On the campus of the University of Montevallo in Shelby County, Alabama, stands one of the school’s oldest and most iconic buildings—the Edmund King House. Built in 1823, this white, two-story brick home has seen almost two centuries of history. Today, it serves not just as a reminder of the early days of the region, but also as the centerpiece of one of the university’s most enduring ghost stories.
A House with a Long History
The house was built by Edmund King, a wealthy settler and businessman, using enslaved labor. King became one of the area’s most prominent landowners, and his home was considered one of the grandest in the region. Through the decades, the house has been used as faculty housing, classrooms, offices, and even a guest house. But alongside its historical significance, the home has also gained a reputation for being haunted.
The Legend of Edmund King’s Ghost
According to local folklore, Edmund King never truly left his estate. Students and staff at Montevallo have told countless stories of his ghost still wandering the grounds, most often described as carrying a lantern or shovel. The tale goes that King buried gold somewhere on his property during his lifetime, and his spirit continues to search for it even in death.
Other eerie experiences have been reported:
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Strange movements in windows: Curtains shifting as if someone were inside when the building was empty.
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Phantom footsteps: Students claim to hear walking in the upstairs rooms.
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Mysterious lights: Faint glowing orbs have been spotted near the old family cemetery.
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Sudden silence: Strange noises in King’s former bedroom reportedly stop when a person touches the door, as if the ghost is aware of being noticed.
Campus Ghost Tours and Oral Tradition
The King House has become a staple of University of Montevallo ghost tours. For generations, stories of “hants” (an old Southern word for ghosts) have been passed down by locals, students, and even the descendants of enslaved people once connected to the property. These oral traditions have helped keep the supernatural lore alive, making the King House one of Alabama’s most talked-about haunted campus sites.
Paranormal Investigation
The stories attracted professional ghost hunters as well. On October 31, 2006, the Gulf States Paranormal Society conducted an investigation of the house. Using infrared cameras, EMF detectors, voice recorders, and even “trigger objects” (coins and jewelry placed on King’s desk), they searched for evidence of paranormal activity tied to the buried-gold legend. While the investigation did not prove the existence of ghosts, it added fuel to the belief that something strange lingers within the walls of the old home.
History Meets Folklore
Whether Edmund King’s ghost truly stalks the halls or not, the stories surrounding the house tie history and legend together. The building represents the early plantation era of Alabama, the harsh realities of slavery, and the changes brought by a growing university. The supernatural tales layered on top of this history create a blend of fact and folklore that continues to fascinate students, faculty, and visitors alike.
Is the King House Haunted?
The question remains unanswered. Some believe the sightings are the product of overactive imaginations or the creaks of an old house. Others are convinced that Edmund King has never left, still pacing his property in search of treasure. Either way, the Edmund King House has earned its place as one of Alabama’s most legendary haunted campus buildings—where the line between history and ghost story blurs.
