Haunted Hole of Choctawhatchee River Bridge - Newton, Alabama

Back in the mid 1860s during the time of the Civil War, a minister named William Sketoe was caught up in a scandal that would unjustly cost him his life.  Ever since that time he has made his presence known as he has come back to haunt those who wronged him in a most unusual way.

The original Choctawhatchee River Bridge - Newton, Alabama which is thought to be haunted by the ghost of Bill Sketoe

In 1864, the Reverend William "Bill" Sketoe was accused of being a traitor to the Confederate States of America.  Although he was innocent of these accusations, a mob of Southern vigilantes in their anger, decided to take matters into their own hands.  They strung Bill up on a tree by the Choctawhatchee River near Newton, Alabama.  However, the tree branch was too weak and the weight of Bill's body allowed his toes to touch the ground.  It would seem that Bill was saved from death...  temporarily. The Confederate mob then began to dig a hole around Sketoe's feet so he would not touch the ground.  As he was slowly strangled to death, he vowed to haunt his persecutors.

From that day on, at the spot where Bill Sketoe met his end, the hole that was dug to ensure his death remains in a spot next the the Choctawhatchee River Bridge.  Many times the hole has been filled in, only to be found empty later on.  In one particular incident, the Alabama Highway department filled the hole in and the very next day the hole remained, unfilled.

The original Choctawhatchee River Bridge near Newton, Alabama as seen from the new bridge.

Located near Fort Rucker Army base northwest of Newton, Alabama, a new bridge has been built next to the original Choctawhatchee River Bridge.  It is said that the hole is right next to it.  So it would seem that the Reverend made good on his promise as the ghost of Bill Sketoe continues to haunt the spot where he was murdered.