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Address:
University of Montevallo
720 Oak Street
Montevallo, Alabama 35115
(205) 665-6000
Website
The sprawling 160 acres that now house the University of Montevallo carry a rich tapestry of history and spectral tales that weave through the epochs.
In the 1700s and 1800s, the land was occupied by Native Americans, creating an ancient connection to the region. The 1820s marked the arrival of Edmond King, a wealthy individual who peacefully coexisted with the indigenous population. King, in his affluence, constructed an opulent abode atop a hill, initially named "Mansion House" but later known as "The King House," becoming one of Alabama's most illustrious residences.
As time unfolded, the Civil War era ushered in new chapters for the land. The Confederate Army utilized the area, reportedly constructing underground tunnels for strategic movements. Reynolds Hall, once an ordinary structure, transformed into a hospital during these tumultuous times. It is here that a dark chapter unfolded, as General Sherman ordered the massacre of sick and wounded soldiers before departing the town.
Legend has it that the victims found their final resting place in the King's Cemetery, situated on the present University of Montevallo campus. In 1896, the buildings, including the hospital, were repurposed as the Alabama Girls' Industrial School, later evolving into the Alabama Girls' Technical Institute, a trailblazer in granting degrees for women.
Within this historical backdrop, tragedy struck in 1908 when Condie Cunningham, a young student, perished in a fire while attempting to make hot chocolate. The institution evolved over the years, admitting male students in 1956 and eventually becoming the University we know today by 1969.
Amidst the historical edifices, spectral tales abound. The King House is said to be haunted by the spirit of Edmond King, who allegedly buried his wealth under a tree to thwart Union Army looting. Witnesses claim to have seen his apparition with a lantern and shovel, or peering through windows, possibly counting his hidden treasure.
Reynolds Hall, once a hospital during the Civil War, is haunted by the spirit of Captain Henry Clay Reynolds. The Captain, tasked with protecting the hospital, is believed to roam the halls, with students reporting sightings and eerie feelings. Strange occurrences, such as doors and windows opening on their own and fluctuations in temperature, add to the ghostly atmosphere.
Old Main Hall bears the phantom presence of Condie Cunningham, who tragically lost her life in a dormitory fire. Witnesses have recounted seeing her apparition running down hallways in flames or hearing her screams echoing through the building. Palmer Hall is haunted by W.H. Trumbauer, a former designer passionate about the college's theatrical arts. His spectral presence is said to manifest during dress rehearsals, offering opinions on performances.
Lastly, Hanson Hall is watched over by a former house mother, with students attesting to a ghostly presence during late-night study sessions. Complaints of feeling observed and an unexplained sense of another's company add an ethereal dimension to this campus lore, weaving together the history and hauntings that echo through the halls of the University of Montevallo.