Urban Legends Around Atlanta

By: Rowan S.

Have you ever heard an urban legend? If so, you are among the many people who pass these tales along throughout the world. An urban legend is a story that spreads quickly through cultures and regions, from person to person. These unique tales include Bigfoot sightings, potential hauntings, bizarre and unidentified creatures, and more! The most baffling part of urban legends is that no one knows if they are true or not. If a tale of a ghost snatching candy left out in the same place over and over again seems far-fetched, then why are so many people swearing it’s true? Is that video of a phantom genuine footage, or just a clever person who has video editing software and wants more views? Well, I invite you to settle into a cozy couch or soft cushion, and read the following urban legends from right here in and around Atlanta.

The first tale I want to share takes place north of Atlanta. Lake Lanier is the largest lake in Georgia, with almost 700-miles of shoreline. But this great body of water did not always exist. Many decades ago, there was an assortment of small towns near the mountains, complete with houses, schools, churches, stores and cemeteries. In the early twentieth century, it was decided by the powers that be that they would have to flood these small settlements in order to build Lake Lanier, but instead of demolishing the towns, they left everything to be covered up by water.

Ever since, there has been an astounding number of strange rumors surrounding this lake. People have reported feeling others brush against them while swimming in these waters, but not seeing anyone nearby. A lot of people refuse to go anywhere near this body of water on the grounds that it’s just too creepy. I have camped beside Lake Lanier several times, and I think there definitely is something a little strange about it. But then again, I may be imagining it. After all, there is nothing particularly spooky about having your campsite ambushed by raccoons, or hearing a splash and then seeing ripples, but missing whatever made them, or being woken up at 6 in the morning by boats out on the water for an early start to the day. Or is there?

The second story I have for you is about our very own Loch Ness monster. The Altamaha-ha, or “Altie”, as people have called it, is a mysterious creature said to inhabit the Altamaha River and remote rice fields nearby. This creature was actually a legend among the Muscogee tribe, and then was also adopted by the settlers who came over from Europe. There have been numerous sightings of Altie over the years, but none have been confirmed as fact. Is this mysterious creature a real living being? Or are all of the so-called sightings just illusions?

In Marietta square, there is a building called the Kennesaw House. The Kennesaw House is currently home to the Marietta History Museum, but this old building once housed wounded soldiers from the Civil War. It has since been used as a hotel as well, and many guests have reported seeing ghostly apparitions, hearing strange sounds, and witnessing many other seemingly paranormal events. The Kennesaw House is now said to hold at least seven hundred spirits. I spend a lot of time in Marietta Square, and I will agree the place does feel a little haunted. Are all the reported ghost sightings legitimate? Or is it just a good old-fashioned case of the creeps?

Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield National Park is the land on which a massive battle took place during the Civil War. This expansive national park has numerous gorgeous hiking trails with amazing views, thriving flora and fauna, and huge rocks (you know, the fun kind to hike up). But in addition, it’s also rich with tales of supernatural encounters.

A very gory battle was fought on this land in 1864, and many lives were lost. Quite a few people insist that they’ve felt a ghostly presence while hiking or driving through this park. Ghostly figures and unusual sounds have also repeatedly been reported. Are ghosts of soldiers who died in battle haunting this forested park? Or is it simply a myth?

All of the tales that I have shared may or may not be true. Maybe you’ve heard them before, or variations of them, or maybe these are all new to you. Maybe you instantly believe them or don’t believe them, or maybe you need to go see these potentially haunted places for yourself. Whether or not you believe any of them, I hope you enjoyed this small collection of spooky urban legends around Atlanta.

Sources:

14 Urban Legends In Georgia That Will Make Your Skin Crawl

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com › experiences › urban-le...

The Creepiest Urban Legend In Georgia

https://power1053.iheart.com › content › 2023-06-28-th...

Mystical Legends of Georgia Folklore

https://exploregeorgia.org › things-to-do › blog › mystica...

The Story Behind This Haunted Battlefield In Georgia Is Truly Creepy

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com › experiences › haunted...

The Five Most Haunted Places In Marietta

https://exploregeorgia.org › things-to-do › blog › the-five...

The Legend of Altie