Simpson County, Franklin, Kentucky
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In the rolling hills of Franklin, Kentucky, there stands a strange and unforgettable relic of the past — a rare eight-sided home called the Octagon Hall. Built in 1859 by Andrew Jackson Caldwell, this architectural anomaly served not only as a family residence but also as a Confederate hospital and a hidden refuge for soldiers during the Civil War.
But history never left Octagon Hall. Today, it’s known as one of the most haunted places in the South — a place where the veil between the living and the dead is said to be especially thin. Visitors report everything from cold spots and disembodied voices to shadow figures darting through the halls. The building's shape seems to trap energy — spiritual, emotional, and otherwise — causing some to feel disoriented upon entering.
One of the most well-known spirits believed to linger in the Hall is that of a young girl who died in a kitchen fire. Her playful presence is said to roam the house, tugging on skirts and giggling down the hallway when no one else is there. Guests have reported hearing her soft footsteps and spotting her through windows, only to find no one inside.
Another frequent sighting is that of Confederate soldiers — wounded and wandering. Some visitors hear groaning or whispered prayers, and others claim to have captured misty figures dressed in gray on camera. The basement, where soldiers were hidden and cared for during the war, is particularly heavy. Even skeptics have left that space rattled.
Paranormal investigators from all over the country have flocked to Octagon Hall. EMF spikes, EVP recordings, and sudden temperature drops are commonplace. One famous clip caught what sounds like a Southern soldier murmuring, "We ain't gone yet."
Despite its dark and lingering energy, the Hall is beautifully preserved and open for tours. The caretakers acknowledge its haunted reputation and welcome those who come seeking the supernatural. Whether you go for the history or the hauntings, one thing is certain: the Octagon Hall remembers.
Visitor Information
Address: 6040 Bowling Green Rd, Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 598-7670
Open for tours and ghost hunts. Please check their website or call ahead for seasonal hours and event bookings.