Southern Shadows Inc.

Step into the haunted heart of Chickamauga with Southern Shadows Haunted History Tours, where the stories of 1863 meet the legends of the Appalachian foothills. Founded by historian and author Courtney McInvale, Southern Shadows blends meticulously researched history with living folklore and ethical, hands-on paranormal investigation to reveal the deeper character of this remarkable Georgia town.

The Haunted Heart of Chickamauga
Our signature walking tour follows shadowed streets and historic corners shaped by the Battle of Chickamauga—one of the Civil War’s most consequential clashes. In September 1863, two days of ferocious combat left more than 34,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing, permanently altering families, communities, and the course of the war. That magnitude of loss is still palpable; visitors often remark on the powerful energy that hangs over the fields, springs, rails, and brick-lined lanes. Along the way, you’ll hear gripping accounts of soldiers and townspeople, battlefield medicine and recovery, and the ways Chickamauga rebuilt—stories that anchor our tours in the heart of 1863 and its lasting impact.

Layers of History—Told in Full
Chickamauga’s past reaches far beyond the battlefield. We honor the Cherokee presence and the region’s Trail of Tears roots, sharing place-based traditions, sacred waters like Crawfish Springs, and enduring stories passed down through generations. We also illuminate African American history, from emancipation and Reconstruction to church communities, entrepreneurs, educators, and the everyday lives built in the shadow—and opportunity—of the rails and mills. These narratives are integral to the town’s identity and to our tours.

Appalachian Legends & Cryptids
This is the foothills, where misty ridgelines breed mystery. Expect lore of strange lights and uncanny guardians, whispered tales of the moon-eyed people, and cryptid stories—including the area’s famed “Green Eyes” legend—woven alongside first-hand accounts and local tradition. Folklore here isn’t a sideshow; it’s part of how Chickamauga remembers.

Interactive Ghost Hunting
Every tour invites guests to participate in respectful, hands-on investigation using real tools (EMF meters, spirit boxes, and more). Our guides demonstrate ethical methods rooted in historical context so that any potential encounter honors the people and places connected to it. The result is a memorable blend of scholarship and spine-tingling discovery.

Rails, Hospitals, and the Town That Grew
Chickamauga’s story is inseparable from the railroad. The arrival of the rails connected farms and mills to the wider South, carried soldiers and supplies, and transformed downtown into a hub of trade and travel. We trace that heritage on tour and in programs that link depot, spur, and street to the legends they inspired. We also explore the era of Camp Thomas during the Spanish–American War, when the town saw major medical installations—Leiter Hospital and Sternberg Hospital—whose histories, recoveries, and remembered hardships shaped local lore and lend their own mysteries to the landscape.

Ghosts by the Tracks (for Chickamauga Turn passengers)
Launching soon, Ghosts by the Tracks is a special experience designed for travelers aboard the Chickamauga Turn. This program pairs railroad history with place-based storytelling—think depot legends, spectral sightings along the right-of-way, and the very human tales of porters, nurses, and families whose lives were tied to the rails.

The Southern Shadows Store & Research Library
Our downtown hub features a curated shop of history and paranormal titles (including McInvale’s Civil War Ghosts of Georgia), distinctive souvenirs, and Southern Shadows apparel. New in 2025, guests can unwind in the Southern Shadows Research Library, a relaxing space devoted to Civil War history, regional folklore, and local hauntings—perfect for deepening your exploration before or after a tour.

More Ways to Explore
• Scavenger Hunts: Family-friendly, puzzle-driven routes through landmark sites.
• Paranormal Investigations: Extended, equipment-guided sessions at historic locations.
• Seasonal Events: From Civil War anniversaries to cryptid nights, there’s always a reason to return.

Why Southern Shadows
Authentic, research-based storytelling; an emphasis on the Battle of Chickamauga and its enduring impact; full inclusion of Cherokee and African American histories; the mysteries and cryptids of the Appalachians; immersive railroad heritage; and ethically led ghost hunting—all anchored by a welcoming store and research library.

Discover Chickamauga the way locals tell it: through courage and loss, rebuilding and remembrance, rail whistles and river light—history and legend intertwined. Walk with Southern Shadows, and feel the energy of a town where the past still speaks.