It’s finally fall, y’all! And with that comes Halloween. Did you know that Jasper County, South Carolina, has its fair share of ghost stories? Get comfy, light your pumpkin spice candle, and let’s delve into some of the spooky stories surrounding our fascinating community.
Purrysburg
Jasper County has seen its share of battles over the years. First the Revolutionary War, then the Civil War took its toll on the county. But the story of Purrysburg predates both of these wars. The settlement of Purrysburg was established on the banks of the Savannah River in 1734. Two years later, the town had 100 houses and 450 settlers. Purrysburg soon began to suffer from disease and unhealthy conditions. Those that survived moved on to other surrounding south Carolina towns, as well as Savannah, Georgia.
Purrysburg would see new life in 1779, when it was the site of the Battle of Purrysburg during the Revolutionary War. An excavation in 2015 unearthed more than 100 musket balls, several canister shots, and many explosive shells, showing how intense this battle really was.
Today, the only thing that reminds people of the settlement is a historic monument. It is unknown how many settlers and soldiers died at this spot. It is thought that many ghosts haunt these grounds after the bloodshed. Would you come find out for yourself?
Hardeeville Methodist Church
Just as the Civil War came to Hardeeville, the city was just beginning to develop and flourish. During Sherman’s March to the Sea, his army blazed a trail through the town, leaving only one church and a few homes in their path. The Hardeeville Methodist Church was spared because it served as a make-shift hospital for injured soldiers. How many soldiers died in this church? That is still unknown. But it is thought ghosts haunt the site of this beautiful and historic church, as well.
Honey Hill
Ridgeland also experienced a visit from Sherman’s men. The Battle of Honey Hill was fought in 1864, and Union soldiers spent time in the Grahamville community. Officers stayed in a home on Bees Creek Road and used the Holy Trinity Church as headquarters. The battle saw 89 Union and eight Confederate casualties. Is this church haunted, too?
Frampton House
Just outside Yemassee, the Frampton House is nestled under ancient live oaks, dripping in Spanish moss. While it is the current home of the Lowcountry Visitors Center and Museum, it is perhaps also the home of a few ghostly residents. The house and surrounding land have witnessed a great deal of history, and some of the souls may not be ready to leave just yet.
The Frampton House was once the site of “The Hill” Plantation and owned by John Edward Frampton in the 1800’s. Although General Sherman’s troops burned the plantation house and surrounding farmhouses to the ground, John Frampton rebuilt and continued to work on the land.
Major renovations were done to the house throughout the 1900’s and eventually was bought by individual owners. However, in 1991, the Lowcountry Tourism Commission was able to secure the donation of the house and four surrounding acres to eventually become the Lowcountry Visitors Center & Museum that we know today.
Today visitors to the house report feeling a ghostly presence. Some have encountered an old woman in the front parlor, while others say they have seen a small girl on the stairs. Stop by and see for yourself!
