THE STORY
Reported Haunting
The historic Russ House is said to be inhabited by several spirits associated with its long history as a family residence and later public building. Visitors and employees have reported apparitions, unexplained footsteps, voices, and other paranormal activity throughout the house.
The historic Russ House, built in 1895, is said to be haunted by several ghosts. The house serves as the home of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and the county’s visitor center. The grounds were the site of the 1864 Battle of Marianna, where several soldiers were killed. Another point of interest is that builder Joseph W. Russ, Jr. committed suicide in 1930, during the Great Depression. Witnesses have detected mysterious scents of perfume, and elevator doors operate by themselves. Besides being seen in photographs an apparition of a mustached man has been seen standing at the top of the stairs and another man has been photographed looking out the house windows.