18: The Bell Witch

In this episode, we explore the chilling legend of the Bell Witch, one of America’s most famous haunts. It began in 1817 on the farm of John Bell Sr. in Adams, Tennessee. What started as strange noises and unexplained disturbances soon escalated into violent encounters, disembodied voices, and a spirit known as “Kate” that allegedly targeted the Bell family — especially Betsy Bell. We examine the most famous claims, including physical attacks, the death of John Bell, and even a rumored visit from Andrew Jackson, all while looking at what is documented and what might be legend.

References:

1. Wikipedia – Bell Witch
2. Tennessee Encyclopedia – “Bell Witch”
3. The Bell Witch Site – “Story of a Classic American Haunting”
4. Tennessee State Library & Archives – “Tennessee Myths and Legends (Bell Witch)”
5. Bell Witch: The Truth Exposed by Camille Moffitt
6. The Bell Witch - Brett Monahan