Hawley House

Built in 1793, the Hawley House is the oldest building in Tennessee's oldest town; the town of Jonesborough.  At one time this old house, which is now a Bed & Breakfast, was thought to be haunted.  The sounds of giggling girls and doors slamming in the upstairs hallway and front bedroom were frequently heard - but only by men.  It is thought that the house was at one time a brothel, but that has never been able to be confirmed.  Since the blizzard of 1994, nothing out of the ordinary has been known to occur.  It is unknown, however, whether or not the severe weather conditions that year had anything to do with the absence of current paranormal activity. 

On July 2, 2003 we had the opportunity to stay at this lovely Bed & Breakfast.  It may be true that the blizzard of '94 quieted the spirits.  We encountered little to no paranormal activity during our visit.  The video cameras and audio recorders we used picked up nothing unusual.  But, on one occasion,  the digital still camera did pick up an orb in the front upstairs bedroom, hovering over the bed.

Although the spirits may not be active like they used to be, there is still some kind of presence.   This house is filled with antiques and is itself a portal to the past.  The picture of a Union officer hangs on the wall  in the dinning area, while the genuine Union sword he used to carry hangs by the fireplace in the living room area.  Next to the sword also hangs the officer's original army commission papers, signed by the former President Andrew Johnson himself, who at one time used to live in Jonesborough.

If you are ever in the town of Jonesborough, I recommend that you book a stay.  Marcy, the Innkeeper and owner, specializes in great southern hospitality.