Name: Ghosts of Greenwood
Start: 2025-10-24T17:30:00-05:00
Location: President James K. Polk Home & Museum

Columbians of the past come to life at their gravesites for GHOSTS OF GREENWOOD, a special candlelit historic cemetery tour!
Meet men and women like Ophelia Polk Hayes, James K. Polk’s notoriously hot-headed sister; Sarah McNeill, the first victim of the 1844 “black tongue” epidemic, and more.
DETAILS: Guides will lead tours through the cemetery to featured gravesites where Columbians will "come to life" to share their stories. Tours start every twenty minutes. Please check email and the Polk Home & Museum social media accounts for weather-related announcements. The James K. Polk Home & Museum, in partnership with Watershed Public Theatre are pleased to be hosting this event.
Our 5:30pm and 6:00pm tours will take place before it is fully dark, making it an ideal time for younger children and guests who would like more visibility to navigate the cemetery.
Greenwood Cemetery, established in 1809, is the oldest public cemetery in Columbia, Tennessee. Along with many prominent members of the town's earliest history, Greenwood is the burial site of Samuel and Jane Polk, parents of President James K. Polk, and most of their immediate family.
FOR YOUR SAFETY: Guests must be able to stand for the duration of the tour (about 45-60 minutes) and should be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces in dim lighting conditions. Guests should avoid touching, stepping on, or leaning on gravestones. Please stay with your tour and follow all instructions presented by staff.
This event is family-friendly!
All proceeds benefit the James K. Polk Memorial Association, the nonprofit organization that preserves and operates the President James K. Polk Home & Museum. Special thanks to the City of Columbia!