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Recently, a luxurious apartment complex has made its debut in the historic heart of Prattville, Alabama, breathing new life into a site steeped in the town's rich heritage. This upscale residence has been artfully integrated into a historic factory building, a landmark constructed by Daniel Pratt, the esteemed forefather of the town. However, long-time residents of Prattville have long believed that this site is also the home to an infamous spirit, the apparition of a woman dressed in all black as if she is mourning, wandering the halls in grief. Her name is known as the Lady in Black.

Admit it: you’re obsessed with royal families – watching them, gossiping about them, wanting to be them. It’s the stuff of fantasy. But for real-life royals, the crown jewels can be more like shiny handcuffs. There are expectations and rules – and if you break them, the consequences are big and very public. And there are royal families and wild royal tales from around the world and throughout history that you have never heard before. Even the Royals is a new podcast from Wondery that takes you inside the cloistered world of royal families, past and present, where wealth and status often come at the expense of your freedom – and maybe even your life. In these stories, very human emotions, like jealousy, love, and disgust, have the power to reshape the world. This is just a preview of Even the Royals. You can listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts, or at Wondery.fm/royals_southerngothic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1816 a mysterious couple arrived in Alexandria, Virginia and isolated themselves in Room Number 8 at the now historic Gadsby’s Tavern. Unfortunately, the young woman was deathly ill and despite receiving assistance from a local doctor, she passed away. After burying his supposed wife, the man then disappeared, but the headstone he purchased for her remains, complete with an eerie inscription that has fueled centuries of speculation surrounding the mystery as to the identity of that poor woman.  Key Highlights Historical Significance of Gadsby's Tavern: An introduction to Gadsby’s Tavern's role in early American history and its transformation into a museum and dining establishment. Arrival of the Female Stranger: The enigmatic tale of a young woman and her companion's arrival in Alexandria, seeking refuge at Gadsby's Tavern due to her grave illness. Death and Burial: The circumstances surrounding the Female Stranger's death, her extravagant funeral, and the mystery of her companion's sudden departure. The Mysterious Tombstone: Examination of the unique and cryptic epitaph on the Female Stranger's tombstone in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church cemetery. Ghostly Encounters: A collection of ghost sightings and paranormal experiences reported by visitors and staff at Gadsby’s Tavern, suggesting the lingering presence of the Female Stranger. Legends and Theories: Exploration of various theories about the Female Stranger's identity, including connections to Theodosia Burr Alston and other historical figures. Sponsorship Acknowledgement: Head to FactorMeals.com/SouthernGothic50 and use code southerngothic50 to get 50% off. That’s code southerngothic50 at FactorMeals.com/SouthernGothic50 to get 50% off! Want to Listen to Southern Gothic Ad-Free? Patreon: Ad-Free Episodes, Premium Releases, Bonus Content & More  Southern Gothic Premium on Spotify Southern Gothic Premium on Apple Podcasts Into History: History Without Interruption Additional Resources for This Episode: Ghosts of Alexandria by Michael Lee Pope Haunted Virginia: Ghosts and Strange Phenomena of the Old Dominion by L.B. Taylor Connect with Southern Gothic Media: Website: SouthernGothicMedia.com Merch Store: https://www.southerngothicmedia.com/merch Pinterest: @SouthernGothicMedia Facebook: @SouthernGothicMedia Instagram: @SouthernGothicMedia X: @SoGoPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Theodosia Burr Alston was a pioneer for early American women and was celebrated for her education and intellectual achievements, but to this day many remember her for her mysterious disappearance. On December 31, 1812, the daughter of notorious politician Aaron Burr, boarded a schooner headed for New York, but the ship never arrived. Key Highlights The political ambitions and rivalries that led Aaron Burr to exile. Educational achievements and intellect of Theodosia Burr. Theodosia’s marriage to Joseph Alston, the richest man and eventual governor of South Carolina. The circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the Patriot, the schooner believed to have been lost at sea. Speculation and theories surrounding the disappearance of Theodosia and the Patriot. Supernatural tales and local lore that suggest the spirit of Theodosia Burr Alston is still wandering locations she once did in life. Want to Listen to Southern Gothic Ad-Free? Patreon: Ad-Free Episodes, Premium Releases, Bonus Content & More  Southern Gothic Premium on Spotify Southern Gothic Premium on Apple Podcasts Into History: History Without Interruption Additional Resources for This Episode: Theodosia Burr Alston: Portrait of a Prodigy by Richard N. Cote Dear Theodosia: Collected Letters of Aaron Burr With His Daughter by Aaron Burr & Matthew L. Davis The Life and Times of Aaron Burr by James Parton Connect with Southern Gothic Media: Website: SouthernGothicMedia.com Merch Store: https://www.southerngothicmedia.com/merch Pinterest: @SouthernGothicMedia Facebook: @SouthernGothicMedia Instagram: @SouthernGothicMedia X: @SoGoPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Constructed between 1858 and 1881, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum was initially a symbol of progressive treatment for the mentally ill, based on the philosophy and designs of Thomas Story Kirkbride. With an emphasis on therapeutic sunlight, fresh air, and humane treatment, it promised a new dawn in psychiatric care; however, as decades passed, the asylum became a harrowing example of the system's failure. Overcrowding, poor living conditions, and the implementation of barbaric treatments, including lobotomies, marked its descent into a place of despair. This episode explores the stark contrast between the asylum's hopeful beginnings and its grim reality, culminating in its closure in 1994 and its enduring legacy as one of the most haunted places in the country. Key Highlights Dorothea Dix's reform movement and her crusade to improve mental health care. Dr. Kirkbride’s revolutionary approach and philosophy to create mental health facilities intended to provide a nurturing and therapeutic environment for patients. The history of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, from its construction to its decline into an overcrowded institution with poor living conditions and inadequate care. The horrific practices and inhumane treatments, including the use of lobotomies, that were believed to help patients. The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum’s paranormal legacy is one of the most haunted locations in America. Want to Listen to Southern Gothic Ad-Free? Patreon: Ad-Free Episodes, Premium Releases, Bonus Content & More  Southern Gothic Premium on Spotify Southern Gothic Premium on Apple Podcasts Into History: History Without Interruption Additional Resources for This Episode: Lunatic: The Rise and Fall of An American Asylum by Edward Gleason The Haunted History of the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum by Sherri Brake Portals to Hell (Season 1, Episode 6) Paranormal Lockdown (Season 1, Episode 1) Visit the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, Virginia Connect with Southern Gothic Media: Website: SouthernGothicMedia.com Merch Store: https://www.southerngothicmedia.com/merch Pinterest: @SouthernGothicMedia Facebook: @SouthernGothicMedia Instagram: @SouthernGothicMedia X: @SoGoPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a charismatic young doctor announces revolutionary treatments for cancer and HIV, patients from around the world turn to him for their last chance. As medical experts praise Serhat Gumrukcu’s genius, the company he co-founded rockets in value to over half a billion dollars. But when a team of researchers makes a startling discovery, they begin to suspect the brilliant doctor is hiding a secret. From Wondery, the new season of Dr. Death: Bad Magic is a story of miraculous cures, magic and murder. Hosted by Laura Beil. Listen to Dr. Death - Bad Magic: http://wondery.fm/MAGIC_SGP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All them folks out there on the free feed are stuck listening to a feed drop from Wondery this week, but for you dear listener, I've got an all-new Premium episode! Join me as we go back to antebellum Virginia and hear a first-hand ghost story that occurred at the Hawes House, the childhood home of prolific author Marion Harland. Of course, if you're interested in seeing photos of this estate before it was demolished, check out the Historic American Building Survey file over at the Library of Congress archives (and yes, they've got something to say about that ghost story as well): https://www.loc.gov/item/va0565/

In 1871, Clara Robertson’s life was forever altered by an encounter with a ghost. The blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl witnessed a haunting vision of a transparent, emaciated young girl in a tattered pink dress while practicing piano upstairs at the Brinkley Female College in Memphis, Tennessee. The sensational series of events that followed was widely covered in the media of the day, causing a frenzy in town and making the tale of Pink Lizzie one of the most infamous hauntings in Memphis history. Key Highlights Brinkley Female College’s short history. The First Encounter of Pink Lizzie, the emaciated looking ghost of a young girl. The Ghost’s Wishes for Clara to take action that will help give her family justice. Séances and Revelations with Mrs. Nourse, the spiritualist attempting to assist the family. The Public Excavation of the spirit’s purported treasure. Fact vs. Fiction, and the legitimacy of the tales. This episode is sponsored by Hello Fresh, America’s #1 Meal Kit. Visit HelloFresh.com/GothicFree and use code “gothicfree” for FREE breakfast for life! One breakfast item per box while the subscription is active! Want to Listen to Southern Gothic Ad-Free? Patreon: Ad-Free Episodes, Premium Releases, Bonus Content & More  Southern Gothic Premium on Spotify Southern Gothic Premium on Apple Podcasts Into History: History Without Interruption Additional Resources for This Episode: Haunted Memphis by Laura Cunningham Myths and Mysteries of Tennessee by Susan Sawyer Connect with Southern Gothic Media: Website: SouthernGothicMedia.com Merch Store: https://www.southerngothicmedia.com/merch Pinterest: @SouthernGothicMedia Facebook: @SouthernGothicMedia Instagram: @SouthernGothicMedia X: @SoGoPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andersonville Prison, officially known as Camp Sumter, was a Confederate prisoner-of-war camp during the American Civil War, operating from February 1864 to April 1865 near Andersonville, Georgia. Notorious for its horrific conditions and high mortality rate, it was designed for 10,000 prisoners but held over 32,000 at its peak, leading to severe overcrowding. The prisoners endured appalling conditions with inadequate shelter, contaminated water, insufficient food, and rampant disease. As a result, nearly 13,000 of the 45,000 Union soldiers imprisoned there died, making it one of the most dangerous locations in the United States during the American Civil War. Join us as we explore the history of this notorious prison camp. Key Highlights Execution of Captain Henry Wirz, commander of the notorious prisoner and only man to be executed for war crimes following the Civil War. The History of Andersonville from why this Georgian site was chosen, the first prisoners to arrive in February of 1864, to the liberation of Union soldiers at the end of the war. Life Inside the Stockade Walls where prisoners faced overcrowding, disease, and starvation with no proper shelter. The Andersonville Raiders, an infamous group of predatory inmates. Andersonville as a National Historic Site, including the cemetery and National Prisoner of War Museum This episode was made possible through the support of Green Chef, America’s #1 Meal Kit for Eating Well: Go to GreenChef.com/60gothic and use code 60gothic to get 60% off, plus 20% off your next two months. Want to Listen to Southern Gothic Ad-Free? Patreon: Ad-Free Episodes, Premium Releases, Bonus Content & More  Southern Gothic Premium on Spotify Southern Gothic Premium on Apple Podcasts Into History: History Without Interruption Additional Resources for This Episode: National Park Service: Andersonville National Historic Site Andersonville Raiders: Yankee versus Yankee in the Civil War’s Most Notorious Prison Camp by Gary Morgan Andersonville Civil War Prison by Robert Scott Davis The True Story of Andersonville Prison: A Defense of Major Henry Wirz by James Madison Page // Audiobook Andersonville (Pulitzer Prize Award Winning Novel) by MacKinlay Kantor // Audiobook Andersonville (1996 Emmy Award Winning Movie) Connect with Southern Gothic Media: Website: SouthernGothicMedia.com Merch Store: https://www.southerngothicmedia.com/merch Pinterest: @SouthernGothicMedia Facebook: @SouthernGothicMedia Instagram: @SouthernGothicMedia X: @SoGoPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The legend of Julia Legare has been passed down for generations, likely due to the fact that it brings into focus a far-reaching human anxiety, the fear of being buried alive. In 1852, while visiting her relatives at their home in Ediso Island, South Carolina, 22-year-old Julia Legare fell ill. Her diagnosis was not good, Julia had been struck with diphtheria and there was little that they could do for her. Eventually, Julia just slipped further away deep into a coma, and after many days and nights passed their worst fear was realized, Julia succumbed to her fate.  After the doctor declared her deceased the family moved quickly to say their goodbyes and ready their beloved’s remains for burial. It is said that in the week following Julia’s burial, the faint sound of weeping and screaming could be heard emanating from the church cemetery, yet no one walked the grounds to see if they could find the source.  The mausoleum, located at the historic Presbyterian Church of Edisto Island, was not re-opened for over a decade following Julia’s death, but when it was, a horrific. Julia’s remains were not where they had been left. It seems that Julia Legare had been buried alive. Help Southern Gothic grow by becoming a Patreon Supporter today! Connect with Southern Gothic Media:Website: SouthernGothicMedia.com Merch Store: https://www.southerngothicmedia.com/merch Pinterest: @SouthernGothicMedia Facebook: @SouthernGothicMedia Instagram: @SouthernGothicMedia X: @SoGoPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Holidays Y'all! In honor of Christmas, we're bringing you a couple of old, spooky Victorian tales courtesy of our friend Amanda Woomer's book A Very Frightful Victorian Christmas: Twelve Ghost Stories, Six Victorian Recipes. Want to hear Brandon read more of these tales? Join us over on Patreon to view a reading of all twelve of these Very Frightful Tales! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The North Island Lighthouse sits just across Winyah Bay from Georgetown, South Carolina. For over two hundred years it guided ships safely into port, but according to local lore the apparition of one of the old lighthouse keeper's daughters has been said to appear to sailors to warn them of impending storms. Help Southern Gothic grow by becoming a Patreon Supporter today! Connect with Southern Gothic Media: Join our New Facebook Group! Website: SouthernGothicMedia.com Merch Store: https://www.southerngothicmedia.com/merch Pinterest: @SouthernGothicMedia Facebook: @SouthernGothicMedia Instagram: @SouthernGothicMedia X: @SoGoPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices