Nashville has a rich and legendary past beyond its music and Southern style—it’s also full of eerie legends and ghost stories. From Civil War battlefields and old buildings to grand old theaters with ghosts that linger, the city’s history is full of spooky tales for visitors to explore.
The Motif on Music Row Hotel is the perfect place to stay while you explore these haunted attractions and indulge in local folklore; we have easy access to the most famous and mysterious places in town. After a day of sightseeing and uncovering Nashville’s haunted history, you can come back to the hotel and share your own ghost stories and finds with us.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a ghost junkie or just curious, Nashville is an unforgettable adventure into the city’s supernatural past. Call to reserve one of our beautiful suites for a spooktacular visit to Nashville.
The Haunted History of Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee, known for its vibrant music scene, also carries a fascinatingly eerie reputation due to its haunted history. Several key historical events, including devastating battles during the Civil War and the toll of the cholera epidemic in the 19th century, have contributed to this spooky lore.
Over the years, stories of ghostly encounters have swirled around many of the city’s historic landmarks, attracting both locals and tourists.
The Ryman Auditorium
One of Nashville’s most notable haunted locations is the Ryman Auditorium, often called the “Mother Church of Country Music.” While it’s renowned for its rich musical legacy and architectural beauty, there is more to the venue than meets the eye.
Visitors and performers alike have reported strange occurrences, such as cold drafts, unexplained footsteps, and sightings of apparitions on the balconies.
Legend has it that Thomas Ryman, the auditorium’s founder, still watches over his creation. The establishment offers guided tours throughout the week for those interested in exploring its architectural designs, musical heritage, and, importantly, ghostly tales.
Tennessee State Capitol
Another key site is the Tennessee State Capitol, a structure with its own chilling tales. During its construction, disputes arose, especially between architect William Strickland and his overseers. There are ghost stories that claim that Strickland, buried within the walls, still haunts the building. There are also reports of mysterious figures roaming the hallways at night, fueling the Capitol’s ghostly reputation.
Nashville City Cemetery
The aforementioned sites are indeed spooky. And so is the Nashville City Cemetery. As Nashville’s oldest and continuously operating cemetery, Nashville is a historic ground. It holds the distinction of being the final resting place for prominent figures such as James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States.
It is also renowned for supernatural encounters. Visitors have reported ghostly apparitions, shadowy figures, inexplicable chill, and unexplained sounds, building up a reputation of being haunted.
More Chillingly Haunted Places to Visit
Other haunted attractions you’d like to explore include Two Rivers Mansion, Isaac Franklin Plantation, and Union Station Hotel. For those intrigued by the paranormal, Nashville’s haunted history offers a compelling look into its past and a chance to experience the eerie side of the Music City.
Local Legends and Ghostly Tales
Nashville is rich with eerie legends and ghostly tales, from mysterious apparitions to haunted locations that have captivated locals for generations. These stories, steeped in history, offer a chilling glimpse into the city’s haunted past, making it the perfect destination for those intrigued by the supernatural.
1. The Bell Witch
As the inspiration of the “Blair Witch Project” horror movie, the Bell Witch legend has to be one of Tennessee’s most well-known ghost stories.
The legend dates back to the 19th century, when the Bell family, particularly John Bell and his daughter Betsy, are said to have been tormented by a spirit on their farm on the banks of Red River in Adams town in Roberston County.
John Bell encountered the evil spirit and shot at it. The evil spirit, which was said to take the form of a dog-like creature, quickly vanished. However, this marked the onset of paranormal activities.
The family is said to have begun hearing gnawing sounds, knocking noises, and other strange noises. The paranormal encounters continued to the extent that Bell’s family is said to have had conversations with the spirit. The encounter only stopped when the patriarch of the family – John Bell – passed away.
2. Union Station Hotel Ghosts
The Union Station Hotel is said to be haunted by the spirit of Abigail. She was a 20-something lady who came to the Union Station during World War II to see off her lover heading to the frontlines in France. Unfortunately, the soldier did not return and stricken by grief, Abigail returned to the railway station where she last saw her beau and threw herself in front of a train.
Her spirit is said to haunt the Union Station Nashville, especially Room 711, where guests have reported unexplained phenomena. Many guests have reported flickering lights, sudden temperature plunges, figures in photographs in mirrors, and unexplained noises overhead despite room 711 being on the top floor.
3. The Ghost of Andrew Jackson
The legend of the Ghost of Andrew Jackson revolves around his hermitage, where it is said his ghost still lingers and walks around his property, which he called home. The genesis of this ghost story is a love story.
Andrew Jackson loved his wife, Rachel, dearly and wanted to give her everything he possibly could. One of the things he did for her was to hire an English gardener to design a spectacular garden, which evolved into Rachel’s favorite part of their property.
However, she only enjoyed the garden briefly as she passed away in 1828. Andrew Jackson buried her in the garden and visited the tomb every afternoon to talk to her. She would later be laid to rest next to her.
Visitors to the Andrew Jackson Hermitage report experiencing extreme temperature drops followed by full-body chills and seeing ghostly apparitions on their visits.
Ghost Tours to Explore During Your Stay
For Music Row visitors eager to explore Nashville’s eerie past, several ghost tours offer a fun, spine-chilling experience. The Haunted Downtown Nashville Tour is one of the most popular options, taking guests through some of the city’s most historic—and haunted—locations.
Led by knowledgeable guides and professional storytellers, this tour explores spooky sites like Printer’s Alley, the Tennessee State Capitol, and the Ryman Auditorium, sharing ghost stories and historical insights as you walk.
For those willing to venture just outside Nashville, Franklin’s Ghost Tour offers an equally thrilling experience in the nearby town of Franklin, known for its Civil War history. The tour weaves through historic downtown Franklin, spotlighting haunted buildings and recounting tales of soldiers, spirits, and mysterious apparitions tied to the Battle of Franklin.
These tours provide an engaging way to learn about the city’s haunted history while enjoying a mix of local lore and ghostly tales.
Spooky Activities Near the Hotel
The Motif on Music Row is one of the best places to stay as you explore the spooky spots, scenes, and attractions Nashville offers. You can easily reach some of Nashville’s haunted attractions, including Ryman Auditorium, Union Station Hotel, Tennessee State Capitol, The Hermitage, and numerous other spots.
You’ll also access numerous walking tours that start off right at Music Row. In the same spooky light, staying with us will place you at the center of all the best Halloween parties, including All Hallows East, Nightmare on Music Row, and much more.
Unveil Nashville’s Haunting Legends and Ghostly Characters During Your Stay at Motif on Music Row
Are you looking for the perfect mix of comfort and adventure this Halloween? Look no further than Motif on Music Row. Located within a short walk from many of Nashville’s haunted attractions, we offer the perfect base to explore the city’s ghostly past.
Ready for a spooky stay? Book your room online or call us at (615) 612-0102 and explore Nashville’s eerie past with legends, ghost stories, and haunted adventures just steps away!