The Ghosts of Pawleys Island

Pawleys Island, one of the oldest summer resorts on the East Coast, is said to be one of the most haunted places in South Carolina. Its ghosts include the benevolent Grey Man who warns of hurricanes.

The Grey Man

The Grey Man appears before major hurricanes, warning residents to evacuate. Those who see him and heed the warning find their homes spared. He is said to be a young man who died rushing to see his fiancée. His ghost protects the island he loved.

The Pelican Inn

This historic bed and breakfast is haunted by multiple spirits. Guests report footsteps, cold spots, and apparitions in period dress. The ghosts seem to be former residents who return to the place they vacationed.

The Hammock Shop

Alice Flagg, a young woman who died of illness after her family destroyed a love affair, haunts the area. Her grave is visited by those who leave tribute. Her ghost is seen walking the roads in a white dress.

The Atmosphere

The island’s live oaks draped with Spanish moss create an atmosphere conducive to hauntings. The sense of the past is palpable. The dead feel close.

Assessment

Pawleys Island embraces its ghosts, particularly the helpful Grey Man. The island’s history and atmosphere have created concentrated hauntings that visitors feel immediately.