Lake Shawnee

History

The Native American Shawnee Tribe has a history dating back 2000 years on the land. In 1775, the family of Mitchell Clay settled in the area and built their homestead. The Shawnee Tribe was territorial and did not want the English settlers close to their sacred burial grounds. Three of the Clay family's children were doing chores on the property when the Shawnee Tribe murdered two of them and took the third as a hostage. The third child was later burned at the stake by the tribe.

In 1929, the land was turned into an amusement park. In the 1950s, several deaths occurred at the park. A young girl lost her life while on the swing ride when a delivery truck backed into her seat, killing her instantly. Another death occurred when a young boy drowned in the swimming pool after his arm got stuck in a drain pipe. The park closed in 1966.

In the 1980s, the park opened its doors once again. Due to financial struggles, it eventually closed. Some people believe that the land is cursed.

Spirits of Hales Bar Dam

Spectators have reported seeing the apparition of a little girl near the swing set, accompanied by soft, childlike giggles. Visitors often bring gifts such as dolls and toys, leaving them by the swing for the girl.

The spirit of the boy who drowned in the lake has also been seen throughout the park.

Some believe that the spirits of the Clay family linger as well, along with a protective Native American spirit guarding the land.

TPRG Ghost hunt

In November 2019, the Tuscaloosa Paranormal Research Group traveled to West Virginia to visit Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park. The park, overgrown and eerie, was a haunting sight. We were in awe of its ominous atmosphere as we braved the cold for an all-night investigation.