Unitarian Churchyard of Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Cemetery · local-legend
The Story
Charleston’s vine-covered Unitarian churchyard is linked to a grieving figure in white and an especially poetic ghost-story tradition.
The Hauntings
The best-known churchyard story features a Lady in White sometimes identified with “Annabel Lee,” a name made famous by Edgar Allan Poe’s poem. This association belongs to folklore and literary interpretation rather than an established identification of a buried woman. Another account concerns Mary Bloomfield, said to wander the graves searching for a husband who went away and did not return. Both stories have become part of the churchyard’s reputation, tucked behind the city’s historic streets.
The History
The churchyard dates to the eighteenth century and its naturalistic garden style leaves older memorials amid thick growth.
A sense of place.
Visitor Experiences
Have you experienced something here?
This future chapter will bring together stories from the PHASM community. An unexpected encounter, a lingering feeling, or a quiet visit—your experience will be welcome.
Submissions are not open yet.
Sources & further reading.
Plan Your Visit
The Unitarian Church in Charleston lists public churchyard hours Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 4 Archdale Street. It remains an active religious site; respect gates, worship activities and burial memorials.