Bellamy Bridge GhostSouthern Folklore and Florida Panhandle Legend

A Southern ghost story and legend: the Bellamy Bridge Ghost is said to be the spirit of Elizabeth Bellamy, a young bride who died in the 1830s and now haunts the swamp near Marianna, Florida. Dressed in white, her figure is said to appear near the old bridge on moonlit nights.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

I ain't travelling to look for no haint in no swamp.

Origin

The story begins in the early 1800s with Dr. Samuel C. Bellamy and his bride, Elizabeth. According to legend, Elizabeth died tragically soon after their marriage - some say she caught fire in a terrible accident, others claim she succumbed to fever. Heartbroken, Samuel never recovered, and locals claimed Elizabeth’s spirit began appearing near the bridge that bore the family’s name.

For nearly two centuries, tales of a woman in a glowing white dress wandering the swamp have been passed down in the Florida Panhandle, making Bellamy Bridge one of the state’s oldest and most famous ghost stories.

Notes

Locals still warn travelers not to linger near Bellamy Bridge at night. Sightings of a bride in white, strange lights, and eerie sounds have been reported into modern times. The ghost story is told around campfires, on ghost tours, and in local lore as a reminder that some tragedies never fade.

Legacy

Today, the Bellamy Bridge Ghost is a celebrated part of Florida folklore. The site hosts ghost walks and draws visitors every Halloween season. Whether she’s seen as a restless spirit or simply a story that refuses to die, Elizabeth Bellamy’s legend continues to haunt the Southern imagination.

Kin Words, Stories and More

Dislaimer

All folklore shared here is part of Southern tradition and storytelling. It's not medical, legal, or practical advice - just the way our grandparents told it. Believe it or not, that's up to you.Learn more on the Folklore hub page.

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