Gracie Watson was born on April 8, 1883 in Savannah Georgia, to parents, W.J. and Frances Watson. Gracie’s dad, Mr. Watson, was a hotel manager in the historical district of Savannah. Little Gracie would go to the hotel with her dad during some work days and as any child would do, she played in the hallways and spoke to every guest. She was filled with so much life that her laughter could be heard throughout the hotel. Repeat hotel visitors looked forward to greeting Little Gracie. Enjoyed by everyone Little Gracie had become a staple around the hotel.
The world inside that downtown hotel shattered on October 14, 1889. Little Gracie, at 6 years old, had passed away from pneumonia. Currently in 2026, pneumonia is curable with a dose of antibiotics. It was different in the 1800’s. The medical knowledge and medications did not exist like it does today. Not only did her parents grieve their child’s loss, but everyone that had met Little Gracie was heartbroken.
In an attempt to cope with their loss, Little Gracie’s parents had a statue made that was life like in size and in her features. That statue was placed over her burial site in Bonaventure Cemetery located in Savannah, Georgia.
Today people from all over come to visit Little Gracie’s gravesite. They leave toys, some leave flowers, while others leave trinkets for her. Some people have said that the items left behind for Gracie move around. They believe Little Gracie is playing with the items that were left behind. They say that her statue also changes facial expressions, and the sound of a girl’s laughter can be heard by people walking by her burial site. Some have even seen a little girl in a white dress, running around, only to disappear.
Are you brave enough to visit Little Gracie after dark? If your not scared she’s located in Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah Georgia. I dare you to visit after the sun goes down.
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The facts for this story were gathered during years of going to museums, getting on tour buses, and talking to seasoned locals about Savannah’s history. Details on dates and other facts were gathered from:
Maltenfort, Lee. Little Gracie Watson. April 12, 2016. http://www.bonaventurehistorical.org.
