Established in 1839, Oxford, Georgia has a long and scholarly history. This tiny town in Newton County is, after all, home to Oxford College and Emory University, two of the finest institutions in the state. Not to mention, it’s affiliation with the Methodist Episcopal Church, whose officials chartered the town and who declared Oxford a shrine. Perhaps, it’s this divine connection to the afterlife that would account for Oxford’s other residents of the ghostly variety. Or, could it be the ghosts of the Civil War soldiers, who met their unfortunate ends in makeshift hospitals? Crack open your textbooks, students, because we’re taking you on a studiously spooky tour. Join us, if you dare for the Top 5 Most Haunted Spots in Oxford, Georgia.
1. Our first stop is the Oxford Cemetery. Established in 1837, the cemetery is the final resting place for Oxford town’s illustrious residents. Buried at the cemetery are many historical figures including eight of Emory College’s presidents and numerous southern Methodist leaders. However, during the Civil War, many soldiers from both sides found their final home on the cemetery grounds. As Oxford College suspended classes to aid in the war effort, the college became a military hospital. And the Oxford Cemetery served as a public grave for the fallen. Visitors have reported smelling
2. Orna Villa, also known as the Alexander Means House, is a historic Greek Revival house. Built in 1825, it is the oldest house in town and the crown jewel of Emory Street. Yet, this stately home houses a secret; a feud between father and son that tore a family apart. The home was owned for a time by Alexander Means, a
3. Our third pick for Oxford’s haunted
4. Speaking of Oxford College’s campus, let’s venture over to Phi Gamma Hall, the oldest academic building that Emory owns. The Phi Gamma Hall building now houses the college’s 24-hour library. But, not too long ago, students reported that when they left the library at night they saw a woman dressed in white. They all described her as frantic, seemingly distraught and would pace back and forth in front of the windows. Some have even claimed she was wearing the uniform of a nurse. Reports of the wailing nurse have ceased since the building has been in use around-the-clock as a study area. But, who knows? You might be just the patient she’s looking for.
5. Several staff members have also reported odd noises around Seney Hall, which dates from 1881. The Hall itself was built using materials from a monolith known as “Old Main”. Like other buildings on campus, Old Main had been used as a hospital during the Great War. And some old soldiers seemed to never have left. One former professor swore that when he worked late at night he would become aware of a presence in his office. He described it as a young boy, about 17 or 18, dressed as a Confederate soldier. The boy would fade away before any evidence could be captured.
Creeped out yet? Why not study some more of Oxford’s historical haunts by visiting the Oxford Historical Society’s website? Or, you can visit our Top 5 sites yourself. See if you can catch the wailing nurse of Phi Gamma Hall, or dismiss classes at Oxford College with Dooley. Or try to mend a family feud at Orna Villa. Either way, visit Oxford, Georgia today!
