The Ghost of Gaineswood Plantation

By Crusader1307

 Built in 1842 outside Demopolis, Alabama (US Gaineswood Plantation is on of the few remaining (and restored), examples of pre-Civil War (Antebellum) architecture. Much of the furnishing in The Mansion are original. Sadly built with Slave Labor, one would think that any Spirits that ''haunt'' Gaineswood today, would originate from this. It isn't. Our story takes place in the mid-1850s, when former Owner, Nathan Whitfield's wife passed. Whitfield had several children and needed a Nanny to look after them. Through connections, He found Evelyn Carter of Virginia. She was a young and vivacious Lass who was well educated and loved music especially the Piano. The children took an immediate liking to Her.

Ms. Carter fell in love with a local Man. Winter's in Alabama can be so cold that the very ground will freeze. Even trying to dig a hole is quite impossible until after the Spring thaw. The two Lovers went out almost everyday. However, when Ms. Carter's beau had to go back to France (from where He was from), she languished after Him. She sat outside for many hours in the cold. Unfortunately, She developed a ''sickness'' and died. Her employer could not bury Her in the Earth until Spring. Her body was placed in a coffin and placed in the cellar (as was common until the ground warmed). Almost immediately, the children reported that the Piano could be heard being played (especially in the early morning, as Ms. Carter was want to do). As many times as the Music Room was checked, no ''human player'' could be found. Another habit of Ms. Carter, was that she was ''heavy footed'' and often ''stomped around'' the Upper Floors. This too was reported. Soon more and more Paranormal events would take place. So much so, that Mr. Whitfield's future Guests felt uncomfortable staying in the opulent Mansion. Although buried in the Spring, later Ms. Carter's Family would pay to have Her remains returned to Virginia for re-burial in The Family Plot (which was done). However, ''Ms. Carter'' apparently never left Alabama. Although not as frequent as in the 1850s, reports are still made of ''foot steps'' ''Shadow People'' and ''Cold Spots'' in Gaineswood (which is now a Museum).