OCTAGON HALL MANSION
Octagon Hall Mansion, also known by names like, Octagon House, Mayfair Farm and the Eight-Sided Mansion, stands as a unique landmark in Franklin, Kentucky. Construction began in 1847 under Andrew Jackson Caldwell, who envisioned a home unlike any other. Built with the labour of enslaved individuals, the mansion was completed in 1859. Slave quarters once stood behind the house and the property holds the graves of many slaves who lived and died there.
Tragedy seemed to follow the Caldwell family. Andrew’s first wife, Elizabeth, passed away in 1851, followed just five months later by their son, A.J. Caldwell. Their daughter, Mary Elizabeth, also died young, likely in 1854 and was buried alongside her mother and brother on the property. Despite these losses, Andrew remarried in 1856, taking Harriet as his second wife.
The mansion’s history took a dramatic turn during the Civil War when it became a sanctuary and hospital for Confederate forces in 1862. Thousands of soldiers camped on the grounds and generals stayed within its walls. However, the Union army soon occupied the property and the Caldwell family faced harassment for suspected Confederate sympathies.
After Andrew Caldwell’s death from typhoid in 1866, the mansion changed hands, eventually being purchased by Dr. Miles Williams in 1918. It remained in his family until 2001, when a foundation was formed to restore and preserve the historic home. Today, Octagon Hall operates as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into its past. With its unique architecture and layers of history, the mansion continues to captivate and intrigue, standing as a testament to the region’s heritage.
HAUNTINGS OF OCTAGON HALL
Many believe the spirits of those who lived, worked and died at Octagon Hall Mansion still linger, making it one of the most haunted locations in Kentucky. Shadow figures and apparitions are frequently seen both inside the home and on the grounds. Some visitors have reported seeing children playing, while others have spotted an adult male figure gazing out of a window.
Among the most tragic stories is that of Mary Elizabeth Caldwell, the young daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Caldwell. While in the winter basement kitchen, Mary’s dress caught fire when she got too close to the fireplace. She succumbed to her injuries seven days later and was buried on the property alongside her mother and brother. Visitors and staff have reported seeing apparitions of a young girl in the basement and in Mary’s room, where the door is said to close on its own. Her cries have also been heard near her mother’s grave.
The spirits of soldiers, both Confederate and Union, are said to haunt the property, a continual reminder of the mansion’s role during the Civil War. Stories tell of soldiers who died on the grounds, including one who bled out in the attic, another who died from a gunshot wound in a crawl space and one who perished on the front steps. The attic, in particular, is a hotspot for paranormal activity, with the sound of dragging footsteps often reported.
Other unexplained phenomena include disembodied voices, the smell of flowers or decay and objects moving on their own. The combination of tragic deaths, wartime history and the property’s connection to enslaved individuals has created ghost stories that continue to captivate visitors. Whether it’s the apparitions of soldiers, the cries of a young girl, or the lingering presence of those who once called Octagon Hall home, the mansion remains a place where the past refuses to rest.
VISITING OCTAGON HALL
Visiting Octagon Hall offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the rich history of this fascinating mansion. Whether you’re drawn to its architectural charm, its Civil War significance, or its reputation as one of Kentucky’s most haunted locations, the mansion certainly promises an unforgettable visit. Today, Octagon Hall operates as a museum, open to the public for tours, events and paranormal investigations. To visit for yourself, check the museum’s schedule and plan a trip to Franklin, Kentucky, where you can explore the grounds, hear the ghostly tales and perhaps even encounter a spirit or two.
If you enjoyed reading about the hauntings of Octagon Hall you might also be interested in learning about the ghostly tales and legends of Bolling Hall, located in England.
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