Haunted Plantations of the South

by Richard Southall

When you hear the word "plantations," most people think of grand homes with pillars and sweeping staircases. These houses of grandeur were located all through the South in the days before the Civil War, and there are some that still resonate with the loveliness they had in their heyday. These majestic homes have a long history, and some of those who lived in these homes remain today. The ghosts of soldiers, slaves, and the elite family who lived in the plantation homes still wander the halls. 

Richard Southall explores gorgeous plantation homes and those that are abandoned and in decay to present a colorful history of the ghosts that linger there.

Genres: Nonfiction, Ghosts, History, Paranormal, Travel, Southern, Historical

216 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2015

Reviews

[Magdalena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Richard Southall has compiled a book about haunting's in plantations in America. He has done a very good work, listed the plantations in different states. So here we have haunted plantations from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and so on. All very neatly put together, Every plantation is described; its history and its ghosts. Very academic and also a bit boring to read. It really feels like reading a thesis. Some histories were kind of interesting to read, especially the very tragic ones, women waiting for a soldier never to return to her and so on, but hell this is about ghosts and the book bored me because everything was so clinical and dispassionate.



Also I missed images in the book. I hope the finished book will have images of the plantations, even if they are burned down and in ruin. It would have been much more interesting to read if one had some images to go with the story.

2 stars

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!

Review also posted on And Now for Something Completely Different and It's a Mad Mad World

[Carrie (The Butterfly Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review



I liked this book so much that I did actually go out and buy a copy for myself. I love the south though it's far from perfect, it's where I grew up and this book shows me all the places I've heard of that's haunted with nice details.

[Karyn Niedert · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not all books suit all readers, and this is the case with "Haunted Plantations of the South". I may be spoiled by a local Louisville author, David Domine, who writes so eloquently and personally about hauntings in our region. That being said, it didn't feel as though Mr. Southall could find his writing pace when putting this book together. If he wanted to write about the architecture of Southern plantations, he should have named his book "Architecture of Plantations in the South". While this particular subject fascinates me, this author's presentation of the subject matter did not.

[Jillyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The American South holds a special place in my heart. For too short of a time, I lived in Louisiana. I immersed myself in the history and the legends, and I visited a few different plantations (among other things) in order to get a better appreciation for the stories. It is for those reasons that I was really excited to get a copy of this book. It was super informative, but not quite what I was expecting.

The book is divided into 8 chapters: Intro, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia

This book read way more like a text book than a standard nonfiction narrative. It was chock full of information, that's true enough. But it was pretty tough to get through all of the information dumping and facts. I was expecting it to be facts, but wrapped in more of a story-telling type tone, so I was pretty disappointed that it felt like reading a school book. It was interesting, just dry. I had to read it in small bursts. That's not necessarily a bad thing, and I did learn quite a bit about the legends and histories of various southern plantations. While I knew a bit about the Louisiana chapter, I didn't know much about the other ones.

I was a bit surprised that this book had no pictures. When references specific historical places and scenes that still exist in modern day in a nonfiction guide, I had just assumed that there'd be at least a couple sprinkled in. Maybe there are pictures in the final copy, but I received a digital copy in advance, so there were none in my copy at the least.

In short, there's lots of information and it's rather interesting. However, there are no pictures and it can get a bit boring, which is not something that I expected when opening a book on ghosts and hauntings. I'd recommend it to those interested in the south, history, or paranormal activity, but be prepared for the factual tone.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review. This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.

[Majanka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...



In Haunted Plantations of the South, author Richard Southall describes various plantations from the south (as the title suggests), and the ghost stories connected to them. The book first describes various building styles, which I thought was interesting and a nice touch, and then the book is divided in chapters, a chapter per state: South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and so on. Each chapter focuses on a handful of plantations, in short describing the history (who built it, who bought it after, what happened to the plantation during the Civil War), and then on a few of the ghost stories connected with the plantation. The book reads more like a summary than anything else, a rundown of potentially-haunted places. Each plantation gets a page or two, some a little more, some a little less. None of the information is very memorable, and in fact, the book is quite boring and bland. It reads too clynical, like a history book.

It feels like the author tried to focus on too much at once, without giving enough details. Had he focused on four or five plantations, really done his research about them (and with that, I mean also actual ghost hunting research, as in visiting the plantations, listening for EVPs, and conducting his own investigation), then it would be much more interesting. Now the book reads like a boring travel guide.

Also, what’s annoying is that occasionally the book mentions “oh yeah, someone took a great picture of a ghost here”. Great. Now show it. But the book has no images (except one or two at the start), so it doesn’t really say much if you casually mention a great picture exists of a ghost but then you don’t show it. Also, pictures of the plantations would’ve been great too – even if it’s nothing but a ruin.

Usually when I read these types of books, I get a chill, here, I got bored. After a while, even the ghost stories start to sound similar. The writing is as dispassionate as the rest of the book. Not a memorable book, I’m afraid.

[☆Angel☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

2.5 Stars

This book combines two of my interests, history and the paranormal. Most of the hauntings are of Civil War soldiers, which is where a lot of the history comes into to play. Some of the original plantation owners either played a significant part during the Civil War era (held an office or signed the Declaration of Independence), or were married to women who were related to someone who did.

There was quite a bit of research conducted to make this book. The author even explains the different architectural styles and the difference between antebellum and postbellum plantations. He also has them categorized into seven different states; Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

I liked being informed of the plantations that were used in film and TV. In the back of the book, there are tons of references with websites for you to check out. Also, a few books were mentioned as well.

One thing that was missing: visual aids. If there had been pictures of the plantations, and especially the ghost pictures that were brought up in a few of the stories, it would have made the book better. But, it's still not a bad read. I enjoyed the folklore and learning a few new things about the Civil War.

[Zita H. K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunted Plantations of the South is a very well written book that combines history with the paranormal stories. Plantations in the American South provoke in me many emotions and I like to read about their architecture and history as well. And this book throws readers into the history of these amazing houses.
Definitely recommend this book - you will surely enjoy reading it.

---I recieved my copy via Netgalley in exchange for honest review.---

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting history, but quite dry.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stories were too short and not very interesting. Was hoping for less mansions and more detailed research

[Sarah - All The Book Blog Names Are Taken · Rating 2 out of 5]

My book blog -----> http://allthebookblognamesaretaken.bl...

I receive this as an ARC free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love Ghost Hunters (but not Ghost Adventures, those guys are ridiculous and never try to debunk anything and seem to always think the ghost are cussing at them. So stupid). But, anyway, I requested this one because I am interested in ghost stories and architecture as well - especially the various styles described in the book; plantation homes are beautiful.

Unfortunately, you don't get to see what any of the homes or areas look like, since there are no pictures. To be fair though, I was reading an ARC so it is possible that pictures were added to the finished product.

I wanted to like this one, but it got to be very repetitive - there are only so many ways you can describe hauntings that result from murders, suicides, diseases, war, and old age. I also found some of the backstories to be sometimes contradictory, or the stories that lead to the hauntings as such also. I mean, I understand that we don't know all the history of these places, but when you say on one page that no activity involving the ghost of Jefferson Davis has ever been reported at a particular plantation house, but then a few paragraphs later relate a story of a couple's wedding photo capturing a man in the window who looks like Jefferson Davis...things like this need to be caught in the editing process. There are also a few other quibbles I had that were similar in nature, so no need to recount them here.

This is an interesting one to skim, but due to so many similar stories, it is difficult to read straight through. I do appreciate that the author gave indications as to whether the properties are accessible to the public or not. One who is more familiar with these properties might also be interested, as he does go into as much detail as possible from what records still exist.

[Meghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Initially I thought that is a gorgeous cover and this is just going to be a somewhat silly book about ghosts and sightings. However, I was pleasantly surprised to read about the historical background of plantations, these specific properties and the alleged sightings. Each plantation read as a general overview of the story rather than go into a full ghost story or background of it. At times I felt I was looking at a research resource rather than just a book telling ghost or haunted sightings. I believe that research sensation was due to how the book is organized. It is broken down by state and then plantations within that state. As well, the dates and construction of each plantation seem focused on more than the background on why there may be a ghost or presence on the plantation.

I enjoyed reading about the states and plantations, ideas behind ghosts being with a building rather than location and specifically the reference to Margaret Mitchell, Tara and all the stories within my home state. If you are looking for material for a paper or to do a ghostly tour or just general background of southern ghosts (regardless of fame and details) this might be worth your read. For those just looking for ghost story fun and times this would be somewhat of a difficult read to add to your list because of how it does appear to be organized as an academic text. I believe I would have enjoyed it more if the book had less plantations and more details or same amount of plantations, but with fully developed ghost stories rather than details.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartbroken young woman waits for her lover to return from the Civil War...150 years after the guns fell silent. Laughter and music is heard emanating from the ballroom...of a ruined mansion. Whispers are heard coming long deserted slave cabins. These are the type of ghostly activity that are reported on plantations throughout the American South and form the basis of Richard Southall's book "Haunted Plantations of the South." Southall takes the reader through a tour of the haunted south focusing on the plantations that formed the backbone of the antebellum South. Naturally the majority of the stories focused on the damage wrought by the Civil War and the horrors of slavery. Southall divided the book by state and each plantation is given a few pages summarizing the history and ghostly activity to be found. I particularly liked the focus on the history of the site, because without knowing the history of the site the paranormal activity is not going to make much sense. Southall admits that he can not guarantee the veracity of all the stories and that's fine because this book highlights the rich folk tradition of the South. From well known sites such as Myrtles Plantation and Oak Alley to relatively unknown sites, "Haunted Plantations of the South" is an excellent introduction the spooky South.

[Julie Dawson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Haunted Plantations of the South is a disappointing collection of ambiguous vignettes of various alleged ghost sightings at predominately tourist destinations in the South. In truth, the book reads more like a tour guide than a thoughtfully researched work on the subject.

Each listing includes only the barest details of the alleged hauntings, and the author rarely cites any sources. It is almost as if some of the stories are being taken verbatim from guided tours of the plantations themselves. This is tragic, as the limited information presented hints at some truly fascinated stories. I had hoped this collection would offer some really intriguing tales of hauntings and their histories. Instead, all the book offers are vague snippets written in a dry style.

As I read through the book, I often found myself feeling uncomfortable at the sanitized depiction of slavery presented in the book. These hauntings occur on Civil War era plantations, and many of the hauntings involve slaves who died under horrific circumstances. But the author presents the information with all of the casualness with which one would read a grocery list. The complete indifference to the circumstances that led to the slaves’ deaths was troublesome.

[Bexa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a well written book and very informative. Southall introduces the types of houses and reasons why ghosts stick around, and then spend a chapter on each of the states in the south that have haunted plantations. (Let's be honest though, the entire south is one big haunting.) With each plantation he provides the history of when it was established, the history of the people that lived there, and then what spirits seem to be haunting the place. Being a skeptic myself, I did laugh at a couple of the hauntings because they seemed a bit ridiculous and there was no information for who is the spirit. He also included information about whether the area is available for rental or visits, along with cautionary notes when the buildings are unsafe to explore. Along with that information was also when a particular plantation had been covered in more detail in another book or in a documentary. The only thing this could have benefited from would be photographs of the houses, I spent a lot of time searching the internet for photos of the plantations and the supposed ghost photographs. Overall a well constructed book.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received as a free ebook copy from NetGalley.

A thoroughly delightful read about some plantations in the south. I think the author did an excellent job on organizing the plantations by state and obviously put a lot of time, thought, effort, and research into what he chose to share/write. I think the author is a talented writer and would read other publications by him.

BUT.....The title and summary led me to believe I would find a book filled with hauntings. The title is a bit misleading. For each plantation discussed, a general blurb about hauntings appears. More time and detail is spent on the history of each plantation itself than the hauntings, which I found interesting.

If you're looking for a great book on the history of plantations in the south, the building, etc. this is the book for you. If you're looking for a great read about ghosts, hauntings, etc. you may want to bypass this one.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

My opinion: I found this book to be incredibly well researched. From a history plantation perspective, it was fascinating. I just wish the author would have put more on the haunting into it. For a book on haunting, I found it to be lacking.


Other reviewers have commented on the academic feel to the book. I must state that I do agree with this assessment, but tend to like books written in that format for non-fictional works. Just note, that it does have a dry feeling to it if you like your "ghost stories" from a more "emotional"/descriptive perspective. I happen to prefer that in my fictional ghost stories.

I had an ARC, but the really weird thing I found in this book was that there were no pictures and/or maps in the book. This book screamed for both things to tie it together.

[Marjorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Given To Me For An Honest Review


Haunted Plantations of the South by Richard Southall combines history and paranormal stories. It shares stories of plantations found in the southern states and the stories about the families and the events that happened on them. There are no pictures in the book. If there were it would make a much better book because it would help the reader to see the details that the author was explaining. In the back of the book you'll find which plantations were used in film and television. There are also references with websites to be checked out also a few books are mentioned. I just wish that pictures were included so that all of the information would have been even more interesting. All in all it was interesing and I recommend it. I look for more from Richard Southall.

[Margaret Sholders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe in ghosts. I have seen one in my house. This book is about the plantations down South. I liked this book. Richard doesn't just talk about the ghosts he tells us of the history of the real people and buildings. He also explains that some of the paranormal is from houses earlier than the buildings that stand now. I have always been interested in the Myrtles. It is in this book. Some are people who got sick and died. Some were murdered and some were slaves. Some are interactive ghosts and play with you. Some are residual and always do the same thing at the same time, etc. I hope you would choose to get this book if only for the history. Enjoy! I have this book for an honest review for NetGalley.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would you visit haunted plantations? If so, this will give you a guide to the haunted ones in the south. The author has visited the haunted plantations in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama and so forth. He describes the plantations history and it's ghosts. Some of the plantations are in ruins.

Richard Southall has written an excellent book. There are some pictures included of the plantations. The author's writing flows. I enjoyed reading it.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Belva W · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my favorite pastimes is visiting the beautiful historic plantations of the South, so I was excited to discover this book. Having been to several of the places featured in the book, it was enjoyable to revisit the paranormal stories and learn more of the history associated with them. And it also allowed me to add a few places to visit to my bucket list. I would recommend this book to those who love to travel to historic sites and to those who are curious about the paranormal as there is good information on both subjects. I was provided an advanced digital copy of this book by Netgalley.

[Emily Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Clearly and concisely laid out. More historic than haunted which I liked. I could really visualise the sightings at each of the plantations. I liked the stories of the people who lived in the plantations and how whatever happened in life seemed to play out in death. I read this book as a research tool for my next book and feel it gave a great insight into the plantations of the south. Oak Alley being my favourite but as a non believer in ghosts i didnt feel anything when i visited.

[Meaghan Waller Haxton · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's not often that I absolutely have to skim to finish a book, especially when it's something as short as this. But even though it was quite short and already required a significant suspension of belief, this book was just so horribly researched and poorly edited that it was impossible to get through even as a fluff read. It incorrectly identified names of authors, places, and the typos were so commonplace that they couldn't be ignored.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

please note: I read this as a free e-ARC from Netgalley.

This book may not be for everyone as some people may find the idea of hauntings silly. However, I enjoyed this book not just for the stories of the ghosts, but I absolutely love knowing the background history of this lovely old homes. I hope Mr. Southall will write more house histories.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say that I didn't hate this book, but I didn't love it either. I felt like I was taking one of my college courses in history. It was very academically written. There was lots of information. I love reading about the paranormal whether true or made up.
I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book free for an honest review.

[Brooke, · Rating 2 out of 5]

100% not what I expected. 100% disappointing. This reads like a bad first year essay. It's repetitive and dull and I really didn't get anything out of it.

You'd probably learn more interesting information from the links in the bibliography. In fact, the bibliography is probably the best thing about the book.

Free copy supplied by NetGalley for an unbiased review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very informative! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! Even though I've already read an advance reader copy, I enjoyed the book so much that I think I am going to buy a hard copy of it as well!

[Stefanie Foard · Rating 2 out of 5]

*I read a digital ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.

[Gena DeBardelaben · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC:Netgalley

A more grownup version of the "Jeffrey" books every Southern child grew up with. Entertaining.

[Jenni Schell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. There were ghost stories of places that I had heard about and even more that I had never heard. I can't wait to visit some of these places in the south.

[Susan O'Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look at historic haunted homes and such. As a Southern, I'd heard many of the stories, but Southall's research adds depth and definition to the old tales.

ARC provided by NetGalley