Haunted Plantations: Dark Tourist Experiences in Post-Reconstruction Fiction

Abstract

In this thesis, I investigate “haunted plantations” in the American South through the lens of tourism theory. Such plantations can be read as fictional dark tourism sites in late-nineteenth century fiction.

In Chapter 1 I define dark tourism studies as the discipline which studies the transformation of places associated with death and violence into tourist attractions. Dark tourism is a relatively new field of research, but the fascination for the macabre has always existed. I suggest that a precursor of dark tourism already existed before the latter’s formal theorization and can be found in fiction-reading.

In Chapter 2, I explain how slavery defined Southern history, also giving shape to the dark and mysterious image of the region, and thus setting the grounds for the development of dark tourism, today. I also examine how the current touristic management of Southern plantations rely on a problematic interpretation of history: a good number of plantations glorify their idyllic past, while others also function as dark tourism sites. In particular, I analyze the case of Myrtles Plantation to explain how the ghosts of black slaves are spectacularized and turned into entertainment for tourists.

In Chapter 3, I read works of fiction centered on “haunted plantation” in the Post-Reconstruction period through the lens of tourism studies. At that time, the South’s tormented past had already created for itself a fascinating image of mystery and darkness, but traveling was not a well-established reality yet. Therefore, late nineteenth century authors provided readers with vicarious experiences of dark tourism through their literary works set in haunted plantations. In particular, I examine a few short stories by George Washington Cable, Thomas Nelson Page, and Charles Chesnutt.