Enter the birthplace of Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low, where her pioneering spirit continues to inspire young visitors and her family's presence creates a uniquely positive haunting.
A House of Inspiration and Legacy
The Juliette Gordon Low House stands as both a monument to one of America's most influential women and a beacon of positive spiritual energy in Savannah's Historic District. This elegant Regency-style mansion was the birthplace and childhood home of Juliette 'Daisy' Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA. Unlike many of Savannah's haunted houses filled with tragedy and sorrow, the Gordon Low House radiates warmth, inspiration, and the continuing presence of a woman whose life's work empowered millions of girls. The spirits here are not trapped by tragedy but remain by choice, continuing their mission of education and encouragement from beyond the grave.
Fast Facts
- •Birthplace of Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low (1860)
- •Built in 1821 for James Moore Wayne; sold to William Washington Gordon about a decade later
- •Owned and operated by Girl Scouts of the USA
- •Features Juliette's benevolent spirit inspiring young visitors
- •Known for positive, educational paranormal experiences
From Southern Belle to Global Pioneer
The Gordon Family Legacy
Built in 1821 for politician James Moore Wayne, this mansion was sold about a decade later to William Washington Gordon, Juliette's grandfather, and became home to one of Savannah's most prominent families. The Gordon family were leaders in business, politics, and society, with their home serving as a center of intellectual and cultural life. The family's emphasis on education, service, and social progress would profoundly influence young Juliette's worldview.
Daisy's Formative Years
Juliette 'Daisy' Gordon was born in this house on October 31, 1860, during a time when opportunities for women were severely limited. Despite the constraints of her era, her family encouraged her creativity, independence, and desire to help others. The house witnessed her transformation from a spirited Southern belle into a pioneering advocate for girls' education and empowerment.
The Birth of Girl Scouting
After meeting Boy Scout founder Robert Baden-Powell in England, Juliette returned to Savannah with a revolutionary idea. On March 12, 1912, she gathered 18 girls in Savannah and formed the first Girl Scout troop. That meeting would eventually grow into a global movement that has empowered over 50 million girls worldwide.
A Legacy Preserved
When Juliette died in 1927, she was buried in her Girl Scout uniform, a testament to her dedication to the cause. The house became a shrine to her memory and a pilgrimage site for Girl Scouts worldwide. Her spirit, along with supportive family members, seems to have remained to continue inspiring the young women who visit their historic home.
The Inspiring Spirits
Juliette 'Daisy' Gordon Low - The Eternal Mentor
Juliette's spirit manifests most strongly during Girl Scout visits and activities. She appears as a vibrant woman in period dress, often wearing her Girl Scout pins and badges. Young visitors report feeling a warm, encouraging presence during tours, and many experience sudden bursts of confidence and inspiration. She seems particularly drawn to shy or struggling girls, offering spiritual guidance that helps them find their inner strength.
William Washington Gordon - The Proud Grandfather
William Gordon's spirit is said to manifest in his study, where he appears reading or writing at his desk. He radiates pride and approval, particularly when Girl Scout groups visit. His presence brings a sense of dignity and accomplishment, and visitors often report feeling unusually motivated to pursue their educational goals after encountering him. He seems to serve as a patriarchal guardian, watching over his granddaughter's legacy.
Eleanor 'Nellie' Gordon - The Supportive Mother
Juliette's mother Eleanor is said to appear in the family parlor. She manifests as a nurturing presence, often sensed during moments when young visitors need comfort or guidance. Her spirit carries the scent of jasmine perfume and brings with it a feeling of maternal love and support. She seems particularly active during Girl Scout ceremonies and badge presentations.
The Invisible Troops
Multiple witnesses report seeing groups of young girls in period Girl Scout uniforms moving through the house, particularly on the anniversary of the first meeting. These spirits appear to be the original Girl Scouts, still participating in activities and learning experiences. They create an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared purpose that inspires modern Girl Scout visitors.
Manifestations of Empowerment
The Inspiring Presence
The house's paranormal activity focuses on inspiration and education rather than fear. Young visitors frequently report sudden insights, bursts of creativity, and feelings of empowerment that continue long after their visit. Teachers and troop leaders note that girls often leave with increased confidence and clearer goals for their futures. The house seems to amplify positive qualities and hidden potential in its young visitors.
The Phantom Meetings
In the family parlor, visitors report hearing the sounds of animated discussion, laughter, and planning sessions when the room is empty. These phantom meetings seem to replay significant moments in Girl Scout history, with voices discussing badge requirements, community service projects, and goals for personal growth. The atmosphere during these events is one of excitement and possibility.
Educational Manifestations
Throughout the house, educational materials appear arranged in helpful patterns, books open to relevant passages, and historical artifacts seem to position themselves to catch visitors' attention. Photography equipment frequently captures images of written messages of encouragement and guidance appearing on mirrors and windows, always in Juliette's distinctive handwriting.
The Badge Phenomenon
Girl Scout badges and pins have been known to appear mysteriously throughout the house, particularly during special events and troop visits. These manifestations often occur when young visitors are struggling with specific challenges or working toward particular goals. The badges that appear always seem to represent skills or achievements that the individual needs to develop or recognize in themselves.
A Pilgrimage of Inspiration
The Juliette Gordon Low House offers one of the most uplifting paranormal experiences in Savannah, where the supernatural serves to inspire rather than frighten. This National Historic Landmark is owned by Girl Scouts of the USA and serves as a shrine to the Girl Scout movement, welcoming visiting troops year-round who come to connect with their organization's roots; it opens to the general public for special tours and programming.
The spirits in this house continue Juliette's mission of empowering young women, creating an environment where visitors leave feeling inspired, confident, and ready to tackle challenges. The paranormal activity here serves an educational purpose, helping modern Girl Scouts understand their connection to a legacy of strong, accomplished women.
For Girl Scouts and their families, visiting this house is often a transformative experience. Many report that their daughters return from the tour with renewed enthusiasm for scouting activities and clearer visions of their potential. The house's stories suggest that some spirits remain not because they're trapped, but because they have work left to do.
The Juliette Gordon Low House demonstrates that hauntings can be positive forces for good, where the past reaches out to nurture and guide the future. In a city known for tragic ghosts, this house stands as a beacon of hope, showing that love, dedication, and purpose can indeed transcend death. It is experiences like these that have made [Savannah the ghost capital of the United States](https://ghostcitytours.com/savannah/why-is-savannah-haunted/).
Visitor Tips
- The Birthplace is owned by Girl Scouts of the USA and mainly serves visiting troops; it opens to the general public for special tours and programming
- Check the Birthplace's official site for current public tour dates before you go
- Girl Scout groups are said to experience the most activity
- Ask about the phantom Girl Scout meetings
