The Ghosts of Octagon Hall

Haunted Octagon Hall: A Paranormal Playground Wrapped in History

Nestled in the rolling hills of Kentucky, Octagon Hall is no ordinary antebellum mansion. Built during the years of 1847 - 1859 in the unique eight-sided design that gives it its name, this historic residence is renowned not only for its architectural charm but for the eerie legends and ghostly encounters that linger within its walls.

History in a Nutshell

Octagon Hall was a was built as a family home for Andrew Jackson Caldwell. Over the years it served as much more than a family home…..it was a Civil War field hospital and a Masonic meeting house, making it a site dripping with powerful, emotional history. During the Civil War, Octagon Hall was occupied by Confederate forces who camped on the grounds and used it as a hospital. Upon their departure, the Union army occupied the home just a few days later.

In 1918, Dr. Miles Williams moved into the home and remained there until his death in 1954. His family operated the home as a rental property until the Octagon Hall Foundation was created and took over the building.

Confederate soldiers damaged parts of the home during their occupation, but its walls still echo the stories of the men who lived, fought, and tended to the wounded within. Later, after the Confederate army retreated, Union forces also used Octagon Hall, further solidifying its role as a contested Civil War site.

Octagon Hall is famously haunted by several spirits. The most well-known ghost is that of Mary Elizabeth Caldwell, who died in a fire in the winter kitchen. She is buried onsite in a small family cemetery along with her mother, and a sibling. Andrew Jackson Caldwell was buried in the same cemetery however his remains were moved so he could be buried with his second wife, Harriet Morton.

Another spirit believed to haunt Octagon Hall is a Confederate soldier. Rumor has it his restless soul lingers due to the house's use as a hospital during the Civil War, where many soldiers suffered and died.

Visitors often sense an unsettling energy, as if the souls of those who sought refuge there still watch over the home. Reports include unexplained footsteps, cold spots that drift through rooms, flickering lights, and shadowy figures glimpsed from the corner of the eye.

The Caldwell Family Cemetery

Graves of Confederate soldiers

Further back on the property is another cemetery which holds the remains of many of their slaves. You won’t see obvious markers on their graves but their is signage that briefly tells the story. Also on the property are the remains of at least two Confederate soldiers.

Slave cemetery sign

Slave cemetery

Our Experiences

The team was comprised of 9 investigators from Texas. We spent the night at Octagon Hall after spending the night at Waverly Hills Sanitorium just a couple of days before. We arrived while the sun was still out and enjoyed a tour and heard all about the history of the house from Beth Allen. She is truly a gem!

We assembled and split up to investigate different part of the house as well as the outdoors. It didn’t take long for us to begin to feel something, specifically in the basement area. I took my daughter with me as I usually do. Whatever was in the basement seem to be focused on her. I can’t explain how I could feel that but I was not the only one.

One of the investigators was visibly affected by something in the house. She felt it was something in the basement but it was hard to tell since there is more than one spirit in the house. She became physically ill and had to exit the home for a period of time.

Whatever was focused on my daughter started to feel increasingly menacing not long after we arrived. I don’t think/know that it would have actually caused harm to her but I think it would have at least tried to scare her. I wasn’t about to let that happen so we did not stay the entire night.

Summer kitchen

Dining room

Octagon Hall is a must-visit for paranormal enthusiasts seeking encounters with restless spirits steeped in history, tragedy, and the supernatural. Octagon Hall offers curated tours that blend rich storytelling with spine-tingling paranormal investigation opportunities. For thrill-seekers and history buffs alike, it’s a must-visit destination to experience a unique mix of historical intrigue and supernatural mystery. Pack your curiosity—and maybe a camera with night vision. The ghosts of Octagon Hall love an audience.