Ghostly

In this episode of Ghostly, we look at Charleston, South Carolina to explore the dark legend of John and Lavinia Fisher, the infamous owners of the Six Mile Wayfarer House. Often described as America’s first female serial killer, Lavinia Fisher has become one of the most notorious figures in American ghost lore.

But how much of her story is true… and how much has been shaped by legend?

After their arrest for highway robbery in 1819, John and Lavinia Fisher were imprisoned in Charleston’s Old City Jail and executed in 1820. Over the years, stories about their crimes — and their restless spirits — have grown into one of Charleston’s most famous hauntings.

Today, visitors claim Lavinia Fisher still roams the halls of the Old City Jail, and her presence may also linger along the lonely road where the Six Mile Wayfarer House once stood.

The Six Mile Wayfarer House

The Six Mile Wayfarer House was an inn located just outside Charleston along a major road used by travelers entering the city. According to local legend, John and Lavinia Fisher ran the inn and secretly worked with a gang of highway robbers.

The story goes that Lavinia would charm travelers into staying the night and offer them tea. After they went to sleep, the victims were supposedly murdered and robbed.

However, historians have questioned parts of this legend. Some research suggests the Fishers were convicted only of highway robbery, not murder, and the number of bodies supposedly found near the inn may have been exaggerated over time.

Regardless of the historical debate, the story of the Fisher couple quickly became part of Charleston folklore.

Lavinia Fisher’s Famous Last Words

On February 18, 1820, John and Lavinia Fisher were publicly executed outside Charleston.

Legend says that as Lavinia stood on the gallows she defiantly told the crowd:

“If you have a message you want to send to hell, give it to me, and I’ll carry it.”

Whether these were her exact words or not, the dramatic quote helped cement her reputation as one of Charleston’s most infamous figures.

Hauntings at the Old City Jail

Charleston’s Old City Jail operated from 1802 to 1939 and housed criminals, pirates, and prisoners awaiting execution. With such a violent history, it has become widely known as one of the most haunted buildings in South Carolina.

Among the many reported spirits, Lavinia Fisher is said to be the most frequently encountered.

Reported paranormal activity includes:

Sightings of a woman in white believed to be Lavinia Fisher walking the halls of the jail

Apparitions appearing near the cells where the Fishers were once held

Visitors feeling pushed, scratched, or touched by unseen forces

Sudden choking sensations or shortness of breath on the staircase

The sound of the old dumbwaiter moving between floors, even though it no longer operates

Ghostly voices captured during paranormal investigations

Some investigators have even claimed that when asking spirits questions inside the jail, a voice responded with the word “devil”, echoing Lavinia’s legendary final statement.

As always, Ghostly leaves the final judgment up to you.

Listen now: GhostlyPodcast.com or wherever you get your podcasts.
Vote on the Evidence: Do you think Sterling Hill Mine is truly haunted? Cast your vote at GhostlyPodcast.com/polls
Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

And tell us—do you believe?

#GhostlyPodcast #HauntedHotels #HotelMonteVista #Flagstaff #ArizonaGhosts #Paranormal #HauntedHistory #SpookyTravel

Patreon and GhostlyX

Join our Patreon for all sorts of great extra Ghostly, including early, commercial-free episodes. Join today: ghostlypodcast.com/support/

We want to hear from you with your ghost stories! Email us at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at GhostlyPodcast.

Phone

Got a ghost story you’re dying to share? Now you can! Ghostly has an official phone line. Call or text us with your spooky encounters—and if you leave a voicemail, you might hear it on the show! You can also just say hi, or make your voice heard in our latest polls.

Here’s how to vote: Text the episode title. Add YES if you’re a believer, NO if you’re a skeptic. Then, give it a haunting score from 1 to 10. Your opinion matters. Let us know what you think.

Here’s that number (312)869-9929

Music for this episode was performed by Michael Rivers

“Pat Facts” and “Ghost Story” themes by Mondo

“Time for a Debate” theme by Gail Gallagher gailgallaghermusic.com

Sources

https://www.tamedwild.com/a/blog/ghost-stories-the-six-mile-inn

https://luxurysimplifiedretreats.com/a-haunting-in-charleston-the-legend-of-lavinia-fisher/

https://fairweatherlewis.wordpress.com/2010/05/18/the-killer-innkeepers-of-six-mile-house/

https://nightlyspirits.com/a-charleston-ghost-story-the-ghost-of-lavinia-fisher/

https://hauntedus.com/south-carolina/old-charleston-jail-haunted

https://www.hauntedrooms.com/south-carolina/haunted-places/old-charleston-jail

https://www.legendsofamerica.com/sc-laviniafisher/

https://www.murderbygaslight.com/2010/10/legend-of-lavinia-fisher.html

https://www.southerngothicmedia.com/lavinia-fisher

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavinia_Fisher

Perched high in the West Hills overlooking Portland, Oregon, Pittock Mansion was completed in 1914 as the dream home of newspaper publisher Henry Pittock and his wife Georgiana. After only a few years in the home, both died, leaving behind the grand estate they had worked a lifetime to build. Today the mansion operates as a historic house museum — but many visitors and staff believe the Pittocks never truly left.

In this episode, Pat and Rebecca explore the history and hauntings of Pittock Mansion, often described as one of Portland’s most active haunted locations.

History of Pittock Mansion

Henry Pittock, publisher of The Oregonian, and his wife Georgiana built their 46-room estate high above Portland to reflect their success and to capture sweeping views of the city and Mount Hood. Completed in 1914, the mansion featured modern luxuries for its time, including central vacuuming, an elevator, and intercoms.

Georgiana died in 1918, and Henry passed away the following year. The mansion remained in the family until the 1950s and narrowly escaped demolition before Portland citizens rallied to preserve it. It opened as a public museum in 1965.

Some believe the couple’s brief time in their long-awaited home may explain why their presence is still felt today.

Reported Hauntings & Paranormal Activity

Visitors, volunteers, and staff have reported decades of unexplained activity throughout the mansion.

The Scent of Roses

Guests frequently report the sudden smell of roses appearing in empty rooms, especially in upper bedrooms. Georgiana Pittock was an avid gardener known for her love of roses, leading many to believe the fragrance signals her presence.

The Lights That Turn Back On

Staff closing the museum at night have reported shutting off all the lights, leaving the building, and turning back to see the entire mansion illuminated again.

The Groundskeeper Still at Work

Near the north side of the property, visitors report hearing shovels striking soil and heavy work boots approaching the house. Many attribute the sounds to the spirit of a former groundskeeper continuing his duties.

Moving Objects & the Watchful Portrait

Staff have reported furniture and décor shifting positions, and Henry Pittock’s portrait is said to move or appear to watch visitors as they pass.

The Playful Boy Spirit

Some reports describe a mischievous boy heard running along the servants’ stairs, laughing in empty rooms, and moving objects — pranks that feel playful rather than threatening.

As always, Ghostly leaves the final judgment up to you.

Listen now: GhostlyPodcast.com or wherever you get your podcasts.
Vote on the Evidence: Do you think Sterling Hill Mine is truly haunted? Cast your vote at GhostlyPodcast.com/polls
Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

And tell us—do you believe?

#GhostlyPodcast #HauntedHotels #HotelMonteVista #Flagstaff #ArizonaGhosts #Paranormal #HauntedHistory #SpookyTravel

Patreon and GhostlyX

Join our Patreon for all sorts of great extra Ghostly, including early, commercial-free episodes. Join today: ghostlypodcast.com/support/

We want to hear from you with your ghost stories! Email us at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at GhostlyPodcast.

Phone

Got a ghost story you’re dying to share? Now you can! Ghostly has an official phone line. Call or text us with your spooky encounters—and if you leave a voicemail, you might hear it on the show! You can also just say hi, or make your voice heard in our latest polls.

Here’s how to vote: Text the episode title. Add YES if you’re a believer, NO if you’re a skeptic. Then, give it a haunting score from 1 to 10. Your opinion matters. Let us know what you think.

Here’s that number (312)869-9929

Music for this episode was performed by Michael Rivers

“Pat Facts” and “Ghost Story” themes by Mondo

“Time for a Debate” theme by Gail Gallagher gailgallaghermusic.com

Sources

The Pittock Mansion – Portland Ghosts blog

Haunted Pittock Mansion – US Ghost Adventures

The Ghosts of the Haunted Pittock Mansion – Portland’s Most Haunted Estate | Ghost City Tours | Ghost City Tours

beautiful Pittock Mansion : r/Portland

Pittock Mansion | Portland Oregon | Real Haunted Place

Pittock Mansion: America’s Happiest Haunted House? | Thought Catalog

Pittock Mansion Haunted By Ghosts Of Original Owners – HUS

Visit Portland’s Finest Historic House Museum | Pittock Mansion

History and Haunting of Oregon’s Pittock Mansion – Moon Mausoleum

Inside Pittock Mansion, The Legendary Haunted Estate Of Portland

Pittock Mansion Is The Most Haunted House In Oregon

Pittock Mansion – Wikipedia

This historic Oregon mansion is said to be haunted and visitors still report strange experiences

This Historic Oregon Mansion Is Said to Be Haunted and Visitors Still Report Strange Experiences

The Pittock Mansion – Portland, Oregon | American Ghost Stories

Often called one of Savannah’s most haunted homes, the Sorrel–Weed House has earned a reputation built on tragic legends, unsettling experiences, and decades of reported paranormal activity. Located beside Madison Square, the house sits at the crossroads of history, folklore, and modern ghost stories.

In this episode of Ghostly, we focus on the hauntings associated with the Sorrel–Weed House—examining the stories, the evidence, and the firsthand experiences that continue to draw visitors into its shadowed rooms.

Hauntings & Paranormal Evidence Discussed

• A Female Presence Upstairs
Reports of cold spots, emotional heaviness, and the sensation of being watched—often linked to the tragic story of Matilda Sorrel.

• The Carriage House and “Molly”
A controversial and heavily debated legend involving an enslaved woman, with visitors reporting physical reactions such as nausea, pressure, and an urgent need to leave the space.

• The Haunted Mirror
Accounts of unexplained figures appearing in mirrors, reflections that don’t match reality, and photographs capturing what some believe are apparitions.

• The Basement
Shadow movement, unexplained footsteps, camera malfunctions, and a strong sense of dread reported by visitors and investigators alike.

History vs. Folklore

Some of the Sorrel–Weed House’s most famous ghost stories are debated by historians, and not all details can be fully verified. In this episode, we explore where documented history ends and folklore begins—and why, regardless of the facts, visitors continue to report powerful and unexplained experiences.

As always, Ghostly leaves the final judgment up to you.

Listen now: GhostlyPodcast.com or wherever you get your podcasts.
Vote on the Evidence: Do you think Sterling Hill Mine is truly haunted? Cast your vote at GhostlyPodcast.com/polls
Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

And tell us—do you believe?

#GhostlyPodcast #HauntedHotels #HotelMonteVista #Flagstaff #ArizonaGhosts #Paranormal #HauntedHistory #SpookyTravel

Patreon and GhostlyX

Join our Patreon for all sorts of great extra Ghostly, including early, commercial-free episodes. Join today: ghostlypodcast.com/support/

We want to hear from you with your ghost stories! Email us at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at GhostlyPodcast.

Phone

Got a ghost story you’re dying to share? Now you can! Ghostly has an official phone line. Call or text us with your spooky encounters—and if you leave a voicemail, you might hear it on the show! You can also just say hi, or make your voice heard in our latest polls.

Here’s how to vote: Text the episode title. Add YES if you’re a believer, NO if you’re a skeptic. Then, give it a haunting score from 1 to 10. Your opinion matters. Let us know what you think.

Here’s that number (312)869-9929

Music for this episode was performed by Michael Rivers

“Pat Facts” and “Ghost Story” themes by Mondo

“Time for a Debate” theme by Gail Gallagher gailgallaghermusic.com

Sources for this Episode

Was I Haunted at the Sorrel Weed House? – Deen on Deck. It’s a travel blog.The Historic Sorrel Weed House | Savannah’s Historic HomesSorrel Weed House | Most Haunted Locations in AmericaJames Caskey’s Blog: Chasing Phantoms – The Sorrel-Weed House: Haunted By Bad History? – September 05, 2013 17:04Haunted Savannah | Expedition X | DiscoveryGhosts of Sorrel Weed tour – Savannah Forum – TripadvisorSavannah Ghost Tours at the Sorrel Weed House | Haunted Ghost WalksSorrel Weed House | Savannah Georgia | Real Haunted PlaceSorrel Weed House: A Haunted GuideFamous Savannah Haunted House – Sorrel-Weed House — GET OUT N ABOUT With Kevin DurstHaunted History in Savannah: A Guide to the City’s Most Legendary Ghost Stories | Southern Belle Vacation RentalsUntimely Deaths and a Haunted Mirror: The Sorrel-Weed Houseofficialsavannahguide.com/sorrel-weed-houseSavannah Ghost Tours at the Sorrel Weed House | Haunted Ghost WalksSorrel–Weed House – WikipediaIs the Sorrel Weed House ghost tour worth it? : r/savannahSorrel Weed House: Let the Debunking Begin! – Savannah First-Timer’s GuideThe Sorrel-Weed House – US Ghost AdventuresGoing on the Sorrel-Weed House Ghost Tour ⋆ Middle JourneySorrel Weed House – Savannah Ghost ToursSavannah Ghost Tours at the Sorrel Weed House | Haunted Ghost WalksSorrel Weed House (Savannah, GA) Photos : r/ParanormalGhost Sightings in Savannah – Historic Sorrel-Weed House is Haunted

In this episode of Ghostly Podcast, we head to rural Coles County, Illinois to explore the haunted history and chilling paranormal activity reported at Ashmore Estates.

Originally part of the Coles County Poor Farm in the late 1800s, Ashmore later became a psychiatric hospital before closing for good in 1986. With documented deaths, an on-site cemetery, and decades of neglect, many believe the spirits of former residents still linger within the building.

A Brief History

Poor farm established in 1870, housing the impoverished and mentally ill

32 recorded deaths between 1870–1879

A cemetery built on-site due to high mortality

Current structure built in 1916

Psychiatric hospital operations ended in 1986

Reported Paranormal Activity

Visitors and investigators have reported:

Shadow figures in hallways and stairwells

Voices calling out names

Sudden cold spots

Objects moving or flying

Physical encounters including touches, scratches, and being shoved

Ashmore is often described as a place that responds to those inside it.

The Spirit of Elva Skinner

One of the most well-known spirits associated with Ashmore is Elva Skinner, a young child believed to have died in a fire in the original almshouse in the 1880s. Reports include childlike footsteps, whispers, laughter, and small hands tugging at clothing.

The Basement & Boiler Room

The basement—especially the boiler room—is considered the most intense area of activity. Visitors report aggressive encounters, loud bangs, heavy footsteps, and even being knocked to the ground by an unseen force.

Listen now: GhostlyPodcast.com or wherever you get your podcasts.
Vote on the Evidence: Do you think Sterling Hill Mine is truly haunted? Cast your vote at GhostlyPodcast.com/polls
Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

And tell us—do you believe?

#GhostlyPodcast #HauntedHotels #HotelMonteVista #Flagstaff #ArizonaGhosts #Paranormal #HauntedHistory #SpookyTravel

Patreon and GhostlyX

Join our Patreon for all sorts of great extra Ghostly, including early, commercial-free episodes. Join today: ghostlypodcast.com/support/

We want to hear from you with your ghost stories! Email us at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at GhostlyPodcast.

Phone

Got a ghost story you’re dying to share? Now you can! Ghostly has an official phone line. Call or text us with your spooky encounters—and if you leave a voicemail, you might hear it on the show! You can also just say hi, or make your voice heard in our latest polls.

Here’s how to vote: Text the episode title. Add YES if you’re a believer, NO if you’re a skeptic. Then, give it a haunting score from 1 to 10. Your opinion matters. Let us know what you think.

Here’s that number (312) 869-9929

Music for this episode was performed by Michael Rivers

“Pat Facts” and “Ghost Story” themes by Mondo

“Time for a Debate” theme by Gail Gallagher gailgallaghermusic.com

Sources for this week’s episode

Ashmore Estates

Ashmore Estates – Wikipedia

Ashmore Estates | Ashmore Illinois | Real Haunted Place

“illinois Ghost Stories And Pictures.” | “Ashmore Estates”, my nemesis | Facebook

Ashmore Estates Frightening Haunting in Illinois – HUS

A Grave Interest: Haunted Ashmore Estates – Ashmore, Illinois

I stayed the night at the haunted Ashmore Estates asylum.

Tragedy and Haunting of Ashmore Estates | Amy’s Crypt

Discovering the haunts of Ashmore Estates – The Daily Eastern News

Ashmore Estates – A Real Haunted House? – The Source

Ashmore Estates Investigation

Proof of Ghosts at Haunted Ashmore Estates Asylum/Poor Farm | Ashmore IL… : r/hauntedhouses

Adventures of Ashmore Estates | The Navigator

This Overnight Ghost Hunt In Ashmore, Illinois Will Haunt You

The Malicious Spirits of Ashmore Estates – Sequoit Media

Ashmore Estates Investigation 2020

Are the Ashmore Estates Haunted?

In this episode of Ghostly, Pat and Rebecca sit down with Mike Morrissey of the Last Three Rows of Horror Podcast to talk about his new documentary, Mike’s Paranormal Road Trip. Mike shares stories from the eerie locations he visited along the way – including sites previously featured on Ghostly, like the Bell Witch, the Roff House, and the Demon House of Indiana. His journey also led him to Ashmore Estates, where he encountered more than just an abandoned building. Listen to the episode, then check out the documentary for the full, spine-tingling experience.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

And tell us—do you believe?

#GhostlyPodcast #HauntedHotels #HotelMonteVista #Flagstaff #ArizonaGhosts #Paranormal #HauntedHistory #SpookyTravel

Patreon and GhostlyX

Join our Patreon for all sorts of great extra Ghostly, including early, commercial-free episodes. Join today: ghostlypodcast.com/support/

We want to hear from you with your ghost stories! Email us at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at GhostlyPodcast.

Phone

Got a ghost story you’re dying to share? Now you can! Ghostly has an official phone line. Call or text us with your spooky encounters—and if you leave a voicemail, you might hear it on the show! You can also just say hi, or make your voice heard in our latest polls.

Here’s how to vote: Text the episode title. Add YES if you’re a believer, NO if you’re a skeptic. Then, give it a haunting score from 1 to 10. Your opinion matters. Let us know what you think.

Here’s that number (312)869-9929

Music for this episode was performed by Michael Rivers

“Pat Facts” and “Ghost Story” themes by Mondo

“Time for a Debate” theme by Gail Gallagher gailgallaghermusic.com