Walnut Creek is a small stream located in a section of forest in southeastern Raleigh, NC. It’s surrounded by a small neighborhood of homes and even has an nearby amphitheater named after it where multiple concerts and events are held. A long trail known as the Walnut Creek trail travels through the surrounding pine forest, running parallel to the creek itself. The area attracts thousands of visitors a year, who while coming to enjoy some entertainment, don’t understand the haunts and ghosts that exist deep in the forest. The ghost of a man known as William Poole.
William Poole lived his life as a local conservationist who owned a 75 acre forest of pine trees in the area surround what is now Walnut Creek. Besides being a wealthy planter and miller, William worked each day as the county justice. He never married, but instead held close relationships with his animals, specifically a white horse he considered his prize possession.
“To him, the thousands of trees were so many individuals, each with a personality,” wrote John Harden in 1954, “and he rode herd on them, with his white horse, as if they were living and breathing creatures needing his care and protection.”
Over time legends and rumors grew of the man’s wealth. Locals said that he took no wife because of his love for gold, of which he hid massive amounts on his land. In 1865 during the Civil War, the a few soldier from the Union Army were stopping in town when they heard the story of William at a local tavern. The soldiers went to visit the old man, demanding that he dig up his treasure for them. William responded with one simple sentence,
“What treasure?”
Growing enraged and inpatient, the soldiers grabbed the man and tied him to a tree outside. They beat him and cut him, only willing to stop once they knew the location of the treasure. When William again denied that he had gold they burned down his mill. When they noticed that burning the mill had no effect, they looked for something of more value; his white stallion.
The beast reared and whinnied as the soldiers grabbed the horse. Slowly they brought it in front of William and gave him one more chance. One last time William denied any treasure. The soldiers then took a pistol and shot the horse in the head, killing it instantly. William yelled out in rage, saying that he would seek revenge for what they had done.
The Old Poole Forest
It was said that in the following days William made a pact with a crossroads demon, who agreed that when William passed away, he would ride with his steed once more to seek revenge on those who wished him and his property harm. William lived another 24 years until the age of 93 when he passed. In his dying wishes he made specific requests that not one person was allowed to touch a leaf of his beloved forest.
Rumors said that Williams’ ghost and that of his horse rose three days after his death. Unknown to William, the soldiers that attacked him had died in battle a few days after their encounter. As such, his spirit continued to haunt the forest, protecting it from outsiders who wished it harm.
The legends however didn’t stop the greed of man. Over time, future generations sold off the acres of land which were used for housing developments and other activities. However, certain portions of the land were saved and a trail added for hikers. Williams’ grave was moved to his current plot at Oakwood Cemetery. That is when things really got strange. While the forests were cut and houses built, workers would complain about seeing a white figure in the forest. They said that they would hear a horse whinny or the sound of a shovel; William burying his treasure. It should be noted that not treasure has been found on the land…yet.
To this day, Poole’s ghost gallops through the remainder of his forest, riding a phantom steed, shaking a bony finger those who try and trespass on his land. Hikers still travel through the forest, using a map which can be found below. The most active area lies right behind the Amphitheater. Those who wish to visit should follow directions to the Poole Road Park and follow the map to the forest.
Try to Scare me is NOT intended as a guide to trespassing. We present these sites, locations and stories as local unwritten history and the legends surrounding it that are told to us while traveling. Although we provide locations, and some directions, these articles are intended to be read with the knowledge that some places cannot be visited. We do not encourage trespassing onto private property and do not encourage trespassing to obtain articles, videos, pictures and other evidence to be submitted. Trespassing is illegal and those who disregard this advice will (in most cases) be arrested and charged.