The Ghosts of Jacksonville, TX

Haunted Jacksonville, TX: A Hidden Paranormal Hotspot

Introduction
Nestled in the heart of East Texas, Jacksonville is a charming town with an interesting combination of rich history and an eerie allure. Known for its friendly locals and serene landscapes, its haunted spots present an exciting playground for paranormal enthusiasts. Whether you’re visiting for ghostly encounters or historical exploration, Jacksonville has tales that will send shivers down your spine!

The 1899 Bolton Street House

1. The 1899 Bolton Street House

Built in 1899, this lovely home is often described as one of the area's most haunted locations. It is the ideal destination for those with a taste for the eerie and unusual. Home to the Bolton Family, the spirits that allegedly remain could be any one of the family members who once lived there. You can find many of their graves at the Jacksonville City Cemetery.

Visitors frequently report strange occurrences, from flickering lights to unusual temperature drops. The house has a storied history involving previous owners who experienced both joyful events and tragic misfortunes, which some believe contribute to its paranormal reputation.

As you explore the house's beautifully preserved rooms, let your imagination run wild with the stories of its former residents. Join a group to explore the hidden mysteries of the 1899 Bolton House, and perhaps you’ll even catch a glimpse of its ethereal inhabitants.

A look into one corner of the doll room.

One of the dolls in the home.

Investigating one of the upstairs rooms.

Upstairs area.

My team and I had the pleasure of investigating this lovely house in 2024. One of the things we encountered involved a couple of the many battery powered tea lights that are placed around the house. The lights were all on when we began but, on multiple occasions, we would find a couple of them turned off. They were physically turned off so we turned them back on. We found them to be physically turned off again later in the evening. We were unable to recreate or determine a cause for these occurrences.

Tip to paranormal teams: this is a decent sized house but, as you can imagine, sound carries and the floors and steps are creaky. While there is space for several people, I suggest limiting the investigation team size to no more than 6 - 8. Just my humble opinion.

2. The Cherokee County Courthouse (in nearby Rusk, TX)

Nestled in the heart of Cherokee County, Georgia, the historic Cherokee County Courthouse is a site steeped in intriguing tales of the past. Built in 1889, this courthouse has witnessed countless legal proceedings and community events. But as the whispers of history echo through its halls, so too do the ghostly legends that surround it.

Legend has it that the spirits of past courthouse denizens linger within its walls. Employees and visitors alike have reported strange occurrences, including unexplained noises, cold spots, and even fleeting apparitions. Some claim they’ve witnessed furniture moving on its own or felt an eerie presence watching them from the shadows.

Notably, the courthouse’s connection to several historic trials may explain its paranormal reputation. The lingering energy from these important judicial proceedings, as well as the emotional weight of the stories told inside, can create an atmosphere ripe for hauntings.

The Cherokee County Courthouse is an excellent stop for history buffs and ghost hunters alike. While exploring, be sure to keep an eye out for peculiar happenings. Whether you're peering at historical artifacts or enjoying the building's architectural splendor, you're bound to feel the weight of history and perhaps brush against the supernatural.

3. Cherokee Sanitarium AKA Nan Travis Memorial Hospital

Nestled in the heart of Jacksonville, Texas, the Cherokee Sanitarium holds an intriguing place in both history and the supernatural landscape of the region. Built in the early 1900s, this former medical facility started as a small 9-bed facility. It was expanded to 40 beds in 1925 to serve the growing community. In 1930 it was renamed the Nan Travis Memorial Hospital and subsequent expansions have followed over the years as the needs of the community grew.

Today, the Cherokee Sanitarium is reputed to be haunted, attracting those fascinated by ghostly encounters. Guests and ghost hunters report feelings of unease, the sound of footsteps echoing through empty halls, and glimpses of shadowy figures wandering the grounds. Other commonly reported paranormal experiences include disembodied voices, cold spots, and phantom footsteps.

4. Lon Morris College

Lon Morris College was established on 1873 in Kilgore, TX, as the Alexander Institute. It moved to Jacksonville in 1894 but the name was changed to Long Morris College in 1924. Craven-Wilson Hall is allegedly haunted by a female spirit believed to be a former dorm director. Footsteps, disembodied laughter, and fleeting shadows were not uncommon reports. Now permanently closed, you will not be able to visit the hall but the ghost stories remain.

Historic Cemeteries You Might Want to Check Out

• Earle’s Chapel Cemetery - the oldest grave is that of Elijah Earle who died in 1880.

• Grimes Cemetery

• Jacksonville City Cemetery

Conclusion

Jacksonville, TX, offers an array of haunted spots that beautifully blend history with a hint of the supernatural. Whether you’re exploring eerie buildings, walking through historic cemeteries, or sitting by a haunted river, this town ensures an unforgettable experience for the paranormal seeker. Gather your ghost-hunting gear, assemble your crew, and prepare for a thrilling adventure where history and hauntings intertwine!

Make this beautiful day count!

Annette