Did a lightning strike trap a man’s face—and spirit—inside a courthouse window forever? The haunted Pickens County Courthouse in Carrollton, Alabama, carries a ghostly legend tied to injustice, betrayal, and a single spectral image that refuses to fade. Built in 1877, this historic courthouse has drawn curious visitors and ghost hunters alike, all eager to catch a glimpse of Henry Wells’ face, still said to linger in the windowpane. If you’re fascinated by lingering legends and eerie history, this courthouse calls to you.
Ghost Stories of the Haunted Pickens County Courthouse
Pickens County Courthouse has been the focus of chilling tales for over a century. Here are some of its most famous hauntings:
- The Face in the Window: During a violent storm, Henry Wells—an African American man accused of arson—proclaimed his innocence while hiding in the courthouse attic. A lightning strike allegedly captured his anguished face in a windowpane, where it remains visible today.
- Phantom Footsteps: Staff and visitors report hearing footsteps echoing through empty hallways, particularly near the old attic space where Wells once hid.
- Unexplained Voices: Soft murmurs and whispers have been heard when no one else is around, fueling the belief that Wells’ spirit never found peace.
- Cold Spots: Sudden drops in temperature are frequently reported on the courthouse’s upper floors, especially near the infamous window.
The courthouse’s eerie legend has been covered on paranormal TV shows like Scariest Places on Earth and Mysteries at the Museum, and discussed in ghost tour circuits throughout Alabama. It remains one of the state’s most talked-about ghost stories, a chilling blend of tragedy and folklore.
A Historic Legacy in Carrollton
Constructed in 1877 after the original courthouse was burned down during Reconstruction, the Pickens County Courthouse has stood as both a center of justice and a monument to haunted legend. Architectural features like arched windows, towering brick walls, and heavy wooden doors add to its atmospheric weight.
The face-in-the-window story remains at the heart of its fame, capturing the imagination of historians, ghost hunters, and skeptics alike. Whether fact, folklore, or something in between, the courthouse holds its secrets tightly—daring you to look closer.
Visiting Tips for a Ghostly Adventure
Ready to explore the haunted Pickens County Courthouse? Here’s how to plan your visit:
Plan Your Visit: The courthouse remains an active government building but is accessible to the public during business hours. Viewing the famous “face in the window” from outside is encouraged. For historical tours or local ghost stories, visit the Pickens County Historical Society’s website or call ahead.
Details about hours, access, and events are accurate at the time of writing. Please check the location’s official website for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.
Spooky Spots to Discover:
- The Attic Window: Stand outside and look carefully—you might just glimpse the ghostly image of Henry Wells.
- Courtroom Hallways: Witnesses often report hearing unexplained footsteps echoing here.
- Historic Staircase: Visitors sometimes feel cold drafts along the stairs without any source.
- Original Jail Cells: Though limited, some ghost tours reference the small cell spaces connected to courthouse history.
Dare to Explore the Haunted Pickens County Courthouse?
The Pickens County Courthouse is more than a relic of Alabama’s Reconstruction era—it’s a monument to one of the South’s most persistent ghost stories. Whether you visit to view the historic architecture or hope to spot the famous face, Carrollton offers a chilling glimpse into folklore and mystery.
