Investigation Site Bell Witch Cave Tour Adams, Tennessee Site History The haunting began in 1817 when the Bell family began experiencing strange phenomena in their home. First, the house was plagued with knocking and rapping noises and scratching sounds. Blankets were pulled from beds, family members were kicked and scratched and their hair pulled. Particularly tormented was young Elizabeth Bell, who was slapped, pinched, bruised and stuck with pins. At first, John Bell was determined to keep the events secret, but soon confided in a friend, who then formed an investigative committee. John Bell's friends soon learned that the strange force in the house had an eerie intelligence. It soon found a voice and from that day on was seldom silent.
whom John had experienced bad business dealings over some purchased slaves. "Kate" as the local people began calling the spirit, made daily appearances in the Bell home, wreaking havoc on everyone there. People all over the area of soon learned of the witch and she made appearances, in sounds and voices, all over Robertson County. The ghost became so famous that even General Andrew Jackson decided to visit. He too experienced the antics of the witch and his carriage wheels refused to turn until the witch decided to let them. John Bell fell victim to bouts of strange illness, for which Kate claimed responsibility. While he was sick in bed, the spirit cursed and prodded him, never allowing him to rest. One day, he went to bed and never recovered. He was found senseless in his bed one morning and a strange bottle was found nearby. Bell's breath smelled of the black liquid in the bottle, so a drop of it was placed on the tongue of a cat and the animal dropped dead. John Bell soon followed suit and Kate screamed in triumph. She even made her presence known at his funeral, laughing, cursing and singing as the poor man was buried. Kate didn't vanish immediately after the death of her proclaimed enemy, though. She stayed around, threatening Betsy Bell to not marry the man that she truly loved, Joshua Gardner. The witch would never say why, but she did allow the girl to later marry the local schoolteacher, Richard Powell. Kate soon left the family but promised to return in seven years. She did come back and plagued the family again for two weeks. She soon departed but many believe that she may not have gone far. Many people believe that when the spirit of the witch departed from the torment of the Bell family, she went to reside in the cave. Eyewitness Reports of Paranormal Activity Hearing footsteps & voices, being pushed, and seeing an apparition of a woman. Investigator's Present Leilani, Kristen Also Present Tour Group and two members from The Alabama Paranormal Society (TNAPS) Meetup (Jennifer and Jason) Investigation Duration Start time: 6:00pm End time: 10:30pm Equipment Used Sony Digital Camera DSLR-A100 10.2 megapixel, Sony DSC-H3 Cybershot 7.2 megapixel Nightshot digital camera, Sony IR Nightshot Video Camcorder HI8, Sony digital recorder ICD-P320. INVESTIGATION REPORT: Photo Nothing was captured in photos
The running water in the cave made it difficult to do an EVP session
Did not capture anything on video
N/A INVESTIGATION RESULTS: Manipulation of Equipment and/or Objects We did not experience anything paranormal.. Team Member Sensations and Impressions None Investigation Conclusion The Bell Witch Cave tour is an interesting place to visit, but neither of us experienced any paranormal activity. |
| Case #08-014 Investigation Date: 05/31/08 |
| Investigation Report |
| Cave Entrance |
| Rock formation of a Witch |
| Skull Rock |
| The Bell Monument |
| Native American's grave |
| Cave Entry Way |
Click on pictures to enlarge
| Photos |
