South Carolina has its fair share of ghost stories and haunted places, but few can compare to Oakwood Cemetery, one of the most haunted cemeteries in South Carolina. Now, cemeteries can often be a place to go to find some peace and quiet, remember those that have passed, and enjoy the tranquil scenery, but they’re also often filled with so much history that over the years, it’s inevitable that a ghost story or two come into play. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Oakwood so hauntingly beautiful:
As Spartanburg’s oldest cemetery, Oakwood is the final resting place of hundreds of local residents.
Strange Stones/Youtube The cemetery was founded in the 1800s, and it’s broken up into two distinct sections. You’ll be able to feel the difference when you step into the older section of the cemetery, and if you look towards the tree line in that area, you’ll see several unmarked graves of those that couldn’t afford a proper burial.
While being the oldest cemetery in town may be a worthy accomplishment in itself, there’s another reason Oakwood has become famous, and that’s because of the amount of paranormal experiences people have had here.
Strange Stones/Youtube The cemetery has earned the nickname, “Hell’s Gate,” and we’ll explain that part in a minute, but even before the nickname, reports range from hearing disembodied voices of children laughing to seeing flashing orbs bounce between tombstones.
One of the most frequent sightings is the Woman in White.
Strange Stones/Youtube Often seen in a cloud of midsts, she wanders the grounds aimlessly. Many who have claimed to have seen her are also accompanied by a blast of cold air and a feeling of sadness and dread. Perhaps they’re feeling what she’s feeling?
In 1914, 100 graves were dug up from another part of town and relocated here.
William Worley/Google Many people believe this disturbance is the cause of all of the paranormal activity.
While others believe it’s the satanic activity that earned Oakwood the nickname Hell’s Gate.
Byron Rodgers/Google Years ago, it was discovered that a group was holding some pretty dark satanic rituals here under the cloak of darkness. One grave was even dug up and the head was removed from the body, only to be returned about a month later. Many folks believe that these satanic rituals opened a portal, Hell’s Gate, to the “other side” and that’s why it’s become such a paranormal hotspot.
It’s not just brief sightings and noises, though.
Strange Stones/Youtube Electronics frequently die with no warning, even after they’re fully charged. Cameras will malfunction. If you bring any technology with you, you might want to leave it in the car…or at least bring an extra battery with you.
Check out this video by Youtube user Strange Stones:
Strange Stones/Youtube
The cemetery was founded in the 1800s, and it’s broken up into two distinct sections. You’ll be able to feel the difference when you step into the older section of the cemetery, and if you look towards the tree line in that area, you’ll see several unmarked graves of those that couldn’t afford a proper burial.
The cemetery has earned the nickname, “Hell’s Gate,” and we’ll explain that part in a minute, but even before the nickname, reports range from hearing disembodied voices of children laughing to seeing flashing orbs bounce between tombstones.
Often seen in a cloud of midsts, she wanders the grounds aimlessly. Many who have claimed to have seen her are also accompanied by a blast of cold air and a feeling of sadness and dread. Perhaps they’re feeling what she’s feeling?
William Worley/Google
Many people believe this disturbance is the cause of all of the paranormal activity.
Byron Rodgers/Google
Years ago, it was discovered that a group was holding some pretty dark satanic rituals here under the cloak of darkness. One grave was even dug up and the head was removed from the body, only to be returned about a month later. Many folks believe that these satanic rituals opened a portal, Hell’s Gate, to the “other side” and that’s why it’s become such a paranormal hotspot.
Electronics frequently die with no warning, even after they’re fully charged. Cameras will malfunction. If you bring any technology with you, you might want to leave it in the car…or at least bring an extra battery with you.
Have you ever visited Oakwood Cemetery? What about any of the other haunted cemeteries in South Carolina? Share your paranormal experiences with us in the comments below.
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Address: Oakwood Cemetery, Spartanburg, SC 29302, USA