In the 1800s, the land now called “Granville Haunt Farm” was once part of a sprawling plantation. Owned by former Texas Governor Peter Hansbrough Bell, the farm was a bustling hub of activity. Present day residents now know this area as the community of “Belltown,” so named for it’s famous historical resident.
Governor Bell had made a name for himself in Texas before arriving in Granville County, having fought with Sam Houston and the Texas Rangers in the battle for Texas statehood. The people of Texas honored Bell by electing him their Governor. He later represented Texas in the US House of Representatives, where he met and later married the daughter of a wealthy North Carolina landowner.
The couple moved to their Granville County plantation shortly after, where they lived through the Civil War.
But the Civil War hit Gov. Bell’s finances hard, leaving him poor and destitute. By the end of the century, Governor Bell’s health had deteriorated and he passed away in 1898.
It has been said that Governor Bell’s personal tragedy continues to haunt the Belltown community to this day. In the late 1930s, many farms were lost during The Great Depression. Tobacco crops were ravaged by a disease that became known as “Granville Wilt.” When Interstate 85 was built, the superhighway split the community of Belltown in half, causing this once thriving community to further decline. The increased traffic on these highways led to more road fatalities, as well as increased roadkill of pets and livestock in the neighborhood. Several notable murders occurred in this community over the years.
To add insult to injury, the government even attempted to locate a hazardous waste incinerator there in the late 20th century. Though the incinerator was ultimately located elsewhere, some say illegal dumping still occurred here.
It is said that during the evenings of the fall harvest when the moon is low and the winds begin to howl, you can hear Governor Bell’s horse galloping through Belltown as his tormented soul continues to fight for the land he so cherished more than a century ago.
We here at Granville Haunt Farm encourage all who are brave enough to come visit us during this time and stroll these haunted grounds yourself…if you dare.
Open every Friday & Saturday in October and November 1. We open at sunset and the last ticket is sold at 10:30 pm on October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18 and 11:00 pm on October 24, 25, 31 and November 1.
We don't close until the last customer leaves.
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