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Sorrel Weed House, a historic Greek Revival mansion in Savannah

Sorrel Weed House Haunted Guide

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What Is the Haunted History of the Sorrel Weed House in Savannah?

In the heart of Savannah’s historic district stands the Sorrel Weed House, a large antebellum mansion with a long and unsettling past. Built between 1836 and 1841 by Francis Sorrel, a wealthy cotton merchant, it was designed by Architect Charles B. Cluskey to show Sorrel’s success and influence. Its mix of Greek Revival and Regency styles made it one of the most admired homes in the city, and its location near Madison Square placed it among other important 19th-century residences.

Behind its grand appearance was tragedy. One of the most well-known stories is about Francis Sorrel’s first wife, Matilda. Historical accounts say she died after falling from a third-story window, though many believe it was suicide tied to her husband’s rumored affair with a young woman enslaved in the home. This part of the Sorrel Weed House history is sensitive and emotional. It added a dark note to Savannah society at the time, and the story has been passed down for generations.

Who Are the Ghosts Said To Haunt the Sorrel Weed House?

Visitors often share accounts of ghostly encounters linked to the people who once lived or worked in the Sorrel Weed House. Matilda Sorrel’s spirit is said to remain in the master bedroom and balcony area. Some guests have described seeing a shadowy figure in a white dress or hearing faint sobs. Many say the feeling in the room is heavy and filled with sadness.

The carriage house is tied to Molly, the young woman at the center of the affair rumors. Reports include sudden cold spots, the sound of soft footsteps and the sense of being watched. The Sorrel Weed House Savannah also carries memories from the Civil War, when it served as a temporary hospital. Visitors have claimed to see soldiers, hear groans and smell faint cigar smoke in the basement and upstairs rooms.

Some believe Francis Sorrel’s spirit is still in the house. In his study, people have reported a sudden chill or the uneasy feeling of someone nearby. Over the years, stories of personal loss, wartime events and ghost sightings have made the mansion one of Savannah’s most talked-about haunted locations.

Where Are the Most Haunted Hot Spots in the Sorrel Weed House?

Several rooms and spaces inside the Sorrel Weed House are known for unusual activity. The basement, with its thick masonry walls once used for storage, is often linked to Molly’s story. Visitors who step into this dimly lit area sometimes feel a sudden chill or believe someone else is there, even when it appears empty.

Matilda’s bedroom, arranged to look as it did in the 1800s, is another spot tied to strange events. Guests have reported faint shapes near the balcony doors, the sound of footsteps on the wood floor and the swish of fabric when the room is empty. On the second-floor landing, the curved staircase is known for giving visitors a feeling that someone is standing behind them. These accounts have made the Sorrel Weed House a key site for people exploring Savannah’s haunted history.

What Paranormal Activity Has Been Reported at the Sorrel Weed House?

The Sorrel Weed House has been the subject of ghost stories for decades, drawing both casual visitors and seasoned investigators. Reports of eerie apparitions are among the most common. Some witnesses describe fleeting shadows that move along the walls, while others insist they have seen full-bodied figures of Matilda and Molly for several seconds before vanishing. These sightings are most often reported in the basement, on the upper floors and along the grand staircase.

Unexplained sounds are also frequently noted. Guides and guests have heard footsteps in empty hallways, quiet whispers in closed rooms, and even the distant sound of children crying when the building is still. In some cases, audio recorders used during investigations have captured voices or phrases that were not heard at the time. Sudden drops in temperature, especially in rooms with no open windows, are another detail shared by many. A few visitors have reported smelling perfume or cigar smoke when no source could be found. Others describe the sensation of a light touch on the arm or shoulder when no one else is nearby. These accounts, combined with the building’s long history as a family home, wartime hospital space and landmark of the historic district, have cemented the Sorrel Weed House Savannah as one of the city’s most talked-about paranormal destinations.

How Did the Sorrel Weed House Become a Savannah Ghost Tour Landmark?

The Sorrel Weed House was one of the first private homes in the city to be featured on ghost tours. Its mix of striking architecture, well-documented history and eerie stories made it a natural choice. By the late 1900s, preservation efforts had opened more of the home to visitors, including areas tied to its most famous legends.

Television shows about paranormal investigations brought the house even more attention. Programs like Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures and Most Haunted filmed here, capturing unexplained sounds, images and reactions from both hosts and local guides. These episodes drew visitors from around the world, eager to see the house themselves. Today, the Sorrel Weed House remains a popular stop for walking tours, private ghost hunts and city-wide haunted attractions, holding its place in both Savannah’s history and its modern ghost lore.

Why Join the Ghosts & Gravestones® Tour To See the Sorrel Weed House Savannah?

Visiting the Sorrel Weed House Savannah on your own is fascinating, but joining the Ghosts & Gravestones® Tour adds a richer layer to the experience. You’ll board the Trolley of the Doomed, a themed ride that travels through some of Savannah’s oldest streets, where history and legend meet. The route passes shadow-filled squares and cemeteries that have stood for centuries. Along the way, guides share stories rooted in historical records, blending real events with the tales that have grown around them. As night falls, the city’s atmosphere changes, and each stop feels like a step into another moment in time.

The guides know the history of Savannah inside and out and tell it in a way that’s accurate and engaging. You’ll hear the background of each location, learn about the people who once lived or worked there, and understand why certain sites have such strong reputations for lingering activity. That kind of insight changes how you see the city and makes the Sorrel Weed House visit even more meaningful.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out in Savannah’s Haunted Scene?

This experience provides guests with more than just a ride between landmarks. As the trolley moves beneath Spanish moss lit by soft lamplight, you’ll hear about real tragedies, unusual encounters and the people whose lives shaped Savannah’s haunted history. Stops also include the Andrew Low House and the Perkins & Sons Chandlery on River Street. The chandlery, once bustling with sailors, merchants and heavy cargo, is now known for unexplained footsteps, knocks and sudden chills.

The final stop is the Sorrel Weed House, where you’ll walk through rooms that have been the focus of ghost stories for generations. Guides point out architectural details, share the home’s construction history and connect it to the lives of Francis Sorrel, his family and others tied to the property. Standing in the home at night lets you take in the atmosphere for yourself. Some guests describe a sudden chill, faint sounds or the feeling of someone close by. Whether or not you experience something unusual, the chance to explore one of Savannah’s most famous haunted landmarks, paired with the depth of the Ghosts & Gravestones® storytelling, makes this tour unforgettable.

FAQs About Visiting the Sorrel Weed House Savannah

How long do tours of the Sorrel Weed House last?

Most guided tours of the Sorrel Weed House Savannah last between 45 minutes and one hour. This time frame allows visitors to explore the main rooms, hear the history behind the property and learn about the spirits tied to its past. Evening ghost tours may run slightly longer, as they often include extra time in the basement and carriage house where much of the paranormal activity is reported. Guests looking for more in-depth experiences can book extended tours or paranormal investigations, which allow additional time for questions, photos and interaction with guides. These longer options are especially appealing for those who want to experience the Sorrel Weed House at a slower pace and explore areas not always included in standard tours.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?

The Sorrel Weed House welcomes visitors of many ages, though the evening ghost tours are generally better suited for older children, teens and adults. Some stories include tragic events and unsettling themes that may be too intense for younger guests. Daytime history tours focus more on the architecture, design and daily life in 19th-century Savannah, making them a better fit for families with small children. If you are visiting with kids, calling ahead to ask about the specific content of your chosen tour can help ensure everyone enjoys the experience. Guides are happy to recommend the best tour for your group’s comfort level.

Can I use my own ghost-hunting equipment when exploring the Sorrel Weed House?

During certain tours and special paranormal investigation events at the Sorrel Weed House Savannah, guests are allowed to bring their own ghost-hunting tools, such as EMF meters or voice recorders. Many visitors enjoy comparing their own readings with activity detected by the staff’s equipment. Rules can vary by tour type, so it is always best to confirm in advance. Bringing your own gear can add another layer of excitement, especially in known hot spots like the basement, Matilda’s bedroom or the second-floor landing.

Is the Sorrel Weed House wheelchair accessible?

The Sorrel Weed House has limited accessibility due to its historic structure, which features narrow hallways and staircases. The ground floor and some exhibit areas are accessible to visitors with mobility needs, but the upper floors and basement can only be reached by stairs. Because the property is preserved as closely as possible to its original 19th-century condition, major structural changes are not possible. The staff is helpful and accommodating, offering guidance to ensure guests see as much of the property as possible while remaining comfortable.

What’s the best time of day to visit the Sorrel Weed House in Savannah?

Many guests prefer evening tours at the Sorrel Weed House Savannah for the added atmosphere and the chance to explore the property under low light, which enhances its ghostly reputation. Daytime visits allow for clear views of the architecture, decorative features and historical details. Choosing between day and night often comes down to whether you want to focus more on history, paranormal activity or a balanced mix of both. For those hoping to capture unusual photographs or audio recordings, night tours remain the most popular choice, and guides can often share tips for spotting activity in key locations.