Murfreesboro's Most Haunted

(As featured in the October 2013 edition of the Murfreesboro Pulse)

Murfreesboro’s Most Haunted

I’m not a big fan of Halloween attractions like haunted houses.  Having spent a certain amount of time in the field researching real monsters and investigating actual paranormal phenomenon, it’s difficult to get excited about the fake stuff.  Don’t get me wrong. I like Halloween fun and have been known to disguise myself to play the occasional trick.  But for those curious about real paranormal activity, I have a special treat for you this October.

 The Murfreesboro’s Most Haunted list presented here was assembled based on the experiences of local paranormal investigators, reader submissions and my personal explorations in search of the unknown.   Here’s what made the list. 

Stones River Battlefield – It’s the site of more than 3000 deaths and one of the bloodiest  battles of the Civil War. Numerous sightings of ghastly apparitions have been reported for decades in and around this historic area. Entire troop formations have been seen here by witnesses here that disappear without a trace.  

 

Social (formerly Blue Rooster and Blues Boro) – I saw some pretty frightening things at this bar when I used to hang out there. But according to the Shadow Chasers of Middle Tennessee, a number of electronic voice phenomenon or EVPs (alleged ghost noises) have been recorded in the basement which sound people playing billiards in an area with no pool table.

Center for the Arts – Another submission from my friends at Shadow Chasers, the Center for the Arts is said to host more than just live performances. It seems the dead also perform their own kind of show at night and that the voices of children laughing have been captured by recorders.

Davis Market – Many know of the “curse of Davis Market”  and that it’s actually the center of the universe.  But there’s more to this place than these urban legends. Some employees have experienced strange happenings like objects moving, doors slamming and calculators running numbers with nobody around.

Black Fox Camp Springs – This general area is where some of the first settlers in Rutherford County made their homes.  It’s located along the Nickajack trace, an ancient Native American highway which ran all the way down to Spanish Florida. According to legend Chief Black Fox escaped an attack by diving into the spring and emerging three miles away at Murfree Springs.  I’ve heard drums beating here on more than one occasion and was unable to identify the source.   

 

The Black Cat Tavern – This abandoned underground speakeasy from the days of prohibition is not just a little spooky, but the first time I went inside the cave I heard voices and what sounded like music coming from somewhere deep underground. 

Smotherman’s Antiques   Melinda Blick of Stones River Paranormal considers this local antique store  to be a paranormal hotspot. It makes sense that it might manifest some activity. This business houses a collection of items belonging to dead people in a building that has its own lengthy history.

The old MTMC Hospital  – Although the lot where the old hospital stood is now empty, some vivid accounts were shared with me by former employees of the old hospital.  These included witnesses seeing floating objects as well as phantoms which appeared to comfort the dying.  

Big B Cleaners – The haunted drycleaners might not sound so spooky.  But Big B was once the site of a local taxi service back in 1920’s. It was during this period that a murder took place and it’s believed that the victim may still be lingering.  Investigators who have probed this location have witnessed mysterious lights and sounds coming from the building

 

 

Oaklands Plantation – Although it has never been formally investigated (to my knowledge), this stately home from the early 19^th century made the list by default. The location was home to a large number of slaves and was the site of an engagement between Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War. Perhaps the Oaklands Association will someday allow an investigation of the house that will validate its place on this prestigious list of haunted places in Murfreesboro.

More Pictures coming soon! 

The Victorian Quarters: a Bed and Breakfast with a paranormal past

 It just dawned on me that August is almost over and I haven't recorded anything in the blog for about a month. I know my vast readership must be getting anxious and I have no excuse really. I've just been doing what I do. I guess the least I could do is share some pics from my recent  stay at an awesome bed and breakfast in Henderson KY that is most certainly haunted. It's called the Victorian Quarters. Constructed around 1860 by a prominent family, and operated as a household with a number of slaves.  Interestingly, some of these slaves took it upon themselves to dig a tunnel clear out to the Ohio river (across the street) so that they might escape or at least come and go as they pleased without waking the 'masa'.

 Koy (the owner) shared with me that the house is also the host to regular paranormal activity and that the house is indeed "haunted". In fact the statue in the picture below was knocked of its pedestal and decapitated during one such event.

She let us in on a number of stories regarding the paranormal events and EVPs recorded in the building and one day I'll get around to sharing more abut our own visit. I also have a lot more pics of a much higher quality on my wife's camera that I'll post at some point in the future. Until I can add more to this post just do your own research and you'll find this whole town is filled stories of paranormal activity.

Interestingly too Koy also shared with me a first hand account of a strange cryptid like creature that was in her rose garden that did not resemble any animal she had ever seen. Lots to write about here once I get around to it.

                                                                     

 The tunnel underneath the house leads from the basement level to the Ohio River across the street from the Victorian Quarters.

Wine and Spirits: Wine-tasting and ghost chasing in Tennessee

Hidden within the highlands of the Upper-Cumberland region of Tennessee, Red Boiling Springs is a retromantic and mysterious destination for anyone seeking some Victorian era nostalgia, delicious wine and perhaps even an encounter with the unexplained.


Looking for an escape from the mundane, Angela and I booked a suite at the Thomas House, one of three bed-and breakfast style hotels in the small town. Before arriving at our intended destination we first stopped in for a visit at the Red Barn Winery a few miles away. The narrow lane which leads to the quaint vineyard epitomizes the rural Tennessee landscape that many who live in the urbanized areas surrounding Nashville forget exists.

The Red Bard Winery

Inside the Red Barn we found a welcoming atmosphere for tasting and a wide selection of wines that are made on site. This isn’t Napa Valley of course, nor is it trying to be. Tennessee wines have their own unique history and distinct taste. In fact, winemaking in Tennessee was purely a bootlegging industry after prohibition laws were in place after commercial wine production ceased. Not until recent decades have wineries begun to produce native varieties again for commercial sale. After my second time coming to Red Barn, I can confirm that it offers some of the best in Tennessee.


Leaving the picturesque vineyard, we then ventured to our final destination. The history of the Thomas House is interlaced with that of Red Boiling Springs which began as a resort town during the Victorian era. The location owed its popularity to the belief that local mineral springs had curative properties and restorative health benefits. Once boasting more than a dozen hotels, dance halls and an amusement park, it's popularity continued to roar through the 20's and 30's as a get-away for the well-to-do of society. However, the postwar era brought its decline as transportation to other places became easier with the new interstate system. Except for a small resurgence in the 1950’s its decay was steady until a flood all but destroyed the town in 1969.

Thomas House

The Thomas House is intriguing to say the least. It’s widely known for its paranormal activity, making it a frequent destination for researchers of the paranormal. It was even the location for an investigation which was featured in an episode of Sy Fi Channel’s Paranormal State. The building itself dates to 1890 and exists on the site of a previous hotel. An all brick structure, it has two floors and countless rooms to explore, mostly decorated in the flamboyant style of the Victorian era. Several rooms are also dedicated to various themes like ‘Gone with the Wind’, one full of antique Christmas decorations, still another one is full of children’s toys.

Gone with the Wind Room

We made reservations on a night when they were hosting a group of swing dancers which contributed to the timeless atmosphere of the hotel. After dancing we sat and talked with the Cole family who has owned the hotel since 1993. They relayed to us a number of strange encounters with apparitions that appeared to be living people only to disappear from sight. Unfortunately we had no experiences ourselves that could be characterized as paranormal.






This sort of destination isn’t for everyone. If you are too easily freaked out, require five star accommodations or enjoy the music of Ke$ha and Lil’ Wayne then you probably won’t get the beauty of this place. But the adventurer, the wine connoisseur or the artist will all find something here that captivates and refreshes them, much as it did for those who were looking for an escape more than a century ago.

Room at the Thomas House

Creepy Swimming pool

Donaho Hotel

Spring House behind Donaho Hotel

Vinyard 

Segovia: City of Culture and Mystery

Segovia: City of Culture and Mystery

In Spain there are many great cities. But there is one city whose mysteries, epic monuments and artistic legacy make it a necessary destination for those with a true passion for art, history and mystery. The city of Segovia is situated atop a steep promontory at the confluence of two rivers in the autonomous region of Castilla y Leon in the heart of Spain. I had the privilege of living there one summer about ten years ago, and since then, it has remained my favorite city in the entire world.


Upon arriving to the city, the senses are confronted by the sight of a magnificent Roman aqueduct that attests to the ancient origins of this city with roots that span more than 2,000 years. Hiking out into the surrounding countryside provides the best panoramic views of the city. From there you can see the protective wall called a muralla that surrounds the oldest district of the city as well as the beautiful 16th century cathedral that dominates the skyline. Of course, no ancient city is complete without a castle. Segovia’s fortress is called the Alcazar and is among the most beautiful and famous fortresses in all of Spain.


It’s possible to see many of Segovia’s great monuments in a single day, but she is not to be treated like a fast food restaurant. Take your time in Segovia and stay awhile. Her true value is found among the people who share her fascinating history and unique culture. Segovia has always attracted and produced creative individuals, establishing an authentic atmosphere where antiquity forms the backdrop for the bohemian and avant-garde. In fact, several prominent art schools and universities exist in Segovia that follow a long tradition of scholarship and artistic development. Naturally, art exhibitions are held in the many distinguished venues. Segovia is a city where every type of art, artisanry and performing art flourish, making it a center of creativity. It’s also worth mentioning that the city is host to the City of Segovia Festival of European Cinema—an annual film festival held in the Fall—and an international marionette festival called Titirimundi.



Aside from her bohemian charm, there are countless mysteries and legends that hide around every corner and plaza of the city. Perhaps the most enigmatic site in Segovia is the 12th century Church of the Vera Cruz known by locals as “el Templario,” which is believed to have been founded by the Order of the Knights Templar. For ghost hunters, Segovia’s ancient and obscure past make it a first-class destination for paranormal research.


One of the most endearing aspects of Segovia is that the city has a genuine character. It doesn’t put on a shallow display for tourists. Instead, it maintains a distinct culture that is dignified and authentically Castilian. For this and many other reasons, I miss Segovia. Too much time has passed since I went for an afternoon “paseo” on her streets and enjoyed “una copa” in the Plaza Mayor with friends. As a videographer, I’d like to return to Segovia to document the myths and legends attached to the sacred and ancient monuments throughout the city. Of course, I’ll have to postpone the documentary if it interferes with my training as a bullfighter and my flamenco guitar lessons. What can I say? I should have been born a Spaniard. What about you? The only way to find out is to go. Hasta luego.











En Español

En España hay muchas maravillosas ciudades. Pero hay una ciudad cuyos misterios, los monumentos épicos y la herencia artística lo hacen un destino necesario para aquellos con una pasión verdadera de arte, historia y misterio. La ciudad de Segovia, está situado encima de un promontorio escarpado en la confluencia de dos ríos en la comunidad autónoma de Castilla y León. Yo tuve el privilegio de vivir allí un verano hace aproximadamente diez años y desde entonces ha permanecido mi ciudad favorita en el mundo entero.

Al llegar, los sentidos se enfrentan por la vista de un magnífico acueducto romano que certifica los antiguos orígenes de esta ciudad con raíces que extienden más de 2000 años. El excursionismo a pie en el campo circundante ofrece las mejores vistas panorámicas de la ciudad. Desde allí puede ver la pared protectora llamada la muralla que rodea el distrito más antiguo de la ciudad, así como la hermosa Catedral del siglo XVI que domina el horizonte. Por supuesto, ninguna ciudad antigua está completa sin un castillo. La fortaleza de Segovia se llama el Alcázar y es uno de los castillos más bellos y famosos en toda España.

Algunos viajeros intentan ver la mayor parte de los grandes monumentos de Segovia en un solo día. Pero no se apure. Quédese un rato. Segovia no debe ser tratada como un restaurante de comida rápida sino uno de cinco estrellas. Quédese por un tiempo. Su valor real es encontrado entre la gente que comparte su historia fascinante y cultura única. Segovia siempre ha atraído y ha producido a individuos creativos, estableciendo una atmósfera auténtica donde la antigüedad forma el telón de fondo para una movida, escena y panoramo de vanguardia.

De hecho, varias escuelas de arte y destacadas universidades existen en Segovia que siguen una tradición centenaria de beca y desarrollo artístico. Naturalmente, se organizan exposiciones de arte con frecuencia en los distinguidos lugares de la ciudad. Segovia es una ciudad donde cada tipo de arte y artesania, así como las artes escénicas hacen que sea un centro para cada tipo de creatividad. La ciudad alberga incluso su propio Festival anual de cine europeo y un festival internacional de marionetas llamado Titirimundi.

Además de su encanto bohemio, también hay innumerables misterios y leyendas que se esconden en cada esquina y la plaza de la ciudad. Incluso hay una serie de túneles subterráneos que conectan varios edificios de la ciudad. Para mí esto es el cielo. Quizás el más enigmático lugar en Segovia es la Iglesia de la Vera Cruz fundado en el siglo XII. Conocida por los lugareños como “el Templario” fue construida por la misteriosa orden de los Templarios. Para los cazadores de fantasmas, el pasado antigua y oscura de Segovia hacen un destino de primera clase para la investigación paranormal.



Otro aspecto entrañable de Segovia es su carácter genuino. A diferencia de otras ciudades, Segovia no da una pantalla artificial para turistas o intentar ser algo que no es. Al contrario, Segovia mantiene una cultura distinta que es digna y auténticamente castellana. Por esto y muchas otras razones a Segovia la echo de menos. Ha pasado demasiado tiempo desde que he dado un “paseo” por la tarde en sus calles o disfrutar una copa en la Plaza Mayor con mis amigos. Como un videógrafista me gustaría volver a Segovia para documentar los mitos y leyendas relativas a los monumentos antiguos y sagrados en toda la ciudad. Sin embargo, voy a tener que posponer el documental si interfiere con mi formación como un torero y clases de guitarra. ¿Qué puedo decir? Yo debería haber nacido un español. ¿Y tú? La única manera de averiguarlo es ir. ¡Hasta luego!









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The Mysterious Black Fox Camp Springs of Murfreesboro Tennessee

Whilst checking out a book called Indian Trails of the Southeast  I discovered that two ancient Native American paths, the Creek War Trace and the Nickjack Trace intersect just down the street from my house. I then discovered that where these trails converge is a place called Black Fox Camp Springs named after the famous Cherokee Indian Chief . It's a beautiful patch of swampy wetland and forest which is the former site of Black Fox's hunting camp. This is the spot where he made his legendary escape from Major James Ore's force of militiamen who were part of the Nickajack Expedition en route to attack the Chicamauga towns of the "Lower Cherokee" in September of 1794. 

According to the story, Black Fox's men were taken buy surprise. It's said that he escaped by diving into the spring where he subsequently emerged 3 miles away at Murfree Springs. Now, either this whole story is a load of BS or there's a subterranean link between the two locations. I tend to believe the later isn't impossible based on the fact that both Springs share the same source and seem to located along the same limestone aquafer  which is essentially an underground waterway.   The question is did Black Fox actually make his escape this way? If he did travel underground  all the way to Murfree Spring it stands to reason that he was familiar with this route and that he did not swim the entire way underwater. I'm sure most people are skeptical of this legend and I can understand why. 

 I have confirmed the presence of a cave entrance at Murfree Springs. But I have yet to identify any possible entrances to any subterranean caverns at the Black Fox Camp site.  It's my guess as of today that the entrance has been covered up. This may have happened either when the nearby neighborhood development inserted a drainage pipe into the spring or when the land was altered to create "Todds Lake" which is the crappy little artificial swamp-lake that lies immediately  NW of the Spring. There is no way to know for sure whether or not he really made his escape underground. However, studies conducted in 1999 using dye tracing methods did confirm underground links in this area. At any rate, the impact of development and erosion since the late 1700's has altered the surface geology so substantially that any previously existing passages or entrances may indeed be lost forever.  

Most people in Murfreesboro have no idea that this immediate area near the springs called Dilton was actually the first to be settled by Europeans in Rutherford County. Black Fox Camp Springs and Dilton  were almost selected over the Murfee Springs location to become the center for the community's development. Overall the place has a quiet air of mystery. The area South of the Spring is one I use to get away from things when I don't have time to go far but still wan't to be alone. 
 

Black Fox Camp Spring (December 2012)

The distance between Black Fox's Camp and Murfree Springs is about 3 miles.

Back on the Nickajack - December 5th 2012

Returned to explore more of the Nickajack trace this morning and look for possible Indian burials along the banks of Lytle's Creek as well as any sign of Sasquatch activity. I haven't found any yet as it is too far from the Stones River where the majority of sightings occur.  I don't plan on digging up dead Native Americans but I'm always on the lookout for mounds, arrowheads  and other artifacts which might surface as a result of the rain.  You see this was no side street back in the day.  The Nickajack Trace/Trail is part of the larger Cisca-St. Augustine Trace which ran down to Spanish Florida via Savannah Georgia. Indians used this trail for hundreds or possibly thousands of years for travel, trade and warfare. While we associate this area with Chief Black Fox, in reality this was an important location for thousands of other natives who likely used this spot as a camp and water source.



If you are interested in finding trails like this one a good resource is Indian Trails of the Southeast William E. Myer published in 1925. 

Remnant of the ancient Nickajack Trace outside Murfreesboro, TN

My handsomely well-shaped leg sustained a pretty good gash while fording Lytle's Creek. My feet however  are not so handsomely well-shaped.

Drums along the Nickajack?: a possible paranormal incident

I have to report one incident of note that  might be attributed to paranormal activity. While exploring the area near Black Fox's old camp my partner Reagan and I heard the faint sound of  tribal drums but were unable to detect the direction of the sound. It was very strange. This happened on 3 occasions. I will be returning to take some EVP recordings at a later time.

Additional information:

 Indian Trails of the Southeast William E. Myer 1925