Little Gracie Watson

Perhaps the most endearing of all ghost stories in Savannah Georgia is that of little Gracie Watson. An ambassador to Savannah both in life and from beyond the grave, Gracie has won the affection of countless visitors with her undying charm.

Born in 1883, Gracie was the beloved only child of W.J. and Frances Watson of Boston Massachusetts. Gracie's parents had moved to Savannah where the Watson's took over management of the posh Pulaski Hotel on Johnson Square. The hotel would be the only home little Gracie ever new.

As northerners trying to fit into an exclusive southern community, Frances Watson sought membership amongst Savannah's elite. Not readily accepted in the tight circles of deep-south society, Mrs. Watson would use her husband's influence as Pulaski Hotel manager to their benefit. Savannah high-society would be courted by the Watson's at the Pulaski Hotel, a fitting setting for Savannah's upper echelon. But the grace of this elegant hotel would soon be overshadowed by the charm of a bright-eyed little girl named Gracie.

Visitors to the Pulaski Hotel would be greeted by a bubbly little girl who was quite the hostess. Always present at parties, Gracie would entertain guests and local visitors alike. Mrs. Watson's quest to fit into Savannah society had been sealed. Savannah was rapidly falling in love with little Gracie Watson. No one could predict that the warmth of her presence at the Pulaski Hotel would be short lived.

Too everyone's dismay, Gracie would succumb to pneumonia. Dying just two days before Easter 1889, at the age of six, the city of Savannah mourned the loss of young Gracie Watson. She was buried in the family plot in Bonaventure Cemetery. Gracie's father would sink into a deep depression. He would leave the Pulaski Hotel for employment at Savannah's new luxury hotel, the Desoto on Madison Square. This employment would be brief as he would soon move with his wife back to Boston leaving Gracie interred alone in Bonaventure. The Watsons would not leave Savannah, however, before commissioning the services of rising Savannah sculptor John Walz. From a photograph Walz would sculpt a life-size statue of Gracie out of Georgia marble. Posed gracefully, this image of Gracie Watson has captivated visitors to Bonaventure for over a century. Her grave site had become so popular that the cemetery erected an iron fence around it in an attempt to protect the legendary statue.

It is said that Gracie still greets visitors to Savannah. The spirit of a little girl dressed in late 19th century clothing has been spotted playing in Johnson Square, particularly around a bronze sundial. Patrons at a bank that now occupies the spot on what used to be the Pulaski Hotel have heard the sound of a little girl's laughter. Gracie has also been spotted in Bonaventure cemetery in the late afternoon playing amongst the graves of other children. Still captivated by her charm and gracious hospitality, visitors will leave tokens such as crayons and coins at her grave site. Gracie Watson, Savannah's little ambassador, is certain to enjoy the attention.