Haunted Whitefield Square

The History of Whitefield Square

Whitefield Square was the 24th and final square laid out under General Oglethorpe’s original plan for Savannah. In 1851 city planners named it for the 18th-century preacher George Whitefield, who founded Georgia’s Bethesda Orphan House (later called Bethesda Academy) and was famed for his missionary work. The square, tucked in the southeast corner of the Historic District, became a neighborhood focal point in the late 19th century. The surrounding block – part of what was known as Wesley Ward – was slowly built up with gingerbread-style Victorian cottages after the Civil War, giving the area an ornate Southern charm. In the middle of the square stands the elegant white gazebo (added later to echo nearby Stick-style houses), framed by peonies and azaleas in spring.

Despite its pretty facade, Whitefield Square’s history is darker. Its ground originally served as a city-designated burial site for African Americans when it was outside the city limits in the early 1800s. Laws at the time forbade slave burials in private yards, so graves were dug “on and near Whitefield Square”. For decades early 19th-century Savannah’s Black dead were interred here. In 1853 the city closed that burying ground (it closed Colonial Park Cemetery for whites at the same time), and some remains were moved to the new Laurel Grove Cemetery. But as historians note, many bodies were likely left where they lay, and later digging in adjacent Calhoun (now Taylor) Square unearthed skeletons from this burial period. Officially the city left plans to remove every grave, but records conflict on how completely that happened, leaving questions about what still sleeps beneath the square.

As the Victorian era progressed, Whitefield Square evolved into the tranquil park seen today. In 1895 the First Congregational Church (at 421 Habersham Street, on the square’s west side) opened its brick Gothic sanctuary to an African-American congregation, a legacy of the Freedmen’s education movement. Just to the south on Gordon Street stood St. Joseph’s Hospital (run by the Sisters of Mercy for Savannah’s Irish community) from the late 1870s until the mid-20th century. Families held Sunday picnics on the square’s benches, and the park even hosted wedding parties under its gazebo. Only later did people recall the square’s somber origins and begin whispering its name in hushed, ghostly tones. Throughout all this, Whitefield Square’s story became a tapestry of Savannah life: faith and charity in its churches and orphanage roots, the tragedy of hidden graves, and the ongoing preservation of a living urban oasis.

Why Is Whitefield Square Considered Haunted?

Whitefield Square’s haunted reputation comes straight from history: it was literally paved over human remains. Tourists and storytellers alike ask, “Is Whitefield Square haunted?” The legend took shape when people learned the square sits atop Savannah’s oldest Black cemetery. Even before recent investigations, local lore held that the spirits of those buried there did not rest. Archaeological surveys late in 2025 have put that legend in focus – ground-penetrating radar was used in hopes of finding those unmarked graves. The news that the search was partly inspired by ghost rumors shows how history and myth intertwined.

In truth, no one has captured photos of ghostly apparitions at Whitefield. City archivist Luciana Spracher herself “pushes back on the haunted” idea, reminding Savannahns that the square has a “complicated story…a layered history”. That is, the square’s allure is more about its past than present phenomena. Yet visitors still report eerie feelings. People say the air grows inexplicably cold near the old foundations, or that they hear faint sobbing on the breeze. Ghost tours incorporate Whitefield Square into broader narratives: guides mention the Confederate-period hospital across the street and the orphanage founder, suggesting that restless souls have reasons to linger.

So why “haunted”? It’s really about context. Savannah is famous for ghost stories in its squares, and Whitefield Square fits the pattern of a “haunted site” because of documented tragedy beneath it. Tales of slaves buried in secret, mixed with modern imagination, have taken on a life of their own. One ghost-walking guide told us that Whitefield Square isn’t as overtly eerie as some plazas, but people on his tours sometimes feel chills while there. In short, Whitefield Square is considered haunted because it could be: its soil connects to suffering, and Southern Gothic imagination fills in the rest. Whether one believes in ghosts or not, the tragic history is real.

• The Gazebo Sentinel: A common theme in Savannah is the “ghost bride” or guardian at a square’s pavilion. At Whitefield, some brides and bridesmaids on wedding shoots later said their camera’s flash revealed a shadow on the gazebo. It looks like a man wearing old-fashioned clothes, standing guard. Maybe it’s a lost groom, or simply a trick of light and fog, but romantic legend has it as an apparition protecting the sacred space where so many couples wed.

• Footsteps on Brick: A handful of people have reported hearing a lone pair of footsteps behind them late at night. They turn, expecting a companion, but see only the square’s empty brick walkway and rustling magnolia leaves. One tour guide recalled an elderly woman who insisted on telling him she heard someone shuffling over gravel, as if a 19th-century undertaker were making rounds. No one else was there. Whether real or imagined, this adds to Whitefield’s spooky vibe.

• Cold Spot by the Bench: The quiet benches around the green play-hold for strange occurrences. A late-night photographer claimed she snapped a long-exposure image under an oak and saw a hazy mist swirl, like vapor hovering just above the bench. She also felt an unnerving chill on her neck, even though the night was warm. Urban legend says these chilly pockets are where the energy of forgotten lives fades in and out of consciousness.

Each of these tales is rooted in atmosphere: dim lamplight on brick, warm Georgia nights turned suddenly cold, and the isolation of the square after dark. None has a smoking-gun evidence, of course. Tourists share them in hushed tones: “People say,” “some witnesses claim,” leaving room for doubt. But for many visitors, the mere possibility of an unexplained presence adds a layer of excitement to this peaceful spot. It’s storytelling tradition meeting history: Whitefield Square’s reported hauntings are an invitation to look closer at what lies beneath the surface.

Visiting Whitefield Square: What to Expect

Whitefield Square is easily accessible at any hour, but your experience will vary greatly by day or night. By day, expect a picturesque scene: sunlight filters through the live oaks onto the moss-covered bricks. Families, dogs, and wedding couples share the green, and grandparents might enjoy the bench swings. The square feels tranquil and safe. Photographers delight in the contrast of the white gazebo against greenery and blue sky – it’s a popular spot for engagement photos. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the Spanish moss framing the Victorian houses behind the square, and try shooting in the golden hour for the best light. The ground is mostly level brick and grass; most areas are easily walkable (though the brick paths can be uneven in spots).

At night, Whitefield Square transforms. The Victorian lanterns cast pools of yellow light at the corners, and the gazebo glows softly in the dark. There are no crowds, and other than streetlights, almost no illumination. The atmosphere can feel eerie, especially under fog or a full moon. You might see flickers of light from car headlights passing on nearby Lincoln or Habersham Street. Ghost tour groups occasionally pause here on walking tours of the Historic District, but otherwise you’ll often have the square to yourself. On a quiet night you may hear only the distant hoot of an owl or the rustle of leaves – and perhaps the imagination-fueled impression that you are not quite alone.

If you’re planning a visit with photography in mind, consider: during the day, the square can be lovely at any time, but midday sun will put hard shadows on the gazebo. Early morning or late afternoon gives a softer look. At night, tripod shots can capture the illuminated gazebo and lampposts framed by mossy oaks. Be careful where you step; uneven bricks are common.

Practical details: Whitefield Square is free and open to the public 24/7. There are no gates or admission fees. The square is located at the corner of Lincoln and Habersham Streets, just south of Colonial Park Cemetery. Street parking on the surrounding residential blocks is limited, especially on weekdays. Nearby paid lots include the City Square Garage (Barnard & State Streets) and the lot by City Market (upper level of parking garage off West Saint Julian Street), each about a 10–15 minute walk. Alternatively, the square is a short walk from many Historic District hotels; you may prefer to walk or take a trolley.

The square is handicap-accessible in that there are ramps onto the sidewalks and a mostly flat central path, but the ground is brick and may be bumpy for wheelchairs. Benches and swings provide seating, and it’s easy to find shade in the daytime. The First Congregational Church (421 Habersham) stands on the square’s west side; visitors often include a peek at its Victorian Gothic interior (it has a small donation box and is usually open on Sundays).

For ghost enthusiasts, Whitefield Square lies near several tour starting points. You’ll often find guided ghost tours in Savannah departing from City Market or Lafayette Square, and many will skirt by Whitefield Square’s neighborhood. Companies like Ghost City Tours, Haunted Savannah Tours, and others operate haunted walking tours near Whitefield Square that share spooky lore as they walk. Even if you just enter the square on your own at night, the guides suggest using caution after dark – stick to the sidewalks and stay aware of your surroundings.

Ultimately, whether you arrive on a self-guided evening walk or as part of a guided Savannah ghost tour, expect Monterey Square to feel atmospheric. The old lamp light, mossy trees, and historic facades combine to make any after-dark visit memorable – and maybe a little spine-tingling.

Things to Do Near Whitefield Square

Whitefield Square sits in the heart of Savannah’s historic district, so there’s no shortage of nearby attractions and activities. Here are some highlights and neighboring sights:

• Historic Sites: Just a block north is Troup Square, another charming Victorian park that hosts occasional concerts and art gatherings. Two blocks west is Taylor Square (formerly Calhoun Square), known for the landmark Massie School (now a museum) and ghost stories of its own. Don’t miss the Sorrel-Weed House and the Owens-Thomas House a short walk away for antebellum architecture (both are reputedly haunted). The Olde Pink House restaurant on Market Street (a 10-minute walk) is famous for its colonial-era building and ghostly legends.

• Cemeteries: The historic Colonial Park Cemetery (at Lincoln Street and Abercorn) is directly north of Whitefield and is another key haunted spot. Guided tours of Savannah’s most notorious haunts often include Colonial Park. Bonaventure Cemetery is a 20-minute drive away (or reachable by private tour van) – it’s Savannah’s most famous cemetery, filled with statues and Southern Gothic beauty.

• Squares & Gardens: In every direction are more green squares: Lafayette Square with its St. John’s Cathedral and Waving Girl statue, Wright Square (haunted by the story of Alice Riley), Johnson Square (Savannah’s oldest), and Chippewa Square (home of the bench from Forrest Gump). A pleasant walk west leads you to Forsyth Park with its iconic fountain and live oaks.

• Waterfront: Three blocks east, drop down from city streets to River Street. Enjoy the cobblestone sidewalks along the Savannah River with seafood restaurants, shops, and frequent live music. The River Street Wharf area offers riverboat cruises and a great sunset view. Historic Factors Walk (the brick ramps and steps between Bay Street and River Street) is perfect for an atmospheric stroll.

• Museums & Culture: Visit the Telfair Museums (two locations in Johnson Square) for art and history, or the SCAD Museum of Art near Forsyth Park. The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace on Lafayette Square offers Girl Scout history tours (and its own ghost tales!). The Beach Institute African-American Cultural Center on Washington Ave is a few blocks east. For local lore, check out the Wright Square and Madison Square museums about Savannah history.

• Dining & Shopping: Nearby lunch and dinner spots include the River House (waterside seafood), Vic’s on the River (elegant Southern cuisine by Wright Square), and the 17Hundred90 Inn (craft cocktails downstairs). City Market – a 5-minute walk north – is full of shops and eateries like Treylor Park and Leopold’s Ice Cream. For a taste of New Orleans-inspired sweets and coffee, try Huey’s or Gallery Espresso (downtown’s favorite).

Everywhere you go in this part of Savannah, the antebellum architecture and Spanish moss ambience remind you how the city lived two centuries ago. Whether you’re following a ghost trail or simply soaking up history, Whitefield Square is surrounded by endless things to do and see in Savannah.

Is Whitefield Square Worth Visiting?

Whitefield Square may not have the crowds of City Market or the grand fountain of Forsyth Park, but it holds a special quiet beauty all its own. For history lovers, the square’s story is compelling: walking its grounds you feel the weight of Savannah’s complex past, from slavery and abolition to post-war revival. Many visitors say the emotional experience of standing on such hallowed ground is powerful, even in daylight.

For ghost enthusiasts, Whitefield Square’s modest scale is actually part of its charm. It’s not Hollywood-spooky, but its atmosphere is deeply solemn. The live oaks form protective canopies, and you may well sense a solemn hush in their shade. Whether or not you believe in spirits, standing under the lamplight at midnight with nowhere else in sight can send a chill down your spine. That feeling is why many consider it one of the best haunted places in Savannah: it provokes thought more than fear.

Ultimately, Whitefield Square is worth visiting because it is Savannah: layered with history and memory, where every bench and brick can be a place for reflection. In the end, the best explanation we have is simple: people still talk about Whitefield Square because they felt something there — be it a whisper of the past or just the goosebumps from a Southern night breeze. If you come with an open mind, this little square will reward you with a quiet, emotional depth that few other spots offer. It stands, rightfully, as a must-see in Savannah’s parade of haunted squares.

Frequently Asked Questions About Whitefield Square