Ep. 12-Kings Tavern & The Trace Bandits: The Blood Soaked History of Natchez, MS

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The ghostly whispers of King's Tavern beckon from the historic streets of Natchez, Mississippi. Join us as we peel back the layers of this centuries-old establishment's blood-soaked history and the restless spirits that refuse to leave.
Built from the salvaged wood of flatboats that once drifted down the Mississippi River, King's Tavern holds the distinction of being one of Natchez's oldest structures. But beneath its historical significance lies a tapestry of horror that continues to fascinate paranormal enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
We dive deep into the tavern's connection with Micajah and Wiley Harp, widely considered America's first serial killers, whose 18-month reign of terror claimed over 50 victims. Unlike typical outlaws motivated by greed, these brothers killed for the sheer pleasure of it, leaving a trail of bodies—including innocent babies—along the Natchez Trace. Their bloody legacy intersects with King's Tavern in ways that will chill you to the bone.
The story takes an even darker turn as we explore the passion-fueled murder of Madeline, a beautiful young employee whose affair with the owner led to her death at the hands of his jealous wife. When renovation workers in the 1930s discovered three skeletons hidden within the tavern's walls alongside a jeweled Spanish dagger, local legend seemed confirmed in the most macabre fashion possible.
Today, King's Tavern stands silent but not empty. Visitors report disembodied baby cries, apparitions in vintage clothing appearing in mirrors, and inexplicable warm spots on furniture as if someone just sat there. Though currently closed to the public, we're planning our own expedition to this historic site to capture evidence of the paranormal activity that has made this location legendary throughout the South.
Have your own southern ghost story or piece of forgotten folklore? Share it with us at [email protected], and follow our social channels to join us on our upcoming ghost hunt at one of America's most haunted locations!

Source Material:

Case File #1: King's Tavern, Jan 27, 2025, www.libguides.hindscc.edu/paranormalms/kings_tavern

CRE News, Oct. 26, 2021, Haunted Places Series: King's Tavern, www.npicommercial.com/blog/posts/haunted-places-series-kings-tavern

Kings Tavern, Natchez, Ms., www.hauntedhouses.com/mississippi/kings-tavern/

Photo Credit: Case File #1: King's Tavern, Jan 27, 2025, www.libguides.hindscc.edu/paranormalms/kings_tavern

Chapters

1. Introduction to King's Tavern (00:00:00)

2. History of Natchez and King's Tavern (00:10:35)

3. America's First Serial Killers: The Harp Brothers (00:17:45)

4. Baby Killers and Bloody Revenge (00:24:30)

5. Madeline's Murder and Hidden Bodies (00:30:15)

6. Hauntings and Future Explorations (00:36:00)