08/13/2025
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The Gaineswood Plantation
There are many haunted places in Alabama, but the Gaineswood Plantation is considered to be the most intriguing haunted plantation in the south. If you are interested in real haunted houses located in the Southern region of the United States, you will find that the amazing structure is not only considered to be the single largest plantation ever constructed in the County of Marengo, it is also considered to be one of the most notable when it comes to its design, which is identified by architects as being “Greek Revival Architecture”.
Structural History
A General by the name of Nathan Bryan Whitfield designed and constructed the Gaineswood Plantation. The construction efforts started in the year of 1843. Just nine years earlier, he had relocated from the State of North Carolina to the State of Alabama. One year prior to starting the construction of the plantation, he purchased the land that the structure would sit on from a man by the name of George Strother Gaines. It was on this very land – which consisted of nearly five hundred acres of land – that Gaines met with the Chief of the Indian tribe known as the “Choctaw Nation”. They met and interacted under one of the oldest oak trees on the property in order to make arrangements for a special treaty concerning the Choctaw Indians. The name of the Chief was “Pushmataha”. The treaty led to what is now known as the “Choctaw Indian Removal”. The tree that the two men met under was then identified as the “Pushmataha Oak”.
In the year of 1843, General Whitfield elected to give the estate a name. He referred to it as the “Marlmont”. However, after learning of the affairs that took place on the property, Whitfield elected to change the name of the estate in such a way that it honored Gaines. This is when the property developed the name “Gaineswood”. Little did anyone at the time realize that this plantation would one day be considered to be one of the most haunted places in Alabama. Whitfield recognized the fact that Gaines played a vital role in the history of the city that he called home, the State of Alabama, and in the lives of several people throughout history. He felt that it was only appropriate to name the estate after an individual with his level of hard work, dedication, and influence. Though Nathan Bryan Whitfield was a mere cotton and corn farmer, he knew what it meant to pay respect and honor those that had a significant impact on the world around them.
Hauntings
If you do a random search on the most haunted places in Alabama, you will quickly find that residents and guests to Demopolis Alabama consider the Gaineswood Plantation to be one of the most intriguing of all the haunted places in the Alabama. One of the main stories involving ghosts and paranormal activity surround a spirit that is named Evelyn Carter. Back when Mr. Whitfield suffered the loss of his first wife, he saw that he had a need for someone that would be capable of performing the various chores in and around the structure. He also needed a female role model and assistant to help in the day to day care and responsibilities associated with his children. He met Evelyn in the year of 1846 and decided that she would be the perfect person for the position. Ms. Carter loved her job, and could often be found spending time with the children engaging in certain types of entertainment such as playing music. Unfortunately, her duration at this Alabama Plantation was short lived.
One winter, Evelyn Carter developed an illness that resulted in her untimely death. However, prior to dying, she requested to be buried with her family in a section of land in a Virginia cemetery. Unfortunately, that winter was particularly harsh. The temperatures dropped extremely low, ice and snow covered the ground, and the winds were blistering. Mr. Whitfield tried to devise a plan to fulfill Ms. Carter’s final wishes, but due to the weather conditions, he was unable to transport her to the cemetery. Given the circumstances that he faced, he elected to seal her tightly in a casket composed of pine and buried her underneath the Plantation house. As a result of this action – despite the fact that he had the best intentions at heart – it is believed that the ghost of Evelyn Carter still roams the grounds – forever waiting to be placed in her final resting place.
Many individuals that have visited this haunted Plantation in Demopolis Alabama have witnessed a wide array of seemingly paranormal events in and around the home. These experiences have led paranormal investigators, locals, and even tourists to believe that the Gaineswood Plantation is, in fact, one of the most haunted places in Alabama. Many reports have come in regarding faint whispers, low hums, singing, and even music being played on the piano located within the haunted Plantation. In addition to this, faint footsteps may also be heard at various locations of this real haunted house. Many believe that these paranormal events are due to the fact that Evelyn Carter’s ghost continues to roam the property – both inside the house and outside of the house.
The next story surrounding the haunted house in Demopolis Alabama involves the river known as the “Tombigbee” that is located near the structure. If you are interested in haunted places in Alabama, it is important that you research the story of this particular river as well as the event that took place that is believed to be one of the reasons for the paranormal activity in and around the body of water. It is said that a beautiful southern steamboat identified as the “Eliza Battle” once traveled down this river. This journey took place in the month of December in the year of 1858. The water vessel experienced a fire and several people were injured, while many others died. When Whitfield heard of this tragic event, it is said that he went to the scene of the accident and offered his assistance.
Unfortunately, by the time Mr. Whitfield was able to locate where the steamboat was sinking, he learned that well over two hundred people had been killed. He felt extremely sorry for those that lost their lives that day. As a way to honor their memory, he painted a picture of the images of the fire that had plagued his mind since the day he tried to help. Amazingly, this picture is still located at the haunted Plantation in Demopolis Alabama. Many individuals have witnessed what they believe to be the ghost ship that sank that tragic day. In addition to this, seeing the images of this disaster is often accompanied by noises that sound as if people are talking, and the apparition phase of the haunting events even have sound associated with them – such as guns being shot, people screaming, and other unusual noises. As a result of these observances by many people throughout history, this structure has been considered to be one of the most haunted places in Alabama.
If you are interested in real haunted houses, you should consider visiting the Gaineswood Plantation located in Demopolis Alabama. Not only are spirits said to haunt the house itself, but they are also said to haunt the grounds that the haunted plantation rests upon. While there are many haunted houses in Alabama, it is important to understand that this historical landmark is considered to be one of the most mystifying. If you want to catch a ghost or simply want to visit one of the most haunted places in Alabama, the Gaineswood Plantation may deliver the results that you hope to capture.
Gaineswood
805 South Cedar Ave
Demopolis, AL 36732
