Overcoming Supernatural Skepticism at the Octagon Hall Museum.
I am not superstitious, but after visiting the Octagon Hall Museum near Franklin, Kentucky, I found myself questioning the nature of reality and the existence of the supernatural. The subject of several tv shows and documentaries, this historic, octagonal building built by Andrew Jackson Caldwell in the late 1850’s has a reputation for being haunted. The stories of unexplained occurrences were captivating yet unsettling and the palpable energy of the museum was both intriguing and unnerving at the same time. While we explored the rooms and grounds I couldn’t get warm, in fact during the entire visit I was downright freezing. By the time I left, my skepticism had been shaken, and I found myself questioning the nature of reality and the existence of the supernatural.
So why all the hauntings? Octagon Hall has a storied past having served as a private residence, a Masonic Lodge, and a strategic asset for both sides of the Civil War. Approximately 10,000 soldiers camped, many hid within the walls, and numerous perished on the property from ailments and war wounds. Many of the stories of ghosts surrounding the property are associated with the family, Slaves, Confederate, and Union soldiers. It’s simply an emotionally charged and hallowed ground.
Our tour began in the dining room while we sat enthralled for over an hour listening to the history lesson provided by our host. He was clearly passionate about the house, the Caldwell family and their tragedies, as well as Civil War History of the region. I hope you have the opportunity to sit and learn from Mike - the experience was outstanding! He is especially respectful of Harriet Morton, the second wife of Andrew Caldwell. Mike wove a passionate tale of a strong woman staunchly supporting her husband as well as any person taking harbor within the walls. He pointed out her left hand and recalled a story of Harriet’s attempt to stop the assault of a slave by a Union soldier on the upper story - one that resulted in the soldier lobbing off her left hand for her efforts. Surprisingly given the lack of medical care or knowledge during those times, she survived and sported a wooden hand for her heroism.
Having immediate 24-7 access to the Hall has also provided unique opportunities for Mike to experience ghost sightings and experiences. He showed us numerous photographs and recanted several stories of pleasant experiences from the other side. After answering our endless questions and giving us a lay of the land to include intel on the trap doors and hidden passageways, we set off to explore. Did I mention I couldn’t get warm? The vibe in the museum was one of sadness, tragedy, and doom. To be honest, after awhile I stopped taking photographs due to the extreme cold. I was most frigid downstairs in the ‘winter kitchen’ after opening the pantry which leads to the hidden tunnel. One of the Caldwell’s children caught fire in the kitchen and succumbed to her burns several days later. I cannot imagine experiencing, or seeing, that horror.
After examining the civil war artifacts which had been located on the property we ascended to explore the upper levels. I think the addition of mannequins and dolls always gives me the creeps and I can never understand why ‘haunted’ places seem to add those in. I understand the toys and balls, trinkets for the supernatural to play with but to me, the addition of mannequins (especially in windows) only serves to place into question the reliability of photographs taken from the exterior and claimed as “ghost sightings”. Then again, I’m not a supernatural expert and never intend to be!
After exploring the interior we headed out into the WARMTH outside and explored the grounds which included a Slave cemetery, one barn still standing, along with another in serious disrepair. To think we were stepping on the same path once walked by a myriad of people who lost their lives here was an emotionally charged experience I can’t put into words. If you are in the area, I highly recommend this experience!
Stained glass window located on landing of second story.
