The Bell Witch haunting is the name given to a series of disturbing and allegedly inexplicable, real events associated with the family of Adams Station, Tennessee (located in Robertson County) settler John Bell, between 1817 and 1821.

Many of the events associated with and phenomena attributed to The Bell Witch were allegedly witnessed and documented by hundreds of people (among them future President of the United States Andrew Jackson), and the episode represents one of the most famous instances of a haunting in history. It is thought to have strongly influenced the creators of the fictional film The Blair Witch Project.

The Bell Witch is claimed to be the spirit of Kate Batts, an old neighbor of John Bell who believed she was cheated by him in a land purchase. She swore on her deathbed to get even and after she died, the haunting began. She reportedly tormented some of the family, especially John and his youngest daughter Betsy, while being indifferent to others and even kind to Mrs. Bell.

The Bell Witch also stopped Betsy from marrying a neighbor boy named Joshua Gardner, but for reasons unknown, allowed her to marry her schoolteacher Richard Powell. This leads some to claim that perhaps the haunting events were a hoax perpetrated by Powell.

The death of John Bell, on December 20 1820, is claimed to have been caused by The Bell Witch. She replaced his medicine with poison and gave him a dose of it as he slept. At his funeral, the Witch is said to have sang loudly and joyously.

Some claim that The Bell Witch still haunts the area on the property once owned by the Bell's. On that land is a cave, which has since become known as The Bell Witch Cave, and some people claim that paranormal activity takes place in it.

External links

• The Bell Witch - Site owned by researcher Pat Fitzhugh.
• The Bell Witch of Tennessee
• Bell Witch the Movie - A fictionalised account of the Bell Witch legend.
• Prairie Ghosts - The Bell Witch
• The Bell Witch Project - An investigation by the Middle Tennessee Skeptics.