White ScreamerTennessee Legend and Southern Folklore
A runnin' theme for me: I have no interest in tryin' to see these things. I prefer to read about 'em. A runnin' theme for me: I have no interest in tryin' to see these things. I prefer to read about 'em. Origin
The legend comes from Dickson County, Tennessee, with stories dating back more than a century. Some say the White Screamer is the ghost of a woman who went mad and wandered into the woods, screaming until she died. Others claim it was a strange, pale monster that stalked settlers and farmers after dark. Over time, the details shifted, but the scream was always at the center of the story.
Notes
Legacy
The White Screamer remains part of Tennessee folklore, told on porches, in local histories, and even in ghost-hunting circles. Though the exact origin is debated, the story holds its place as a reminder that the South’s woods are never without mystery.
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How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 1). White Screamer
Tennessee Legend and Southern Folklore . HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/folklore/white-screamer-tennessee-legend - MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "White Screamer
Tennessee Legend and Southern Folklore ." HillbillySlang.com, 1 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/folklore/white-screamer-tennessee-legend. - Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "White Screamer
Tennessee Legend and Southern Folklore ." HillbillySlang.com. October 1, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/folklore/white-screamer-tennessee-legend.
Dislaimer
What you're reading here is old Southern folklore and storytelling - not medical advice, and not meant to guide health, or pregnancy decisions (especially pregnancy decisions!). These tales are part of how folks once made sense of the world, passed down from grandparents and midwives.
If you have any medical questions or concerns, talk with a qualified healthcare professional.
Learn more on the Folklore hub page.