Lockhart, South Carolina, is a small town located in Union County, near the border with Chester County, on the banks of the Broad River. The area is known for the canal that passes under Highway 9. Life in the mill in the late 1800s and 1900s provided many in the region with economic stability. The Lockhart Mill began operations in 1894 and lasted for one hundred years before closing its doors in 1994. Like other rural areas, the closing of textile plants caused a financial strain on many families and communities throughout the state.
The Lantern has been fortunate to share the tale through the years with online articles that promote rural history. One correlation we found in many of these cases is a paranormal link to these old buildings. Some have suggested the old Borden’s facility in Chester also has a resident ghost. The Lockhart Mill site is no different regarding their signature specter – The Lady in White.
The ghostly story dates back to the early 1900s. The legend states that the woman jumped from the water tower to her death below. No one seems to know her identity or what caused her to meet her demise on that fateful night. Some have speculated she was heartbroken over a recent breakup. She still haunts the old mill to this day. Others have seen the mysterious woman, dressed in a white dress with a rose in her mouth, at the site late at night, dancing under the moon. The next time you pass through Lockhart, look toward the old mill, and maybe you will see the Woman in White.
She is known to come out only at midnight to show off her lovely white dress.
Written By: John G. Clark Jr.
Image: John G. Clark Jr.
