The Moonlit Road Podcast - Southern Ghost Stories & Folklore

The Devil's Mansion of New Orleans

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:02:35 +0000

Did the Devil himself really build a mansion in the heart of the Garden District? Discover the eerie legend of the haunted estate that once cast a shadow over St. Charles Avenue.

New Orleans is a city of secrets, but few are as unsettling as the story of the dark, imposing mansion that appeared almost overnight on one of its most prestigious streets. From the strange, hapazard construction to the terrifying sounds that echoed from within its walls, the "Devil's Mansion" became a landmark of dread for generations of locals.

Content Warning: This story ventures into darker territory, including moments of violence that some listeners may find unsettling.

For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com

"The Devil's Mansion of New Orleans" was adapted from folklore by Craig Dominey.

Storyteller: Tom Coleman

Recorded at KRVS Radio Acadie, Lafayette, Louisiana

Additional audio production: Henry Howard

Music: Jez Graham

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD: The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1997. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers.

#TheMoonlitRoad #NewOrleans #GhostStories #SouthernGothic #GardenDistrict #DevilsMansion #LouisianaFolklore #StCharlesAve #HauntedHistory #UrbanLegends #StorytellingPodcast

Where's My Ring?

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:33:00 +0000

Bitterness between two sisters over a glittering diamond ring leads to terrifying consequences from beyond the grave in this chilling Georgia ghost story.

In the quiet town of Washington, Georgia, jealousy festers for years between Martha and her sister Jenny. When Jenny dies, temptation proves too strong—and Martha takes the ring she has always coveted.

But some things are never meant to be stolen.

Soon a voice begins calling in the night:

"Where's my ring?"

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Where's My Ring?" was told by Nancy Riggs

Story adapted from folklore by Nancy Riggs with Craig Dominey

Director: Craig Dominey

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1997. We are a large online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers.

Grandma's Furry Robe - A Southern Horror Story

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:37:41 +0000

Two college friends spend a quiet weekend at an isolated Appalachian mountain house — until strange nighttime noises lead to a shocking discovery.

Listener discretion is advised. This story contains frightening imagery and disturbing elements that may not be suitable for all audiences.

For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com

"Grandma's Furry Robe" was adapted from folklore and directed by Craig Dominey.

Storyteller: Lanny Gilbert

Guitar: Lanny Gilbert

Audio Production: Henry Howard

ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers.

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#SouthernHorror
#AppalachianHorror
#ScaryStories
#HorrorPodcast
#ShortHorror
#CreepyStories

Lizzie: Ghost of Brinkley Female College | A Memphis, Tennessee Ghost Story

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 23:21:22 +0000

Memphis is a city of music and history, but it is also a city of ghosts. Today, we explore one of its most enduring and debated legends: the haunting of Brinkley Female College by the mysterious Lizzie - and the hunt for an elusive buried jar that captivated an entire city.

READ THE FULL STORY & SEE PHOTOS: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/lizzie-ghost-brinkley-female-college-memphis-tennessee/

In this episode, we cover:

The origins of the Brinkley Female College and its place in Memphis history.
First-hand accounts of the terrifying encounters with "Lizzie."
Why this specific ghost story remains one of the most controversial legends in Tennessee folklore.

Listen now to decide for yourself: is Lizzie a product of imagination, or a spirit that refused to leave school?

FOR MORE STORIES: Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

FOLLOW US: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad X/Twitter: https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad

CREDITS: "Lizzie, Ghost of Brinkley Female College" was adapted and directed by Craig Dominey. Storyteller: Cathy Kaemmerlen (https://tattlingtales.com/). Audio Production: Henry Howard. Piano improvisations by Carole Mitchell

ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD: The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers.

#MemphisGhosts #PinkLizzie #SouthernFolklore #HauntedMemphis #TennesseeLegends #TheMoonlitRoad

Where Mosquitoes Came From: A Tlingit Legend

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:46:27 +0000

Ever wonder why mosquitoes are so thirsty for blood? According to this legendary Tlingit tale—retold with a Southern twist—the answer lies in the defeat of a blood-thirsty giant. Discover the chilling and clever story of how a single monster became a swarm of thousands.

Read the full story and see the illustrations here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/where-mosquitos-come-from-tlingit-legend-southern-version/

"Where Mosquitoes Came From" was adapted from folklore and directed by Craig Dominey.

Storyteller: Veronica Byrd

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#NativeAmericanFolklore #OriginStories #SouthernFolklore #TlingitLegend #Mythology #TheMoonlitRoad #Folktales #NatureMyths

The Sheriff and the Loup Garou: A Louisiana Werewolf Story

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:28:00 +0000

How far would you go for the love of your life? In this Louisiana tale, a young deputy is given a terrifying task to prove his worth: he must capture and kill the Loup Garou (or Rougarou), the shapeshifting werewolf of the Cajun swamplands.

Read the full story and see the history of the Loup Garou here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-sheriff-and-the-loup-garou/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Sheriff and the Loup Garou" was written and told by Tom Coleman. Listen to more of his stories at https://cajunstoryteller.com

Director: Craig Dominey

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#LoupGarou #CajunFolklore #WerewolfStories #LouisianaLegends #BayouStories #SouthernFolklore #TheMoonlitRoad #SpookyStories

Why Is a Jack O' Lantern Named Jack? | The Legend of Stingy Jack

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:21:00 +0000

Every October, millions of pumpkins are carved into glowing faces. But do you know the dark legend of the man who gave them their name? Meet Stingy Jack—a man so cunning he managed to trap the Devil himself. This classic folktale explains why Jack is forced to wander the night with nothing but a hollowed-out turnip and a coal from the fires of Hell.

Read the full story and see the history here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/why-is-a-jack-o-lantern-named-jack/

"Why is a Jack-o-Lantern Named Jack?" was adapted from folklore and produced by Craig Dominey.

Storyteller: LaDoris Bias Davis

http://kuumbastorytellers.org/ladoris-bias-davis/

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#JackOLantern #StingyJack #HalloweenFolklore #SouthernFolklore #OriginStories #GhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad

The Cow That Ate The Preacher | An Appalachian Tall Tale

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 14:29:00 +0000

What happens when a traveling preacher seeks revenge on an inhospitable farm couple?

This darkly funny ghost story—passed down from Ireland to the Arkansas hills—follows a man of the cloth who decides to teach his unkind hosts a lesson they'll never forget. But in the world of folklore, revenge often takes a very strange and unexpected shape.

Advisory: This is an un-sanitized traditional folktale featuring dark themes and descriptions of physical injury/remains, typical of classic Brothers Grimm-era stories.

Another version of this story by storyteller Bill Harley can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltKUDHBCEGA

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Cow That Ate The Preacher" was adapted from folklore and directed by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: David Hirt

Music: Randall Franks - hear more of his work at https://randallfranks.com/

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

Number Ninety: The Charleston Haunted House Dare | A Southern Ghost Story

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 19:35:00 +0000

Episode Summary: Would you spend the night in a house the rest of the world has abandoned to the dead? This episode takes us to historic Charleston for an adaptation of B.M. Croker's Victorian ghost story, "Number Ninety."

In this episode:

The Challenge: A group of gentlemen at a social club issue a terrifying dare that cannot be ignored.
The Setting: Number Ninety, a house with a reputation so dark that even the bravest locals avoid its shadow.
The Encounter: A psychological and supernatural descent into a night that changes a man forever.

Listen in as we explore a masterclass in Victorian suspense, reimagined for the shadows of the American South.

Further reading: Wikipedia article on B.M. Croker

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Number Ninety" was told by John Gentile

Director: Craig Dominey

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#NumberNinety #CharlestonGhostStories #SouthCarolinaFolklore #VictorianHorror #HauntedHouse #GhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad #SouthernGothic

Ambrose Bierce's The Moonlit Road Part 3: The Spirit's Testimony

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 17:12:37 +0000

The haunting conclusion to Ambrose Bierce's masterpiece. In 'The Spirit's Testimony,' a voice reaches out from beyond the grave to reveal the final, heartbreaking truth of that moonlit night. This third and final chapter completes the chilling mystery of a family destroyed by silence and the supernatural.

Read the full story: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-moonlit-road-ambrose-bierce-audio-version/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Moonlit Road, Part Three" was told by Trudy Leonard

Audio Production: Henry Howard

Music: Michael Thomas Roe

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD: The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers.\

#TheMoonlitRoad #AmbroseBierce #SouthernGothic #ClassicHorror #GhostStories #VictorianHorror #LiteraryGhostStories #TheMoonlitRoadPodcast

Ambrose Bierce's The Moonlit Road Part 2: The Confession of the Father

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 17:09:29 +0000

In Part Two of our Ambrose Bierce adaptation, the mystery deepens with 'The Confession of the Father.' Haunted by a spectral encounter on a dark road, a man is forced to confront the truth behind his wife's death. The second chapter in this chilling 3-part Southern Gothic masterpiece.

Read the full story here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-moonlit-road-ambrose-bierce-audio-version/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Moonlit Road, Part Two" was told by Thomas E. Fuller

Audio Production: Henry Howard

Music: Michael Thomas Roe

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD: The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are an online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers.

#TheMoonlitRoad #AmbroseBierce #SouthernGothic #ClassicHorror #GhostStories #VictorianHorror #LiteraryGhostStories #TheMoonlitRoadPodcast

Ambrose Bierce's The Moonlit Road, Part 1: The Statement of the Son

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 17:04:33 +0000

Part One of our adaptation of Ambrose Bierce's masterpiece. A chilling mystery begins with the 'Statement of the Son,' as a family is shattered by a brutal murder. Experience one of American literature's most famous ghost stories told from three haunting perspectives.

Read the entire story here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-moonlit-road-ambrose-bierce-audio-version/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Moonlit Road, Part One" was told by John Gentile

Audio Production: Henry Howard

Music: Michael Thomas Roe

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#TheMoonlitRoad #AmbroseBierce #SouthernGothic #ClassicHorror #GhostStories #VictorianHorror #LiteraryGhostStories #TheMoonlitRoadPodcast

The Nut Eating Devil: A Tennessee Mountain Ghost Story

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 12:56:51 +0000

Uncover the chilling legend of the "Nut Eating Devil," a classic Tennessee mountain ghost story. Follow young Tom McBride as he investigates eerie sounds haunting a remote cemetery in the middle of the night. Why do the noises sound exactly like his dead Grandpa cracking open hickory nuts? Is it a restless ghost, or a meeting with the Devil himself?

Read the full story and learn about the storyteller here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-nut-eating-devil/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Nut Eating Devil" was written by Jim McAmis and Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Jim McAmis

Audio Production: Henry Howard

Music: Les Scott

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD: The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are a large online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers.

#TheNutEatingDevil #AppalachianFolklore #TennesseeGhostStories #SouthernHumor #TallTales #GhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad #MountainLegends

Irwin Tarheel and the Fair Folk: A Louisiana Legend

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 22:21:44 +0000

A Southern supernatural folktale with Irish roots: An early Louisiana settler rescues a turtle and is transported into the strange world of The Fair Folk.

Read the full story and learn about the Irish in Louisiana here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/irwin-tarheel-fair-folk-louisiana-folktale/

BEYOND THE PODCAST: This is just one of the many legends of the bayou. Discover many more Southern folktales not found on this podcast by visiting our archive at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Irwin Tarheel and the Fair Folk" was written by Sam McDonald.

Storyteller: Otis Jiry

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#IrwinTarheel #FairFolk #LouisianaFolklore #IrishMythology #SouthernFolktales #ShreveportHistory #TimeTravelStories #TheMoonlitRoad #OtisJiry

Railroad Bill

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 23:50:24 +0000

An Alabama widow lives in fear of the terrifying murderer Railroad Bill. But is he really what the townsfolk say he is?

For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com

"Railroad Bill" was written by told by Christine Horn. As told at the Tour of Southern Ghosts, ART Station, Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

The Spirit of Thomas Lester - A Southern Haunted House Story

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 22:18:54 +0000

Experience the legend of Thomas Lester, a man whose high-speed encounter with a headless ghost left him running faster than a jackrabbit. This humorous Southern ghost story explores the folklore of 'the spirit that passes you real quick-like,' giving you a chill up your spine. Narrated by Yomi Goodall and recorded for the Tour of Southern Ghosts in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Spirit of Thomas Lester" was written and told by Yomi Goodall

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1997. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers.

Tsali: The Cherokee Legend of the Smoky Mountains

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Sat, 12 Mar 2016 21:45:03 +0000

High in the mist-covered peaks of North Carolina lies the story of a man who chose sacrifice over surrender. Tsali was a Cherokee farmer who became a martyr during the forced removals of the 1830s. This isn't just a ghost story; it is a legend of bravery and a haunting reminder of the lives lost along the Trail of Tears. Some say his spirit still watches over the mountains he died to save.

Read the full story and historical background here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/tsali-cherokee-ghost-story-north-carolina/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Tsali" was written by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Jim McAmis

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers.

#Tsali #CherokeeHistory #SmokyMountains #NorthCarolinaFolklore #TrailOfTears #SouthernGhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad #AppalachianLegends

The Maco Light: North Carolina's Famous Railroad Ghost Story

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 20:33:05 +0000

Experience the chilling legend of the Maco Light. From the tragic night of Joe Baldwin's sacrifice to the mysterious lantern light that haunted the North Carolina rails for over a century, this episode explores one of the South's most famous paranormal phenomena. Narrated by Jim McAmis, it's a journey into the heart of railroad folklore.

Read the full history here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/maco-light-north-carolina-railroad-ghost-story/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Maco Light" was written by Jim McAmis and Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Jim McAmis

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#TheMacoLight #NorthCarolinaGhostStories #RailroadFolklore #JoeBaldwin #HauntedRailroads #WilmingtonNC #SouthernGhostStories #UrbanLegends #ParanormalInvestigation #TheMoonlitRoad

Mississippi Rose: A Southern Ghost Story

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 22:59:10 +0000

Experience 'Mississippi Rose: A Southern Ghost Story.' This episode follows a young man's encounter with a mysterious figure on a dusty backroad in turn-of-the-century Mississippi. Part romance, part supernatural legend, this African American folktale explores the tragic history of the Simmons homestead.

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Mississippi Rose" was written by LaDoris Davis and Craig Dominey

Storyteller: LaDoris Davis

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

Chloe, The Slave Girl of Myrtles Plantation

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 17:14:02 +0000

Explore the legend of Chloe, the slave ghost of Myrtles Plantation. In this episode, we delve into the haunting history of one of the South's most famous antebellum homes and the tragic figure believed to haunt it to this day. This classic Louisiana ghost story is narrated with dramatic flair by storyteller Veronica Byrd.

Read the full history and see the "ghost photo" here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/chloe-slave-ghost-myrtles-plantation-louisiana/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Chloe, The Slave Girl of Myrtles Plantation" was written and directed by Craig Dominey.

Storyteller: Veronica Byrd

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#MyrtlesPlantation #ChloeTheGhost #HauntedLouisiana #SouthernGhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad #AmericanHauntings #PlantationLegends #StFrancisville

The Sausage Man of New Orleans: A Gruesome Ghost Story

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 21:28:32 +0000

One of the French Quarter's most infamous murder tales. 'The Sausage Man of New Orleans' is a gruesome ghost story exploring the depths of murder and madness. In the 1800s, Hans Mueller was a respected butcher with a thriving shop on Ursulines Street—until he found a truly grisly way to 'dispose' of his marriage. Follow the chilling tale of a man who tried to grind his problems away, only to discover that some secrets won't stay buried... even in a sausage vat. Narrated with dramatic flair by storyteller Kodac Harrison.

Content Warning: This episode contains descriptions of murder, graphic violence, and disturbing imagery. Listener discretion is advised.

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Sausage Man of New Orleans" was written by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Kodac Harrison

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Legend of Sop Doll: A Mississippi Witch Story

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 21:19:25 +0000

Desperate for work during the Depression, a drifter takes a job at a remote Mississippi farm—only to find a mysterious black cat whispering at his dinner table. Discover the terrifying secret of the 'Sop Doll' and why some jobs are better left untaken. A classic Southern 'witch-cat' legend narrated by Jim McAmis.

Read the full story and see the Appalachian mountain archive here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/sop-doll/

"Sop Doll" was adapted from folklore by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Jim McAmis

Audio Production: Henry Howard

Music: Les Scott

#SopDoll #AppalachianFolklore #WitchStories #BlueRidgeMountains #GhostStories #SouthernFolklore #TheMoonlitRoad #MountainMyths

Wait 'Til Jesse Comes: A Mississippi Spooky Cat Legend

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 13:03:09 +0000

Caught in a fierce Mississippi rainstorm, an exhausted salesman seeks refuge in an abandoned hillside house. He finds a warm fire—and a trio of black cats who are much more than they appear. As the cats grow in size and malice, they whisper a chilling warning: 'Wait 'til Jesse comes.' A classic Southern spooky story narrated by LaDoris Davis.

Read the full story and meet the storyteller here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/wait-til-jesse-comes/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Wait 'Til Jesse Comes" was adapted from folklore by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: LaDoris Davis

#WaitTilJesseComes #MississippiGhostStories #TalkingCats #SouthernFolklore #ScaryStories #TheMoonlitRoad #SpookyCats #CampfireTales

Mama Coon-Coon: A Louisiana Swamp Folktale

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 22:40:45 +0000

Deep in the Louisiana bayou lives a mysterious fisherwoman named Mama Coon-Coon, famous for her seafood gumbo and infamous for her terrible singing. Unlike the other fishermen, she uses her big blue dress as bait to catch crabs late at night. But what happens when the crabs get tired of her off-key tunes? Discover why the bayou waters turned blue in this whimsical Louisiana swamp folktale, narrated by Veronica Byrd and Bert Tanner.

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Mama Coon Coon" was written and told by Veronica Byrd

Audio Production: Henry Howard

Episode Photo of Dulac Louisiana Bayou by Clem. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Chancy Fox: The Louisiana Gambler and the Swamp Vampires

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 19:13:33 +0000

In the Louisiana swamps, a man running from the law is just a moving target for things that haven't tasted fresh blood in a long, long time.

Read the full story here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/chancy-fox/

For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com

"Chancy Fox" was written and told by Thomas E. Fuller

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#ChancyFox #LouisianaFolklore #SwampVampires #SouthernGothic #BayouLegends #GhostStories #LouisianaHistory #VampireLore #TheMoonlitRoad #SouthernHorror

The Town Without Death: A Kentucky Mountain Ghost Story

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 19:43:01 +0000

After the tragic loss of his wife, a grieving farmer wanders deep into the hollows of Eastern Kentucky, stumbling upon a village that seems like paradise. In Burning Creek, there are no cemeteries and no one ever dies. But Sam Dylan soon discovers that the town's "eternal life" comes at a gruesome price. A classic Southern folk horror tale about the true cost of immortality. Written by Craig Dominey and told by Lanny Gilbert.

Read the full story here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-town-without-death/

Listener Advisory: This Appalachian legend contains graphic descriptions of ritualistic violence and disturbing macabre themes. Listener discretion is advised.

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Town Without Death" was written by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Lanny Gilbert

Audio Production: Henry Howard

Photography: Marc del Santro

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#TheTownWithoutDeath #FolkHorror #AppalachianGhostStories #SouthernFolklore #KentuckyLegends #GhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad #SpookyTales

No Greater Love: A Kentucky Coal Mine Ghost Story

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Deep in the coal mining country of Kentucky, Henry Jacobs spends his days in the darkness of the earth. But when a terrifying accident occurs underground, Henry experiences an eerie encounter that defies explanation. "No Greater Love" is a bone-chilling Kentucky ghost story about a devotion that reaches from beyond the grave to the deepest hollows of a mountain mine.

Additional reading:

Coal Mining in Appalachia

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"No Greater Love" was written by Jim McAmis and Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Jim McAmis

Audio Production: Henry Howard

Music: Alton Leonard

Episode Photography: Library of Congress

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

The Ticking Clock: A Supernatural Mystery

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 23:20:56 +0000

For years, the antique grandfather clock stood silent, a dusty relic of a bygone era. But when it suddenly begins to tick again, it signals more than just the passing of time. "The Ticking Clock" is a gripping supernatural mystery about a family secret that refuses to be ignored and a haunting rhythm that counts down to a terrifying revelation.

Read the full story and see the history of the clock here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-ticking-clock/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Ticking Clock" was written by Lanny Gilbert and Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Lanny Gilbert

Audio Production: Henry Howard

Photo of clock by Thomas Claveirole. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC

#TheTickingClock #HauntedClock #GeorgiaGhostStories #SouthernFolklore #SupernaturalMystery #GhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad #FamilySecrets

The Plat-Eye: A Lowcountry Shapeshifter Legend

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 06:46:00 +0000

Deep in the marshes of the South Carolina Lowcountry, something is watching from the shadows. In Gullah-Geechee folklore, the "Plat-eye" is a terrifying shapeshifter that guards hidden treasures and lures the unwary into the swamps. "The Plat-Eye" is a haunting regional ghost story about a man who discovers that some secrets are better left buried. Narrated by Veronica Byrd.

Read the full story and the history of Gullah folklore here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-plat-eye/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Plat Eye" was written and told by Veronica Byrd.

Audio Production: Henry Howard

Music by Whit Connah

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#ThePlatEye #GullahFolklore #LowcountryGhostStories #SouthernFolklore #GeorgiaGhostStories #Shapeshifter #UrbanLegends #TheMoonlitRoad

The Meanest Man: A Savannah Tall Tale

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:28:00 +0000

They say some folks are too mean for Heaven and too ornery for Hell. "The Meanest Man" is a classic Southern tall tale about a man so wicked that even the Devil thinks twice about claiming his soul. Experience this humorous and haunting Savannah legend of a man who tries to outsmart the afterlife.

Read the full story here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-meanest-man/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Meanest Man" was adapted from folklore by Babs Bagiransky with Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Babs Bagriansky

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#TheMeanestMan #SavannahLegends #SpanishMoss #SouthernFolklore #TallTales #GeorgiaGhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad #OriginStories

The Bleeding Heart Dove

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 22:53:00 +0000

A tragic tale of forbidden love and a broken heart that manifests in the natural world. "The Bleeding Heart Dove" explores the origins of the beautiful but sorrowful bird that carries a crimson mark upon its breast—a permanent reminder of a devotion that transcended life itself.

Read the full story and see the illustrations here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-bleeding-heart-dove/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Bleeding Heart Dove" was adapted from folklore by Sherry Norfolk.

Storyteller: Sherry Norfolk

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#BleedingHeartDove #NatureMyths #SouthernFolklore #OriginStories #Folktales #TheMoonlitRoad #SpookyRomance #LegendOfTheDove

Ibo Landing

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Near the mouth of Dunbar Creek on Georgia's St. Simons Island, locals tell of a section of swampy marshland where some fishermen still refuse to cast their lines. It is the site of a powerful act of resistance by the Igbo people, who chose the water over a life of bondage. Listen to storyteller Evelyn McCray share this haunting version of the "flying African" myth, where the sounds of rattling chains and a defiant chant still drift through the marsh at night.

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Ibo Landing" was written by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Evelyn McCray

Audio Production: Henry Howard

Photo by Trish Hartmann. Licensed by CC BY 2.0

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

The Flaming Tomb of Josie Arlington

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 04:00:00 +0000

In the heart of New Orleans' Metairie Cemetery sits a magnificent red granite crypt that locals once called "The Flaming Tomb". It belongs to Josie Arlington, the most notorious madam of the city's infamous Storyville red-light district. For decades, witnesses claimed the tomb's stone urns would burst into ghostly flames and the bronze statue of a girl at the door would vanish into the night. Listen to storyteller Cathy Kaemmerlen share the haunting tale of a woman who built a fortune in the city of sin, only to find that New Orleans high society—and perhaps the spirits themselves—would never let her rest in peace.

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Flaming Tomb" was written and directed by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Cathy Kaemmerlen

Music: Jez Graham

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

How Brer Coon Gets His Meat

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 23:37:00 +0000

In this classic Uncle Remus folktale, the crafty Brer Rabbit and his clever friend Brer Coon team up to secure an easy dinner. Discover how Brer Coon uses a "playing dead" trick to outsmart the local frogs and fill his belly without breaking a sweat. Written by Joel Chandler Harris, this story captures the wit and survival themes central to African American oral traditions.

Read the full story and explore the history of trickster tales here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/how-brer-coon-gets-his-meat/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"How Brer Coon Gets His Meat" was originally collected from folklore by Joel Channdler Harris.

Adapted by Akbar Imhotep with Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Akbar Imhotep

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#BrerRabbit #BrerCoon #AfricanAmericanFolklore #UncleRemus #TricksterTales #SouthernFolklore #AnimalFables #TheMoonlitRoad

Blinded By Love

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 22:18:00 +0000

In the heart of the Louisiana bayou, a pair of traveling newlyweds seeks shelter for the night in a secluded home. They expect a quiet evening of rest, but instead find themselves trapped in a house where the spirits aren't the only ones keeping secrets. Join us for a chilling Cajun ghost story where you'll discover that a marriage built on secrets can be more terrifying than any phantom.

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Blinded by Love" was adapted from folklore by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Babs Bagriansky

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

Knock, Knock, Who's There? | A Cajun Ghost Story

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:20:11 +0000

In this chilling Cajun ghost story, a miserly father's cruelty toward his only daughter comes back to haunt him during a massive Gulf storm. Experience the atmospheric storytelling of J.J. Reneaux as she weaves a tale of greed, storms, and a supernatural visitor knocking at the door. Will the father survive the night, or will his past finally catch up to him?

Read the full story and see the Cajun archive here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/knock-knock-whos-there/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Knock, Knock, Who's There?" was written by told by JJ Reneaux

Recording courtesy of August House Publishers. Used by permission.

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1997. We are a large online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers.

#KnockKnockWhosThere #CajunGhostStory #LouisianaFolklore #JJReneaux #SouthernFolklore #GhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad #BayouLegends

Hell Hole – Battle of New Hope Church

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 22:29:00 +0000

A Georgia ghost story about a Civil War relic hunter who stumbles across the haunted "Hell Hole" at the Battle of New Hope Church site. As he digs for artifacts in the Paulding County woods, he finds himself face-to-face with the lingering horrors of one of the war's most brutal skirmishes.

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Hell Hole" was written by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: John Gentile

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

The Coughing Dog

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:42:00 +0000

Terrifying Georgia urban legend of a single woman who wonders why her guard dog starts acting so strangely.

For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com

"The Coughing Dog" was adapted from folklore by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Thomas E. Fuller

Audio Production: Henry Howard

Photography by Jon Kownacki

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

Green Eyes of Chickamauga Battlefield

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Deep in the woods of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park, a pair of glowing green eyes watches from the darkness. In this episode, we explore the terrifying legend of "Old Green Eyes," a creature that has haunted the Georgia battlefield since the smoke cleared in 1863. From Civil War burial parties to modern-day park ranger sightings, discover why this spectral figure remains one of the most feared hauntings in the American South.

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Green Eyes of Chickamauga Battlefield" was written by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: John Gentile

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

Graveyard Dogs

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:52:28 +0000

What are those low, guttural growls echoing through the local cemetery at night? In this episode, we explore the terrifying legend of the Graveyard Dogs. Written by Wendy Webb, this story follows a group of unsuspecting visitors who learn the hard way that some burial grounds are protected by a pack of spectral hounds that never let a "trespasser" go unpunished.

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Graveyard Dogs" was written and told by Wendy Webb

This story was recorded as part of a compilation CD for the live Halloween storytelling event A Tour of Southern Ghosts. This event is put on each year by ART Station at Georgia's famous Stone Mountain Park.

Audio Production: Henry Howard

Overgrown Cemetery photo by Chris Denny. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

The Missing Cookies

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Was it Santa, or a visitor from the other side? On a quiet Christmas Eve, a plate of cookies disappears, sparking a family mystery that blurs the line between holiday magic and the supernatural. Join us for "The Missing Cookies," a heartwarming yet haunting Southern Christmas ghost story perfect for a cold winter's night.

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Missing Cookies" was written and directed by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Babs Bagriansky

Audio Production: Henry Howard

Photo "Food for Santa" by Ann. Licensed under C.C. BY 2.0.

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

Deal with the Devil: A Georgia Trickster Tale

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Can a mere mortal outwit the Devil? In this episode, we share a classic Georgia folktale about a blacksmith who refuses to surrender his soul without a fight. With a clever plan and the help of a local witch, he prepares a series of traps that leave the Devil wishing he'd never set foot in Georgia. It's a humorous and haunting "trickster" tale perfect for listeners who love seeing the underdog come out on top.

Read the full trickster tale here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/deal-with-the-devil/

For another version of this story, but more Halloween-themed, be sure to listen to our story "Why Is A Jack O' Lantern Named Jack?" Why is a Jack-O'-Lantern Named Jack? : The Moonlit Road

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Deal With The Devil" was written by David Hirt

This story was originally recorded as part of a compilation CD for the live Halloween storytelling event A Tour of Southern Ghosts. This event is put on each year by ART Station at Georgia's famous Stone Mountain Park. This event is one of the best storytelling programs in the country – check it out if you're in the area!

Storyteller: David Hirt

Sound Design: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#DealWithTheDevil #GeorgiaFolklore #TricksterTales #SouthernGhostStories #StoneMountainHistory #AppalachianHumor #DevilStories #TheMoonlitRoad #Folktales #SouthernGothic #StoneMountainPark

One More Room: A Haunted Atlanta Hotel Ghost Story

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:00:00 +0000

When a Hollywood location scout arrives in Atlanta to find the perfect backdrop for a new film, he thinks he's found a gem in a historic downtown hotel. But as he settles in for the night, he realizes that some locations come with "extras" that weren't in the contract. In "One More Room," the search for the perfect cinematic setting leads to a terrifying encounter with Atlanta's supernatural past. Discover what happens when the scout becomes the one being watched.

Read the original story here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/one-more-room/

This story was insipred by the 1946 Winecoff Hotel fire in Atlanta. For additional reading about this tragedy, visit:

https://www.themoonlitroad.com/winecoff-hotel-fire-atlanta/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"One More Room" was written by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Jim McAmis

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#OneMoreRoom #AtlantaGhostStories #WinecoffHotel #DarkHistory #UrbanLegends #TimeSlip #GeorgiaFolklore #HauntedHotels #TheMoonlitRoad #SouthernGothic #GhostStories

The Bell Witch Cave

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

In this original Southern ghost story, two children learn that some dares go too far when they venture into the infamous Bell Witch Cave in Adams, Tennessee. Based on the legendary 19th-century haunting that terrified a frontier community and a future U.S. President. Hear the legend come to life on The Moonlit Road.

For information on the real Bell Witch hauntings, visit: The Bell Witch Cave of Adams, Tennessee : The Moonlit Road

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Bell Witch Cave" was written by Craig Dominey and Babs Bagriansky

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#BellWitch #BellWitchCave #HauntedTennessee #SouthernFolklore #AmericanHaunting #AdamsTN #GhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad

A Beloved Teacher

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Deep in the Georgia marshlands, a simple grave marker tells a story of courage. Join us for 'A Beloved Teacher,' an original Southern ghost story from the Georgia coast. Discover why some legacies refuse to be buried and why a brave woman's spirit still resonates through the salt air.

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"A Beloved Teacher" was adapted from folklore by Craig Dominey and Curtis Richardson

Storyteller: Curtis Richardson

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

The White Dress

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:12:01 +0000

Spooky tale about a young Florida girl who goes to ghastly lengths to get the perfect prom dress.

Teachers can download instructional materials based on this story and others on our Lesson Plans page.

For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com

"The White Dress" was written and told by Richard and Judy Dockery Young. Taken from their compilation "There's No Such Thing As Ghosts"

Additional audio production by Henry Howard.

Special thanks to August House for allowing us to use this story.

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

The Click-Bok Tree

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:30:00 +0000

A mysterious seed from Africa, a cruel plantation owner, and a tree that refuses to be tamed. Dive into 'The Click-Bok Tree,' a compelling African-American slave folktale about the power of ancestral magic and the search for justice.

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Click-Bok Tree" was written and told by Lester Thomas

Director: Craig Dominey

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

The Barefoot Woman

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:19:00 +0000

They say even the Devil can't break a happy home alone. Dive into 'The Barefoot Woman,' a classic African-American folktale from Alabama. When a couple's happiness irritates the Devil, he enlists a clever woman to sow the seeds of suspicion. A witty and wicked tale of trickery and temptation.

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Barefoot Woman" was adapted from folklore by Craig Dominey and Evelyn McCray

Storyteller: Evelyn McCray

Music: Barbara Panter

Audio Production: Henry Howard

Photography by Jon Kownacki

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

Little Cottage in the Woods: An Alabama Civil War Ghost Story

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 22:30:00 +0000

Deep in the Alabama wilderness, some secrets refuse to stay buried. When two young girls stumble upon a forgotten, vine-covered cottage in the woods, they think they've found a secret clubhouse. But as the shadows lengthen, they uncover the tragic echoes of a Civil War-era mystery that has haunted the land for over a century. Join us for "Little Cottage in the Woods," a chilling Southern Gothic tale about the thin line between childhood curiosity and the ghosts of the past.

Read the full story and see the history of the cottage here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/little-cottage-in-the-woods/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Little Cottage in The Woods" was written and told by Anne Gilstrap

Taken from the CD "A Tour of Southern Ghosts"
Copyright 2000 Art Station
Used by permission

Audio Production: Henry Howard

#LittleCottageInTheWoods #AlabamaGhostStories #CivilWarHistory #SouthernFolklore #HauntedCottage #GhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad #AlabamaHistory

The Boarded Window

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 23:57:00 +0000

Classic ghost story from the master Ambrose Bierce.

For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com

Performed by Robert Bethune and Susie Berneis of Freshwater Seas Audiobooks. Check their other audiobooks at www.freshwaterseas.com. Used by permission.

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

Marie Jolie: A Cajun Folktale of the Bayou Devil

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0000

In the heart of the Louisiana bayou, the beautiful Marie Jolie finds herself being courted by a stranger with a silver tongue and a mysterious past. But when his true, devilish nature is revealed, Marie must rely on more than just her beauty to survive. Written and told by the legendary J.J. Reneaux, "Marie Jolie" is a classic Cajun trickster tale filled with wit, danger, and the unique spirit of the swamp.

Read the full story and see the Cajun archive here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/marie-jolie/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Marie Jolie" was written and told by JJ Reneaux. Story provided courtesy of August House Publishers and JJ Reneaux.

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#MarieJolie #CajunFolklore #LouisianaLegends #MsuDiable #BayouTales #SouthernFolklore #TricksterTales #TheMoonlitRoad

The Black Dog: A Kentucky Coal Mine Ghost Story

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:57:00 +0000

"The Black Dog" is a haunting Appalachian legend about a mysterious creature that appears in the darkness of the mines. Is it a ghost, a guardian, or a warning? Join us for this life-changing tale from the heart of Kentucky coal mining country.

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Black Dog" was written by Jim McAmis and Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Jim McAmis

Director: Craig Dominey

Audio Production: Henry Howard

Chief Sawnee's Gold: A Georgia Mountain Legend

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:09:00 +0000

Two treasure hunters with a case of "gold fever" head up Georgia's Sawnee Mountain in search of lost Cherokee treasure. But some secrets are buried deep for a reason, and they soon discover that the ancient mountain haunts don't take kindly to intruders.

In this episode, we explore the chilling legend of Chief Sawnee's Gold. While the story is a "creature feature" fiction, Sawnee Mountain is a real-life landmark in Forsyth County, Georgia, with a deep history tied to the Georgia Gold Rush and the Cherokee people.

Additional reading:

https://www.themoonlitroad.com/chief-sawnees-gold-sawnee-mountain-georgia/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Chief Sawnee's Gold" was written by Craig Dominey and Lanny Gilbert

Storyteller: Lanny Gilbert

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#ChiefSawneesGold #GeorgiaGhostStories #AppalachianFolklore #SawneeMountain #CursedTreasure #SouthernLegends #TheMoonlitRoad #CherokeeLore

Patin's Punkin Patch: A Cajun Halloween Ghost Story

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0000

On a misty Halloween night in the Louisiana bayou, two boys decide to test their luck in a local pumpkin patch. They were looking for a thrill, but they found something much more sinister waiting among the vines. "Patin's Punkin Patch" is a spooky Cajun tale that proves some things are better left alone—especially when the sun goes down in the swamp.

Read the full story here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/patins-punkin-patch/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Patin's Punkin Patch" was written and told by Tom Coleman

#PatinsPunkinPatch #CajunFolklore #HauntedPumpkinPatch #LouisianaGhostStories #Taties #SouthernFolklore #HalloweenStories #TheMoonlitRoad

The Blue Girl of Poole's Mill Covered Bridge

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 23:30:00 +0000

For generations, visitors to Poole's Mill Covered Bridge in North Georgia have reported seeing a mysterious young girl wearing a blue dress. Some see her standing on the bridge; others see her reflected in the water below. In this episode, we explore the haunting tale of "The Blue Girl" and the history of the beautiful, historic bridge she calls home. Is she a memory of a lost era, or something more?

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Blue Girl" was written by Lanny Gilbert and Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Lanny Gilbert

Director: Craig Dominey

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

The Ghost of Alice Flagg of The Hermitage

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:47:00 +0000

In the salt-scented air of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, the ghost of Alice Flagg remains one of the South's most enduring and heartbreaking tragedies. Forbidden by her wealthy family from marrying the man she loved, Alice was forced to hide his token of devotion—a simple gold ring—on a ribbon around her neck. When tragedy struck, that ring was taken from her, leaving her spirit to wander eternally in search of the only thing that mattered. Join us as we explore the legend of The Hermitage and All Saints Cemetery, where a plain grave marker simply reading "ALICE" marks the spot of a haunting that has lasted for over a century.

Read the full story and see the photos of her grave here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/ghost-alice-flagg-pawleys-island-south-carolina/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Alice" was written by Cathy Kaemmerlen and Craig Dominey

Director: Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Cathy Kaemmerlen

Audio Production: Henry Howard

Photograhy: Jon Kownacki

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#AliceFlagg #PawleysIsland #SouthCarolinaGhostStories #LowcountryFolklore #HauntedPlaces #SouthernGothic #TragicRomance #TheMoonlitRoad

The Boo Hag: A Gullah-Geechee Witch Legend

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:40:00 +0000

In the coastal marshes of Georgia, the legend of the Boo Hag has kept children (and adults) awake for centuries. Unlike ghosts, Boo Hags are living entities that shed their skin to "ride" the breath out of their sleeping victims. Join us as we tell the story of a man who suspects his new bride is a creature of the night, and the desperate trap he sets to catch her skinless.

Read the full story: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-boo-hag/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Boo Hag" was written by Veronica Byrd and Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Veronica Byrd

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#TheBooHag #GullahGeechee #GeorgiaFolklore #SouthernWitchcraft #LowcountryLegends #GhostStories #AfricanAmericanFolklore #UrbanLegends #TheMoonlitRoad #GeorgiaCoast #WitchStories

Taily-Po: A Georgia Monster Legend

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Sun, 30 May 2010 12:28:00 +0000

Deep in the heart of the Georgia wilderness, an old woodsman lives a solitary life with only his dogs for company. But one night, a strange, shadowy creature creeps into his cabin, and a split-second decision leads to a night of terror. Taily-Po is a quintessential Southern monster story about a creature that refuses to be forgotten.

Read the full legend and see the North Georgia mountain archives here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/taily-po/

"Taily-Po" was written and told by Veronica Byrd

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#TailyPo #GeorgiaMonsterLegend #AppalachianFolklore #SouthernCreatureStories #ScaryStories #MonsterLegends #MountainFolklore #TheMoonlitRoad #GeorgiaHistory #Folktales

Lorenzo Dow's Georgia Curse

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:45:00 +0000

What happens when a whole town picks a fight with an eccentric man of God?

Lorenzo Dow was one of the most famous—and strange—figures of the American frontier. When he rode into Jacksonboro, Georgia, he expected a congregation; instead, he found a mob. This isn't a ghost story, but a legendary piece of Georgia history about the preacher who "shook the dust from his feet" and left a town to its fate.

Join us as we explore the rise and fall of Jacksonboro and the mysterious Dell-Goodall house that stands alone in the woods today.

Learn the True Story:

https://www.themoonlitroad.com/lorenzo-dows-georgia-curse/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Lorenzo Dow's Georgia Curse" was written and directed by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Lanny Gilbert

Audio Production: Henry Howard

Photography: Andy Young

#LorenzoDow #GeorgiaCurse #SouthernFolklore #HistoricalLegends #JacksonGeorgia #GhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad #GeorgiaHistory

The Gray Man of Pawley's Island

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:41:00 +0000

On the coast of South Carolina, the legend of the Gray Man is more than just a ghost story—it's a warning system. For over a century, locals have reported seeing a mysterious figure in gray clothing walking the dunes of Pawley's Island just before a major hurricane strikes. In this episode, we explore the tragic origin of the Gray Man and his enduring legacy as a guardian of the coast. Is he a spirit trapped by a broken heart, or a protector warning the living to seek higher ground?

Read the full legend: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/gray-man-ghost-pawleys-lsiand/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Gray Man" was written and directed by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Neville Carson

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#TheGrayMan #PawleysIsland #SouthCarolinaFolklore #HurricaneWarning #CoastalGhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad #SouthernLegends #HauntedBeaches

Stranger in the Church: An Alabama Ghost Story

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:18:00 +0000

Deep in the rural heart of Alabama, a tired traveler thinks he's found a safe haven in a small, remote church. But the sanctuary holds a secret far older and more dangerous than any sermon. Join us as we explore the "Stranger in the Church," a chilling tale of what happens when you disturb a congregation that was never meant to be seen by the living.

Read the full story here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/stranger-in-the-church/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Stranger in the Church" adapted from folklore and directed by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: John Gentile

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#StrangerInTheChurch #AlabamaGhostStories #SouthernFolklore #MentalHealthLegends #ForestHorror #AlabamaHistory #TheMoonlitRoad #CreepyChurch #SouthernGothic #UrbanLegends

A Christmas Haunting

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:08:00 +0000

In this special holiday episode, we step away from the shadows and into the warmth of a Christmas hearth. "A Christmas Haunting" is a heartwarming tale of a unique spirit who visits a man who has lost his way. It's a story about the enduring power of family, the importance of memory, and the magic that happens when we open our hearts to the holidays.

Read the full story and see the holiday archive here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/a-christmas-haunting/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"A Christmas Haunting" was written and directed by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Thomas E. Fuller

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#AChristmasHaunting #ChristmasGhostStory #SouthernChristmas #HolidayFolklore #VictorianGhostStory #GhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad #SouthernFolklore

The Promise: A Louisiana Ghost Story

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:39:00 +0000

Some secrets are buried, but some promises refuse to stay in the ground.

Growing up in the Louisiana bayou, two best friends swore they would always be there for each other, no matter what. It was a simple childhood vow—until one of them was taken by a sudden tragedy. But in the South, a promise is a powerful thing, and the veil between this world and the next is thinner than you think. Join us for "The Promise," a haunting tale of a spectral visitor who returns to ensure that a lifelong oath is finally honored.

Read the full story here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-promise/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"The Promise" was adapted from folklore and directed by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Kodac Harrison

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#ThePromise #LouisianaFolklore #GhostStories #TimeSlip #SouthernGothic #CajunLegends #SupernaturalPacts #TheMoonlitRoad

I Don't Feel Dead Yet!

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:22:00 +0000

In this hilarious and slightly spooky Louisiana tale, a poor widow finds herself in a bizarre predicament. Her husband has passed away, but he seems to have missed the memo. From sitting up in his casket to showing up for dinner, he's making it very hard for his wife to move on. Join us for "I Don't Feel Dead Yet!", a classic piece of African-American folklore that explores the funny side of the supernatural.

Teachers can download instructional materials based on this story and others on our Lesson Plans page.

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

Adapted from the African-American folktale "Dead Aaron." Collected by John Bennett from his book Doctor to the Dead, published by the University of South Carolina Press. Used with permission of the publisher.

Adaptation written by Craig Dominey and Veronica Byrd.

Storyteller: Veronica Byrd

Audio Production: Henry Howard

Episode image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

Skull Lake: An Alabama Monster Legend

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:23:00 +0000

Deep in the backwoods of Alabama lies Skull Lake, a body of water that the locals treat with a hushed reverence and a healthy dose of fear. It isn't just the name that keeps people away—it's the thing that lives in the depths. Join us as we uncover the bone-chilling legend of Skull Lake. We explore the story of a terrifying secret and the ancient creature that will do anything to keep it hidden.

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"Skull Lake" was written and directed by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: David Hirt

Sound Design: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

The Ghost of Fiddler's Rock

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:41:00 +0000

In the mountains of Northeast Tennessee, legends are as common as the morning mist. One of the most enduring is the tale of Fiddler's Rock. It's the story of a man, his beloved fiddle, and a deadly wager against a swarm of rattlesnakes. Join us as we journey to the high bluffs to hear the "Ghost of Fiddler's Rock," a haunting piece of Appalachian folklore about the music that never truly died. Discover more Tennessee legends at: TheMoonlitRoad.com

Read the full legend here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/ghost-fiddlers-rock-tennessee/

"The Ghost of Fiddler's Rock" was adapted from folklore by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Jim McAmis

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#TheGhostOfFiddlersRock #TennesseeGhostStories #AppalachianFolklore #FiddleLegends #SouthernGothic #MountainFolktales #TheMoonlitRoad #TennesseeHistory #GhostStories #MusicalFolklore

Sleepyhead: An Alabama Witch Legend

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 02:02:00 +0000

In this chilling Alabama ghost story, a widow exhausted from the toil of farm life decides she's had enough of sleepless nights. She turns to a local conjure woman for a solution, but the "Sleepyhead" spell she receives carries a terrifying side effect. Join us as we explore the dark side of Southern folk magic. This isn't just a story about a nap; it's a journey into a nightmare you can't wake up from.

Read the full story here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/sleepyhead/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

Teachers can download instructional materials based on this story and others on our Lesson Plans page.

"Sleepyhead" was written and directed by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Veronica Byrd

Audio Production: Henry Howard

Photo: Alabama River Swamp by Bill Sutton. Licensed under CC BY 2.0.

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#Sleepyhead #AlabamaGhostStories #WitchLegends #SouthernFolklore #BuriedAlive #ScaryStories #TheMoonlitRoad #AlabamaHistory #Folktales

A Mother's Love: An Appalachian Ghost Story

feedback@themoonlitroad.com (The Moonlit Road.com) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:35:00 +0000

Deep in the Appalachian Mountains, a young family struggles against a bitter winter. When tragedy strikes, a father is left to wonder how he will protect his child alone. But he soon discovers that he isn't as alone as he thinks. Join us for "A Mother's Love," a poignant and beautiful ghost story that explores the incredible power of a mother's devotion. It's a reminder that sometimes, the ones we lose never truly leave us.

Read the full story and access lesson plans here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/a-mothers-love/

FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com.

"A Mother's Love" was written and directed by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: Cathy Kaemmerlen

Music: Moira Nelligan

Photograph: Jon Kownacki

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

#AMothersLove #AppalachianGhostStories #KentuckyLegends #SouthernFolklore #GhostStories #MiracleStories #TheMoonlitRoad #MountainMyths