Tucked away beneath the moss-draped oaks of Southport, North Carolina, the Old Smithville Burying Ground is one of the state’s oldest and most storied cemeteries. Dating back before the American Revolution, this graveyard is the final resting place of colonial soldiers, early settlers, governors, generals, and countless families who helped shape the region. But alongside its history, it carries with it a chilling legend—one that has earned it a reputation as one of the most haunted cemeteries in the Carolinas.
A Ghostly Song in the Night
The most famous spirit said to linger here is Tony Caseletta, an Italian immigrant and musician who met an untimely fate in 1882. When the ship he was aboard sank, Tony became its only casualty. His body was laid to rest in the Old Smithville Burying Ground, but many believe his spirit never truly left.
Locals and visitors alike claim to have seen Tony wandering among the tombstones, and even more eerily—some say they’ve heard him singing. His ghost has become so well known that he’s often referred to simply as “Tony the Singing Ghost.” The sound of his voice drifting through the cemetery at night has left more than a few visitors chilled to the bone.
History and Heartbreak
While the ghost of Tony Caseletta takes center stage in Southport’s ghostly folklore, the cemetery itself is a place of deep emotion. Walking among its weathered stones, you’ll find the names of governors like Benjamin Smith and generals like Robert Howe—testaments to the weight of history here.
But perhaps the most heartbreaking feature is the number of children’s graves, many marked with short epitaphs of love and sorrow. These stones remind us of the fragility of life in centuries past, adding another layer of poignancy to this already atmospheric ground.
Haunted Legacy
Daytime visitors describe the Old Smithville Burying Ground as quiet and peaceful, even beautiful in its stillness. At night, however, the cemetery transforms. Shadows stretch long, the Spanish moss stirs in the wind, and the air feels charged with an otherworldly presence. It’s no wonder the site is a popular stop on Southport’s ghost tours, where guides recount Tony’s tale and share eerie experiences tied to the graveyard.
Final Thoughts
Whether you come seeking history, mystery, or a brush with the supernatural, the Old Smithville Burying Ground offers it all. It’s a place where stories linger as strongly as the spirits said to haunt it. And if you visit at dusk, keep your ears open—you may just hear Tony’s ghostly song carried on the coastal breeze.
