive access to our episode archives, the limited series Southern Gothic: The Monsters, and more! Website: Merch Store: Pinterest Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/17566127

Legend of Peter Dromgoole 12/09/2020

Legend of Peter Dromgoole /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/17136803

The Waverly Hills Sanatorium 11/26/2020

The Waverly Hills Sanatorium On July 26, 1910 the Waverly Hills Sanatorium opened outside Louisville, Kentucky; the hospital on the hill was dedicated solely to the treatment of those infected with the highly contagious and often fatal disease, tuberculosis. During its forty years in operation, thousands would pass through the hospital doors, though most would survive, hundreds would not. Although modern medicine has largely made tuberculosis an illness of the past, the stigma of it lingered. In the decades since the sanatorium closed and the site deteriorated, it gained a new reputation, as one of the most haunted buildings on Earth. /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/16965713

The Eliza Battle's Final Voyage 10/31/2020

The Eliza Battle's Final Voyage The Eliza Battle was once one of the most luxurious steamboats on Alabama’s waters, but her untimely demise by fire has left many to believe that she can still be seen on the Tombigbee River’s water– an omen of death. Still want more Southern Gothic? Consider becoming a to receive access to our episode archives, the limited series Southern Gothic: The Monsters, and more! Website: Merch Store: Pinterest Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/16628501

The Curse of Julia Brown (Revisited) 09/29/2020

The Curse of Julia Brown (Revisited) On September 30, 1915 a vicious hurricane made its way through Southeastern Louisiana leaving almost 375 people dead and entire communities destroyed. One such town was the small farming community of Frenier, where a legend has since entered local lore with the claim that this particular’y gruesome storm was brought on by the curse of a local Voodoo priestes named Julia Brown. This episode of Southern Gothic revisits a topic previously released on the podcast. To hear the original episode "The Lost City of Frenier" join us on for access to our archives! Additional resources from this episode: by Wayne Norwood Still want more Southern Gothic? Consider becoming a to receive access to our episode archives, the limited series Southern Gothic: The Monsters, and more! Website: Merch Store: Pinterest Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/16208078

Hotel Brunswick's Phantom Harpist 09/17/2020

Hotel Brunswick's Phantom Harpist On August 23, 1882 Italian harpist Antonio “Tony” Caseletta drowned in a sailing accident on the Cape Fear river, leaving behind a wife and child. His body was then buried in the Old Smithville Cemetery; however, many claim that his spirit continues to play his beloved instrument in the beautiful seaside mansion that once served as the Hotel Brunswick in historic Southport, North Carolina. Additional resources from this episode: by Brooks Newton Preik, by Terrance Zepke. This episode of Southern Gothic features music written and performed by the Americana duo . Be sure to check out their new single, Still want more Southern Gothic? Consider becoming a to receive access to our episode archives, the limited series Southern Gothic: The Monsters, and more! Website: Merch Store: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/16006532

The Sad Statue of Corinne Lawton 09/03/2020

The Sad Statue of Corinne Lawton After Corinne Elliott Lawton died in 1877, her parents commissioned a famous Italian sculptor to design the statue at her grave. The result still stands today in the historic Bonaventure Cemetery of Savannah, Georgia where the melancholy depiction of this beloved daughter has inspired a local legend about her death. Still want more Southern Gothic? Consider becoming a to receive access to the limited series Southern Gothic: The Monsters! Website: Merch Store: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/15866186

The Singing River 08/07/2020

The Singing River It is said that on warm summer and autumn nights, those standing on the banks of the Pascagoula river may hear the sound of a melodic humming emanating from beneath the river’s dark waters. The origin of the sound is unknown, but numerous legends have been told to explain the mystery of this Mississippi waterway. Still want more Southern Gothic? Consider becoming a to receive access to the limited series Southern Gothic: The Monsters! Website: Merch Store: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/15517355

Ghosts of the Myrtles Plantation (Revisited) 07/10/2020

Ghosts of the Myrtles Plantation (Revisited) On this episode we revisit and update our very first– “The Ghosts of the Myrtles Plantation.” Built in 1796 by General David Bradford, over two centuries of tragedies and heartbreak have occurred under the roof of this beautiful Creole Cottage that has become so infamous for its purported hauntings that some consider it “America’s Most Haunted Home.” Guest voiceovers for this episode include: Simone Taylor, creator of … Zach Auld, host of . Additional Reading and Resources: by Frances Kermeen by Barbara Sillery by Tiya Miles Take a trip to the Still want more Southern Gothic? Consider becoming a to receive access to the limited series Southern Gothic: The Monsters! Website: Merch Store: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/15126050

Introducing Unfinished: Deep South 06/29/2020

Introducing Unfinished: Deep South Enjoy a special preview of the all new podcast Unfinished: Deep South by Witness Docs! /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/14995451

Legend of the Female Stranger 06/25/2020

Legend of the Female Stranger In 1816 a mysterious couple arrived in Alexandria, Virginia and isolated themselves in a room at Gadsby’s Tavern. Unfortunately, the young woman was deathly ill and in spite of receiving assistance from a local doctor, she passed away. After burying his supposed wife, the man then disappeared. Speculation on their identities continues to this day, fueled by the eerie incsription in her tombstone: “To the memory of the Female Stranger…” Guest voiceovers for this episode include: Mary Payne Gilbert, host of (be sure to check out her ) … Dwayne Farver, creator of the audio drama … Brady Hendricks, voiceover artist on the dystopian audio drama Additional Reading and Resources: by Michael Lee Pope by L.B. Taylor Jr. Images of the infamous tombstone are available at Still want more Southern Gothic? Consider becoming a to receive access to the limited series Southern Gothic: The Monsters! Website: Merch Store: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/14961173

Ghost Hound of Goshen 06/10/2020

Ghost Hound of Goshen Legend says that on Old Bumcombe Road in South Carolina, a man was hanged in the mid 19th century for a crime he did not commit. As a result, the spirit of his loyal canine companion is believed to continue to seek vengeance for his death– a spirit now known as the Ghost Hound of Goshen. The podcast featured at the end of this episode is by Tantallon Media. This week’s episode is made possible through the support of the . Use the code: GOTHIC to receive 10% off a “sud-scription” today and get all-natural, handmade soap delivered to your door every month. Still want more Southern Gothic? Consider becoming a to receive access to the limited series Southern Gothic: The Monsters! Website: Merch Store: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/14776487

#PodcastBlackout 06/02/2020

#PodcastBlackout This week we have chosen to take part in the Podcast Blackout Movement. It is our hope that you will take the time that you would normally have spent with us to instead explore one of the many incredible podcasts made by people of color: by RadioPublic by Podcasts In Color by NPR by MurderMurder.News /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/14672090

The Boomtown of Thurmond 05/21/2020

The Boomtown of Thurmond The town of Thurmond, West Virginia was strategically built on the C&O Railroad line to serve the numerous coal mines surrounding the New River Gorge. What began as a small community quickly grew into a prosperous boomtown; however, as the coal industry gradually gave way to oil, the town of Thurmond faded away and its historic buildings and business district left abandoned. This week’s episode is made possible through the support of the . Use the code: GOTHIC to receive 10% off a “sud-scription” today and get all-natural, handmade soap delivered to your door every month. Still want more Southern Gothic? Consider becoming a to receive access to the limited series Southern Gothic: The Monsters! Website: Merch Store: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/14516390

The Mischievous Feu Follet 05/06/2020

The Mischievous Feu Follet Cajun folklore claims that in the swamps and bayous of Louisiana are supernatural entities that appear to travelers in the form of glowing balls. Much like the well known will-o’-the-wisp, those unlucky enough to be lured into the trap of these fiery spirits are often doomed to an early death. They are known simply as le Feu follet. If you enjoy this episode consider becoming a today! Website: Merch Store: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/14194853

The Kennesaw House 04/22/2020

The Kennesaw House The Kennesaw House of Marietta, Georgia was built beside the Western & Atlantic Railroad line in the 1840’s; but over the course of this beautiful brick building’s long life, it has seen numerous tragedies that has left many to believe that the building is haunted by spirits from the past. If you enjoy this episode consider becoming a today! Website: Merch Store: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/14093846

The Witch of Yazoo City 03/31/2020

The Witch of Yazoo City On May 25, 1904, a fire broke out in the business district of Yazoo City, Mississippi. By day’s end, the fire had consumed much of the community, leaving nothing but ashes. Historians believe the fire started accidentally at the home of Herman Wise, but according to legend the cause was much more sinister– revenge from the infamous Witch of Yazoo. If you enjoy this episode consider becoming a today! Website: Merch Store: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/13774040

Murder of the Lawson Family 03/16/2020

Murder of the Lawson Family On Christmas Day in 1929, North Carolina farmer Charlie Lawson murdered his entire family before turning his gun onto himself. Almost a century has passed since this gruesome crime, but the question of motive has remained unanswered to this day. If you enjoy this episode consider becoming a today! Website: Merch Store: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: Southern Gothic will be attending the True Crime Podcast Festival from July 11–12, 2020 in Kansas City, MO. For information on how to attend, visit . Be sure to use the Code: GOTHIC at checkout to receive 10% off your ticket price! /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/13563197

Gaineswood's Ghostly Piano 02/28/2020

Gaineswood's Ghostly Piano In 1843 Nathan Bryan Whitfield began construction on a grand mansion in Demopolis, Alabama. The beautiful home, which he named Gaineswood, still stands as part of Whitfield’s legacy; but some claim that echoes of a tragedy that occurred here remain as well. Echoes that purportedly come in the form of a mysterious, disembodied piano. If you enjoy this episode consider becoming a today! Website: Merch Store: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/13337951

Tragedy in Sand Cave 02/13/2020

Tragedy in Sand Cave In 1925, cave explorer Floyd Collins discovered Sand Cave, not far from what would one day become Mammoth Cave National Park. Floyd, like many others in Kentucky cave country, had hoped to discover a cave of his own that he could profit from as a tourist attraction. Unfortunately, while attempting to uncover the secrets of his new found cave, Floyd Collins became trapped. The resulting rescue attempts fueled a media frenzy that stretched across the nation. If you enjoy this episode consider becoming a today! Website: Merch Store: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/13135718

The Beale Ciphers 01/27/2020

The Beale Ciphers In 1885, publisher James B. Ward released a small pamphlet that contained three encrypted messages that purportedly told the whereabouts of an immense treasure. Unfortunately, after a century of attempts to decipher these mysterious codes known as the Beale Ciphers, no trace of this hidden stash of gold, silver, and jewels has been found. If you enjoy this episode consider becoming a today! Website: Merch Store: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/12899042

Black River War 12/04/2019

Black River War From 1847-1870, along the Black River in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, two neighboring plantation owners engaged in a violent family feud. The cause of the dispute is still unknown, but whatever it may be, the result was the loss of numerous lives, including Confederate Brigadier General St. John Richardson Liddell. Connect with Southern Gothic: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/12274862

The Bride of Annandale 11/18/2019

The Bride of Annandale The apparition of a grieving woman purportedly haunts the Chapel of the Cross cemetery in Mannsdale, Mississippi. Legend says this ghost is Helen Johnstone.-- the victim of one of Mississippi's most tragic tales of heartbreak and loss. Days before her wedding in 1859, Helen's beloved Henry Vick was struck down in a duel. The Johnstone family promised to one day bury the grief-stricken young woman in the plot next to her lost love, but unfortunately she was not, thus resulting in the many claims that her spirit will not leave. Connect with Southern Gothic now: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/12069350

Cities of the Dead 11/01/2019

Cities of the Dead One of the most significant issues that the early settlers of New Orleans encountered was where to bury their dead. The city’s swampy location has an exceptionally high water table, so when graves were dug, water quickly filled the holes. Caskets would float from their graves after heavy rains. The solution was not to bury the dead below ground, but rather inter their lost love ones in aboveground vaults. The result was beautiful cemeteries that have since come to be known as Cities of the Dead. Connect with Southern Gothic now: Guest Appearances by: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/11862419

The Franklin Masonic Hall 10/31/2019

The Franklin Masonic Hall One of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War took place in the small town of Franklin, Tennessee. However, the rich history of this southern community is far deeper than what occurred on November 30, 1865, and no structure in this historic town exemplifies that past more than the Historic Franklin Masonic Hall-- a three story brick building that has stood for almost two centuries. Stay tuned after this episode for a brief interview with Rachel Finch, the Executive Director of the . Connect with Southern Gothic now: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/11855495

Fiddler's Rock 10/16/2019

Fiddler's Rock On a precipice near the top of Stone Mountain in Johnson County, Tennessee is a flat outcropping of sandstone called Fiddler's Rock. The mysterious landmark is covered in carvings of images, names and dates; however, what makes Fiddler's Rock so infamous are the purported sounds of a ghostly fiddle playing in the distance. Connect with Southern Gothic now: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/11671205

The Devil's Tramping Ground 10/02/2019

The Devil's Tramping Ground Just fifty miles south of Greensboro, North Carolina, amidst lush pine forests and rolling hills is a large patch of barren nothingness known as the Devil’s Tramping Ground. This empty spot is circular in shape, roughly 40 feet across, and for as long as anyone can remember it has been completely devoid of all plant life. As a result, some legends claim this eerie location is where the devil himself comes to Earth each night to plan his wicked deeds, others that is of a unique Native American origin. Connect with Southern Gothic now: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/11474018

Lost Confederate Gold 09/18/2019

Lost Confederate Gold As the end of the Civil War became imminent, Confederate President Jefferson Davis fled his capital city of Richmond, Virginia. After leading the South for four years, he had high hopes to escape the country and rebuild a new Confederacy. So Davis took with him the entirety of the Confederate Treasury, a massive fortune of gold, silver and bullion. Yet when the Confederate President was finally captured by Union forces, this gold was nowhere to be found. To this day, speculation runs rampant over the whereabouts and fate of that lost Confederate gold, a mystery that has grown for over a century and a half, spurring the imaginations of historians and treasure hunters alike. Connect with Southern Gothic now: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/11172533

Skeleton of Longwood Mansion 09/04/2019

Skeleton of Longwood Mansion In 1860, Dr. Haller Nutt began construction on a palatial estate in Natchez, Mississippi. Unfortunately the outbreak of the Civil War put a halt to progress, leaving Dr. Nutt's vision incomplete for over a century and half. Connect with Southern Gothic now: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/11117987

The Lady of Bellamy Bridge 07/24/2019

The Lady of Bellamy Bridge Legend says that the Bellamy Bridge in Marianna, Florida is haunted by a woman, who's life was supposedly lost to a vicious fire on her wedding night in 1837.; however, legend and history tell two different tales as to the origin of the Lady of Bellamy Bridge. Connect with Southern Gothic now: /episode/index/show/southerngothic/id/10647689

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