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One of the most enduring and touching ghost stories in Savannah is the story of Little Grace Watson. Gracie Watson was the daughter of W.J. and Frances Watson. They managed the Pulaski Hotel, now demolished, on Johnson Square. In life, she could often be found playing in the hotel, entertaining guests. Or, she would often head outside to Johnson Square to play amongst the trees. She was the unofficial greeter for the Pulaski Hotel.

Little Gracie died just two days before Easter in 1889.

Originally from Massachusetts, she was born on July 10, 1883, and died only 6 years later on April 23, 1889. Her cause of death was pneumonia and although she lived a short life she still had an impact on her family and those around her. 

Her parents were understandably heartbroken. Her father had a sculptor, John Walz, commissioned for her daughter's grave marker. It was a life-sized and picture accurate representation of Little Gracie. After her death, her father fell into depression and quit  the hotel. The family later moved back to New England, leaving Gracie all alone. It’s a sad tale, there’s no arguing against that. At the very least, there’s a permanent physical representation of who their daughter, Gracie, was. Due to that, her memory still lives on to this day. Her body was laid to rest in Bonaventure Cemetery. Death doesn't seem to stop Little Gracie from greeting people who come to Savannah, nor does it stop her from playing in the Square.

According to Conde Nast Traveler, one legend says that if any flowers or remembrances or playthings are removed from Gracie's grave, her statue will cry tears of blood.

The ghost of Little Gracie has been seen in Johnson Square many times over the years. Her ghost has been seen playing in the Square, running through the bushes and even interacting with people. Most often, the reports come from someone who is quietly sitting on one of the benches in Johnson Square late at night. They will see a little girl, dressed in a white dress, running through Johnson Square. She doesn't make a sound, silently gliding through the space.

Resources:

https://ghostcitytours.com/savannah/ghost-stories/little-gracie/

https://nightlyspirits.com/the-ghost-of-gracie-watson/

https://www.ajc.com/travel/one-the-world-most-visited-graves-georgia/fTVcmYurjmwxx0vnYKFTIM/