In my time digging into Gwinnett, I have come across all kinds of stories. Few things in this county surprise a well-traveled bookworm like me, but every now and then I come across a story that can’t be explained by natural logic. This collection of stories from Gwinnett’s haunted locations still sends a shiver down my lack of spine to this very day.
Our first stop in this paraNORMal investigation is Sugar Hill, where the former Sugar Hill Distillery resided, home to more spirits than just vodka and gin. Located next to the Sugar Hill Historic Cemetery, the building has long been haunted by the ghost of a girl named Alice and has been the site of several paranormal investigations. Though the true identity of the Sugar Hill ghost remains a mystery.
Another site of interest to the paranormal community is Duluth’s Southeastern Railway Museum. The museum is home to the Washington Club car and is rumored to be haunted by a rather dashing ghost, who many claim takes the appearance of a well-dressed man in old-fashioned clothing. The thought of peering into this old train car and seeing a sharply-dressed specter makes all five of my hearts skip a beat! The Southeastern Railway Museum has another historic haunted train car called the Superb. This car was the sleeper car of Warren G. Harding, the 29th president of the United States. When he passed away in 1923, this car was used to transport his body from San Francisco to Washington. Does the Superb still carry the spirit of President Harding? I squirm at the thought.
Lawrenceville, which is the oldest city in Gwinnett, has a rich history of paranormal activity and historic hauntings. The town is known for being the home of the Aurora Theatre’s Lawrenceville Ghost Tours. If you’re an amateur ghost hunter, taking the Ghost Tours is a great way to learn about the many spooky stories surrounding this historic town. Available in the fall, the tour also allows guests to enter a historic jail, getting a first-person experience with the spirits lurking within.
Despite the county’s warm and inviting atmosphere, many unexplainable stories lie just beneath the surface. You may find yourself fixating on every shadow that appears in the corner of your vision and every creaking sound that echoes through an empty building. Gwinnett is a treasure trove of hidden hauntings, so grab a flashlight and explore!