South Knoxville, October 21, 2025
News Summary
South Knoxville’s transformation from farmland to an urbanized area along the Tennessee River hides a rich and storied past. The region boasts a history marked by a marble boom in the late 1800s and tragic tales of lost children and mysterious events. Local artist Priscilla claims to communicate with spirits of the deceased, including those from quarry accidents. With legends surrounding places like the Candoro Marble Building and Maude Moore’s Cave, South Knoxville’s history intertwines with folklore, making it a community rich in narratives and memories.
South Knoxville: The Haunting Tales and Echoes of History Unveiled
South Knoxville has evolved significantly from its origins as farmland and forest into an urbanized area along the Tennessee River. This transformation saw the region quietly exist as a rural enclave for decades, separated from the city’s bustling heart.
By the late 1800s, South Knoxville emerged as a focal point of a marble boom, featuring quarries that operated around the clock. These quarries are now historical remnants, holding stories of those who toiled within them and marking important industrial milestones. The old quarries still tell tales of a vibrant past, including the personal narratives of workers who faced various dangers.
One local artist from South Knoxville, identified as “Priscilla,” asserts that she possesses the ability to communicate with spirits using a device known as a spirit box. This tool allows her to reportedly hear clear responses from the spirits of the deceased, including those who lost their lives in quarry accidents or explosions. Among the voices she claims to have heard is a young child named “Sam,” who appears to still be searching for his family after getting lost.
South Knoxville’s history is dotted with tragic tales of lost children, including Avery “Peaches” Shorts, who went missing in 1980, and Dennis Martin, who disappeared in 1969. Beyond these, a mysterious case from World War II involves a woman known as Dot, who vanished after a disturbance separated her from her husband. Despite raising her children alone, Dot never returned home after making a call to her mother, leaving her story an unsolved mystery.
A prevalent narrative in South Knoxville’s lore includes the Candoro Marble Building, which is rumored to harbor a tunnel once used for transporting bodies. Another notable place within this historical tapestry is Maude Moore’s Cave, where a significant crime occurred in 1919 when Maude shot her boss. The cave is currently secured to protect bat colonies, yet the legacy of Maude Moore continues to resonate among local residents.
Adding to the intrigue, a rockslide at Meads Quarry occurred in May 2024, raising questions regarding whether the movement was a natural occurrence or something more mysterious. Such events contribute to the dynamic storytelling of South Knoxville, as its history is forever reshaped by geology, folklore, and personal anecdotes.
The stories from South Knoxville highlight a community rich in history, where tales of ghosts and spirits serve not only as intriguing narratives but also reflect the collective memory and culture of the area. As new generations pass on tales of the past, the ghosts of South Knoxville remain a vital part of its evolving narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was South Knoxville before it became urbanized?
South Knoxville was once farmland and forest, only becoming urbanized later.
When did South Knoxville become the center of the marble boom?
By the late 1800s, South Knoxville became the center of a marble boom, with quarries operating around the clock.
What does Priscilla use to communicate with spirits?
Priscilla uses a spirit box to communicate with the spirits, claiming to receive clear answers from the dead.
What tragic stories are associated with South Knoxville?
Lost children in South Knoxville’s history include Avery “Peaches” Shorts (1980) and Dennis Martin (1969). Dot, a woman from WWII, went missing after a family disturbance and remains an unsolved mystery.
What is the Candoro Marble Building rumored to have?
The Candoro Marble Building is rumored to have a tunnel for transporting bodies.
What is significant about Maude Moore’s Cave?
Maude Moore’s Cave holds the legacy of a historical crime where Maude shot her boss in 1919.
What happened at Meads Quarry in May 2024?
A rockslide occurred at Meads Quarry in May 2024, prompting questions about the nature of the movement.
Key Features of South Knoxville’s Ghosts and History
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Origins | Once farmland and forest, later urbanized. |
| Marble Boom | Late 1800s boom with quarries operating continuously. |
| Priscilla | Artist claims to communicate with spirits using a spirit box. |
| Lost Children | Notable cases include Avery “Peaches” Shorts and Dennis Martin. |
| Dot’s Mystery | A WWII woman went missing after a family disturbance. |
| Candoro Marble Building | Rumored to have a tunnel for transporting bodies. |
| Maude Moore’s Cave | Site of a historical crime; currently protected for bats. |
| Rockslide | Occurred in May 2024 at Meads Quarry, raising questions. |
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Additional Resources
- Inside of Knoxville: The Ghosts Next Door – SoKno Edition
- Knox News: Knoxville Bars’ Halloween Cocktails
- Knoxville Moms: Knoxville Halloween Events
- Hoodline: Blue Heron Ghost Mine Event
- Google Search: South Knoxville ghosts
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
