Paranormal Activity In The Stoney-Baynard Ruins On Hilton Head SC
It was 1838 at Hilton Head SC when “Saucy Jack” Stoney decided to push his luck. According to legend, he lost his entire inheritance in the Braddock’s Point Plantation in a late-night poker game with William Eddings Baynard.
A Stroke Of Good Luck
It was a sad day because the 1000-acre plantation had belonged to the Stoney’s since the American Revolution when Saucy Jack’s great grandfather bought it. Three generations had come and gone when Dr. George Mosse Stoney handed it down to Saucy Jack.
It was winner take all for William Eddings Baynard, although some records indicate that Baynard simply purchased the land when Saucy Jack went bankrupt. Of course, that version carries far less theatrical appeal. Either way, the transaction explains the hyphenated name by which the property is identified today: Stony-Baynard Plantation. William Baynard and his wife Catherine reared 4 children in the “Big House” up until 1849 when William died.
A Stroke Of Bad Luck
The Civil War brought chaos to the island, of course, and Baynard along with the other 20 or so Plantation owners were driven out of their homes and onto the mainland. Union officers took up residence in the Big House, which resulted in its being burned to the ground, the target of a Confederate raid.
Although title was restored to the Baynard family after the War they never returned to the island. And so, the grounds were left to deteriorate to their present condition, another stark memorial to the tragedy of the War of Northern Aggression.
It is not hard to trace an outline of the front of the house because of large square holes that once anchored the pillars framing a large wrap-around porch. The most substantial ruins are behind these where remains of the chimney and the rear wall are still intact.
The property is situated on a sunny knoll at the Island’s highest point. Gazing at the site one can easily imagine pleasant scenes of family solidarity — picnics on the porch, children and servants cavorting merrily on the front lawn. Without warning the sun disappears as angry storm clouds threaten the pastoral scene. And then if you focus intently, the imagination will catch an echo of the jack-boot invader pacing the large wooden porch of this haunted house.
In the end William Baynard ran out of luck and the fleeting days of happiness deserted him forever. Many a visitor has felt a chill run up their spine as the faint image of Baynard’s hearse and funeral party file silently past his grave.
According to legend, Union soldiers broke into Baynard’s tomb in search of gold, jewelry, or other concealed wealth. Whether or not they found anything of value we do not know, but to this very day, on cold, dismal days Baynard’s apparition has been spotted wandering mournfully around the premises.
Who needs Hawaii, when we’ve got Hilton Head? Get great discounts on meals, accommodations, golf and much more with your Hilton Head vacation Trip Planner Worksheet. With Oliver Woods as your guide, ponder the seven greatest mysteries of the universe.