Haunted History

Do ghosts or spirits really exist? Do they come back to haunt the places that held a special place in their lives? What is the relationship between history and hauntings. The History Channel takes a look at reported hauntings of historical places. New England farmhouses, Southern plantations and other areas of historical prominence are visited in this special series. Haunted History attempts to unravel the mysteries of reported sightings of specters and things that go bump in the night. Haunted History would be useful for classes on American History, American Culture and religion. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Charleston

This episode of Haunted History examines reports of ghosts and spirits in the city of Charleston. The Cradle of the Confederacy, the city's rich history provides a backdrop for the many sightings of apparitions and spirits.

OBJECTIVES: Students will examine the relationship between history, myth and superstition. They will gain an understanding of the role of individual lives in historical events as well as some of the theories and controversies regarding spectral inhabitation.

NATIONAL STANDARDS: Haunted History fulfills the following National Standards for History for grades 5-12: chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretations, and historical research capabilities for United States History eras 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Discussion Questions

  1. Charleston is called the

  2. Charleston is prominent in many of the significant events in American history. Discuss the role of Charleston in history and culture of American history, particularly American southern history.

  3. Why is Charleston so rich an area for hauntings?

  4. Spirits are a part of the cycle of human drama. What is human drama? What is your human drama and the drama of your family?

  5. How did Charleston get its name? What does its name reveal about the relationship between the American colonies and England before the American Revolution?

  6. Spanish moss hangs from trees in Charleston, as well as in other areas of the South. What is Spanish moss? What is the legend of its origin?

  7. Why do many Charlestonians believe that pirates haunt the Battery, an area along the edge of the water?

  8. Discuss the history of one of the oldest buildings in Charleston, the Old Exchange Building.

  9. Isaac Hayne was hanged in August 1781. Why was he hanged? What was his crime? Why did he stop his hauntings during the Civil War?

  10. Describe southern society in the 18th and 19th centuries.

  11. Why does Dr. Ladd haunt the Thomas Rose House?

  12. What were Lavinia Fisher's crimes? How did she pay for them?

  13. Charleston was one of the most prosperous cities in the antebellum South. What was the role of slavery in this prosperity?

  14. Who was Pierre Bouregard? Why was he such a popular person in Charleston?
Extended Activities

  1. Create a timeline of the Civil War and highlight the areas/events in which Charleston played a prominent role.

  2. Create a travel brochure for the city of Charleston.
Related Videos
Primary Sources
  • South Carolina Ordinance Of Secession

    AN ORDINANCE to dissolve the union between the State of South Carolina and other States united with her under the compact entitled

Air Dates

Classroom Materials