Tennessee Ranks Highest in Ghost Belief in the U.S.

Chattanooga, Tennessee, October 13, 2025

News Summary

A recent national survey shows that 79% of Tennessee residents believe in ghosts, the highest percentage in the nation. The survey, conducted by Mad City Windows, revealed that many Tennesseans have personal experiences with the paranormal. Local ghost tour operator Amy Petulla expressed her surprise at the results while highlighting the rich history and ghost stories that contribute to the state’s fascination with the supernatural. Ghost encounters and historical hauntings have made Tennessee a focal point for ghost enthusiasts.

Chattanooga, Tennessee – A national survey has revealed that Tennessee has the highest percentage of ghost believers in the United States, with a remarkable 79% of residents claiming to believe in ghosts. This survey, conducted by Wisconsin-based Mad City Windows, involved 2,400 participants across the country.

In stark contrast, neighboring Georgia demonstrates one of the lowest belief rates in ghosts, with only 53% of its residents affirming their belief. Among the Tennessee residents who participated in the survey, 42% reported having personally encountered a ghost, indicating a strong personal connection to the paranormal.

The survey also highlighted that 64% of respondents from Tennessee expressed that they would choose to leave a house if they believed it was haunted. This widespread belief in ghosts may be fueled by Tennessee’s rich history and numerous ghost stories that have captured the imagination of its residents.

Local entrepreneur and ghost tour operator Amy Petulla has expressed surprise at the high percentage of ghost believers in her state. Her business, Chattanooga Ghost Tours, offers ghost-themed walking tours and ghost hunts, attracting approximately 5,000 customers annually. Petulla’s journey into ghost investigation began in 2007, aimed at gathering enough tales to enrich her tours.

Some well-documented ghost stories from Chattanooga include the legend of Annalisa Netherly, who was allegedly murdered in the Read House in 1927, and a “suicide bride” named Anna, who has become a central figure in local ghost hunts. Petulla notes that many individuals seem to act as “ghost magnets,” often attracting spirits, particularly after undergoing near-death experiences.

During ghost hunts, participants are advised against mocking spirits, as some have reported experiencing physical reactions after doing so. Among the spirits encountered in Chattanooga is a former train porter at the Chalet Hotel, known for moving luggage. Visitors to Ruby Falls have also reported encounters with paranormal activity, including hearing children’s laughter and experiencing other unexplained phenomena.

The Hunter Museum of American Art is rumored to be haunted by the spirit of Augusta Hoffman, who was killed by her relatives. The Chickamauga Battlefield is believed to be the site of lingering spirits of soldiers and a woman searching for her fiancé. Furthermore, Hale’s Bar Dam is associated with a Native American curse and numerous fatalities during its construction, leading to tales of spirits haunting the area.

The Shops of 1910 in Chickamauga have undergone various paranormal investigations, revealing the presence of children, Civil War soldiers, and other spirits. Additionally, a historical marker in South Pittsburg commemorates a gunfight on Christmas night in 1927, which resulted in the deaths of six officers, with reports of ghostly gunfire in the vicinity.

With great enthusiasm, Petulla has begun writing another book exploring haunted locations in Chattanooga, which will include stories such as that of Rachel, a ghost believed to be searching for her lost child. The ongoing fascination with ghosts in Tennessee indicates a deep-rooted cultural connection to the paranormal.