a haunted history
LOCAL TOURS
While we do not offer our own tours, many of the local guides include us as a stop on their tours! See a selection below - click on each name for more info!
TRUTH IN EVIDENCE HAUNTED TOURS
Housed in one of the oldest, most historic and genuinely haunted buildings in Savannah, we invite you to experience the history and our excellent food and hand-crafted beers first hand.
It all started with Elazer Early, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, who built our building as the City Hotel in 1821. Not only was it the first hotel in Savannah, but it was also home to the first branch of the United States Post Office in Savannah. Is also served as a branch of the Bank of the United States. (It must have been convenient having a hotel, post office, bank and bar all under one roof!)
During the hotel’s tenure, many notable people stayed at the Hotel. The guests included War of 1812 hero Winfield Scott, the Marquis de Lafayette, the first three Commodores of the United Statues Navy and naturalist James Audubon. Audubon stayed six months at the hotel while attempting to sell books of his wildlife sketches.
In 1851, Peter Wiltberger bought the City Hotel. He renovated it and put a live lion and lioness on display to draw attention to his business. The City Hotel’s final guest checked out in 1864, just before the arrival of General Tecumseh Sherman during the War of Northern Aggression and the subsequent closing of the hotel.
At the turn of the century, the building was used as a lumber and coal warehouse. As the use of coal slowly died off, the building was used for general storage. In the 1960’s, the space was renovated as an office supply store, complete with a large printing press.
The building sat empty until 1995 when it was renovated into its current configuration as a brew pub. The Moon River Brewing Company debuted in this space on April 10, 1999 and welcomes all who pass by. Come visit and join us in appreciating the past and embracing the future. Sit down, relax and enjoy a delicious craft brew – or three!
the travel channel: ghost adventures
buzzfeed unsolved
and more
featured on
The Lady in White, photographed by by Sommer Godshall
ghost adventures
Ghost Adventures is an American paranormal documentary and reality television series that premiered on October 17, 2008, on the Travel Channel. Season 2 Episode 7 features Moon River Brewery Company in the most haunted city in America.
visit savannah
The old City Hotel sat near Whitaker and Bay
The Moon River Brewing Company can be found there today.
Many theories and stories abound about this haunted hot spot,
Like the story about the gambler James Stark was shot.
Having insulted Doctor Minus with many a callous remark,
The good doctor saw to it that a bullet would kill Stark.
But Stark is hardly the lone ghost in the restaurant and bar,
There are spirits throughout, drawing the curious from near and far.
The upper floors are so haunted that renovations are never complete.
Construction workers have found that working there is no easy feat.
Perhaps these ghosts recall a time when a hospital was there,
With so many sick and dying spirits clinging to the walls and hanging in the air.
Whatever the cause, whatever the reason, the ghosts here are strong,
And one thing is certain – the ghosts know that this is where they belong.
buzzfeed unsolved
“We travelled to one of the most haunted locations in Savannah, Georgia.”
paranormal quest
“In this second installment of our investigation of Savannah, Georgia and Moon River Brewing Company, Steve, Ryan, and Dave reflect on their terrifying experiences inside of a century old Hotel and Yellow Fever Hospital. Along with some shocking revelations regarding the evidence captured in Savannah, they guys unbox an item that may have brought the evil energy home with them.”