Rowan Oak - The Southern Gothic Home of William Faulkner

Rowan Oak, the southern gothic home of William Faulkner, was originally owned by the Sheegog family, who were Irish immigrant farmers starting their life in America. They built the primitive Greek Revival home on four acres of land in 1844. The home boasts beautiful architecture and incredible landscape; it is nestled deeply within the Bailey Woods of Oxford, Mississippi. 

In 1930, after seven years of vacancy, the property was purchased by distinguished author William Faulkner. He spent much of his time writing on the property; it was a place of tranquility and solitude for him. It was Faulkner who named the property “Rowan Oak”. The name “Rowan” comes from the rowan trees of Scotland which symbolize peace and security. The “Oak” comes from the American live oak, which symbolizes strength and solitude. Ironically, neither of these trees can be found on the acreage, however they live on in the symbolism of embodied peace and security ingrained in each square foot of the land.

One of the most famous sights in the Rowan Oak estate is the aromatic cedar trees that line the driveway, towering over the road like guardians of the author’s sacred space. These cedar trees were planted during the Yellow Fever outbreaks. Cedar was thought to drive away the illness itself, however the scent of the natural oils within the trees are a natural mosquito deterrent, which in turn prevented disease-carrying bites to the home’s residents.

In 1968, the gorgeous, white home was added to the registry of National Historic Landmarks. Today, it serves as an enlightening museum and historic site, serving to give visitors a glimpse into the life of the brilliant author and his family. Many guests are drawn to the home for more than just its celebrity affiliation, however. The property is believed to be haunted by several spirits, most notably the spirit of Judith Sheegog, the eldest daughter of the original family.

The legend tells of the romantic Miss Judith, who fell in love with a Union soldier that had taken up residence in the family’s home during the American Civil War. The soldier was injured, and as Judith and her family nursed him back to health; a strong romance blossomed between the young woman and the soldier. As his time at the estate came to an end, Judith realized that she couldn’t bear to be apart from him. She planned to run away with him under cover of night so they could start a life together. The evening she was supposed to meet him, she decided to sneak out of the house via the second-story balcony at the front of the house. She would leap the railing and climb down, before running through the cedar trees to her lover’s waiting arms at the end of the driveway. Unfortunately, she would never reach her soldier’s embrace, as she slipped from the balcony and fell to her death in front of the family home.

Upon finding her the next morning, her heartbroken father buried her beneath a magnolia tree located on the property. He had hoped she would rest easy under the broad, protective leaves of the tree, but a young lover’s heart will never rest until it finds its other half. Visions of a woman dressed in white have been seen staring longingly into the cedar trees. The same woman has also been seen running through the trees down the driveway, rushing forever to greet her soldier who has long since moved on.

The word of this epic romantic tale has spread like wildfire through the United States, drawing in guests from all over the country. Lesser known, however, is the fact that this beautiful story came directly from the lips of none other than William Faulkner, the creative mind behind the legend. He would often share this ghostly tale along with many others when hosting guests at Rowan Oak. His guests loved the stories so much that they told them to friends, family, and acquaintances. It wasn’t long before the fictional story was believed to be true, and thus the ghosts of Rowan Oak were born. Despite its lack of spiritual activity, the Rowan Oak estate is still a wonderful place to visit. It is truly a peek into a brilliant mind and an extravagant life that is still remembered and celebrated today. Of course, there is always the possibility that the story of Judith Sheegog isn’t without merit- would you visit to find out?