In the heart of Natchez, Mississippi, where history and mystery intertwine, our ghost tour promised an experience steeped in legends, whispers of the past, and the thrill of the unexplained.
Guided by the knowledgeable and engaging Scott McCoy, the Natchez Ghost Tour explored the eerie streets of downtown Natchez, uncovering tales of restless spirits and haunted landmarks. The tour began on North Pearl Street in front of Slick Rick’s, a burger and sandwich joint conveniently across the street from the Eola Hotel, where Scott began to introduce us to the rich and often chilling history of the Eola and, thus, Natchez in general. The Eola is nearing 100 years in Natchez, and while it has been shut down since roughly 2014, it’s currently undergoing a restoration that is already exceeding $30 million. Needless to say, there are stories. The Eola’s website is also under construction but has some great historic photos.
From there, we meandered through the historic district, Scott's storytelling prowess bringing to life the spectral narratives that have become part of the city's lore. His knowledge, flair for the dramatic, and passion for the paranormal made each stop along the tour educational and occasionally a bit spine-tingling. He sometimes—especially during the Halloween season—even dresses in costume to present the tour.
As we wound our way through the old river town’s historic streets, the tour invited us to step back in time. As Scott led us through Natchez’s storied past, we learned of tragic events, long-forgotten secrets, and the restless spirits believed to still wander these old paths and buildings.
One of the most memorable locations was King's Tavern, the oldest standing building in Natchez, which is on the National Historic Register. Here, we delved into the story of Madeline, a young woman believed to haunt the tavern after meeting a tragic end. The discovery of three mummified bodies and a jeweled dagger in the tavern's cellar during the 1930s adds a macabre authenticity to the legend. It was a restaurant until recently, and apparently the wait staff experienced quite a few mysterious happenings. It’s currently for sale.
Rather than a simple recitation of facts, Scott’s tour employed vivid descriptions and a passionate tone that made the experience feel personal and immersive. In fact, he says no two tours are the same. The number and energy level of the participants also make a difference, and sometimes the walking tour hits slightly different stops.
On our tour, a few sights included the building that housed the prestigious Prentiss Club, the hanging tree at the courthouse, the old jail, and a recounting of the Rhythm Night Club fire in 1940 that killed more than 200 people and injured many others. (There is also a Rhythm Night Club museum to commemorate the victims of that tragedy.)
The Natchez Ghost Tour is more than just a walk through history, it’s an invitation to explore the blurred boundaries between legend and reality. Its haunting allure continues to beckon those eager to experience the ethereal charms of Natchez.
Scott's dedication to preserving and sharing the haunted history of Natchez is evident in every aspect of the tour. His ability to weave historical facts with ghostly tales creates an immersive experience that lingers long after the tour concludes. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, the Natchez Ghost Tour offers a unique glimpse into the city's spectral past.
Our experience with the Natchez Ghost Tour was an enlightening and chilling blend of history and the supernatural. We highly recommend it to anyone seeking to uncover the haunted secrets of this historic city.
For those interested in exploring the haunted side of Natchez, tours are available nightly(!) with reservations recommended to ensure a spot. Tickets are priced at $25 per person, and bookings can be made by contacting Scott directly at (225) 772-0525 or via the Natchez Ghost Tour website.
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