Best Spooky Season Places to Visit in Liberty County

Spooky season is here, and Liberty County has plenty of places that fit the mood. With historic buildings, moss-draped trees and landmarks full of stories, it’s the perfect spot to explore this time of year. Whether you enjoy a good ghost tale or simply like visiting sites with a touch of mystery, you’ll find something here to enjoy. Check out these six Liberty County locations that bring just the right mix of history and haunt this Halloween.

1) Bacon Fraser House

Our office is a well-known historic and haunted location. Built in 1839, it stayed in the Fraser family for six generations before we purchased it in 2017. According to local stories, Mary Elizabeth Fraser still lingers here, passing through the halls and appearing in the corners of your eye.

Sometimes you might notice lights flickering or movement out of the corner of your vision. Still, her presence is said to be peaceful. Visitors are welcome for a tour, but ghost hunters are not allowed because Mary Elizabeth likes her peace.

2) St. Catherines Island

For those who love a little adventure, St. Catherines Island is a must-visit. This barrier island can only be reached by boat, and visitors are allowed on the interior of the island by invitation only. Local stories say the ghost of Mary Musgrove, known as the Queen of Georgia, still haunts the island. She died sometime after 1763, and some say her spirit can be seen on a particular hill, watching over the land.

Musgrove served as Oglethorpe’s chief interpreter for many years and was later given the island, where she spent the rest of her life. Her presence adds a mysterious and historical touch to the island for those lucky enough to visit.

3) Midway Cemetery

The Midway Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in Georgia, and it’s no surprise that ghost stories surround it. Local legends are plentiful, but two stories stand out above the rest.

Story #1

While you walk through the grounds, you may notice a crack in the northern wall of the cemetery. Back when the wall was being built, two enslaved people were made to stay late to finish their work. The night ended with one man killing the other with a brick and burying the body beneath the wall. Soon after, the wall began to crumble at an unnatural pace, so they ordered it to be torn down and rebuilt. During the demolition, the remains of the deceased enslaved person were found, and after the removal, the wall was rebuilt. However, the crack is still there forever, marking where the body was buried.

Story #2

It’s hard to imagine the tale of two young lovers being associated with a cemetery. Still, for Sylvia and her lover, that is just the case. The story goes that Sylvia and her lover would meet at the cemetery, but once her father found out, life would be forever changed. Sylvia’s father had him hung inside the cemetery, and upon seeing her dead lover, she took her own life. Locals say you can still see two shadowy figures together under the trees.

Want to hear about more haunted happenings at the Midway Cemetery? The Midway Museum oversees the Midway Church and its sacred grounds, and they host cemetery tours around Halloween each year! Visit their website for more information about the historic church and cemetery.

4) Fort Morris and the “Lost City” of Sunbury

Located in Midway, Fort Morris State Historic Site was built to protect the lost city of Sunbury and its harbor during the Revolutionary War. It is not a traditional fort made of stone or brick; what remains today are the original earthworks.

During its construction, soldiers on both sides of the war lost their lives, and some say the site still carries echoes of the past. Local stories claim that visitors can sometimes hear Lachlan McIntosh shouting, “Come and take it!” to the British, just as he did during the battle.

5) Old Liberty County Jail

Just a few roads from the Bacon Fraser House, the historic Liberty County Jail awaits. Built in 1892 and used until the 1960s, the Old Jail has housed its share of inmates and jailers over the years. While there are no records of anyone dying inside, eerie happenings are not uncommon.

Paranormal teams have reported hearing disembodied voices, whistling and seeing shadowy figures. Some even say they have felt a presence touch them. You never know what you might encounter while touring this historic site. To visit, contact the Hinesville Downtown Development Authority during regular business hours.

6) Downtown Hinesville

Many of the buildings in downtown Hinesville are over 100 years old, each with its own history. Zum Rosenhof, an authentic German restaurant, was once the home of the first Hinesville Bank. Martin Mercantile and the Hinesville Area Arts Council building have served as a pharmacy and a voter registration office.

While there is no proof these buildings are haunted, local stories suggest they might be. Explore downtown Hinesville and see for yourself what mysterious histories these historic sites hold!

Liberty County is full of history, mysteries and stories that linger long after dark. There’s something for anyone looking to explore the spooky side of our community. Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost story lover or just looking for a unique Halloween adventure, these sites offer a chance to experience the past in a way you won’t forget.