   White ScreamerTennessee Legend and Southern FolkloreA Southern ghost story and Tennessee legend: the White Screamer is said to be a terrifying figure that roams the woods near White Bluff, letting out piercing screams that echo through the night. Hillbilly Dude Says...  A runnin' theme for me: I have no interest in tryin' to see these things. I prefer to read about 'em. Hillbilly Dude Says... A runnin' theme for me: I have no interest in tryin' to see these things. I prefer to read about 'em. OriginThe 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. NotesLocals around White Bluff still pass along warnings about the White Screamer, especially to outsiders. Some describe hearing unearthly cries echoing through the hollows at night, while others dismiss it as panthers, owls, or imagination. Either way, the legend endures as one of Middle Tennessee’s most chilling tales. LegacyThe 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. DislaimerWhat 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. | ...
About Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more... |