The Mysteries of St. Omer Cemetery: The Legend of the Witches' Grave

On our recent visit to Southern Illinois, we took a small detour and visited St. Omer Cemetery. We had read a few blogs about the so-called Witches' Grave and wanted to see it for ourselves. 

Nestled in the quiet town of Ashmore, Illinois, lies the St. Omer Cemetery, a place steeped in mystery and legend. Among the rows of aging tombstones and weathered monuments, one grave, in particular, has captured the imagination of visitors and locals alike – the so-called "Witches' Grave."

The History of St. Omer Cemetery

St. Omer Cemetery, named after the nearby ghost town of St. Omer, was established in the mid-19th century. Over the years, it has become the final resting place for many of the area's early settlers. The cemetery itself is a peaceful, almost serene place, with large, ancient trees providing shade and a sense of timelessness. But amid this tranquility lies a tombstone that has sparked numerous tales and legends.

The Legend of the Witches' Grave

The Witches' Grave belongs to Caroline Barnes, a woman who died in 1881 under mysterious circumstances. According to local lore, Caroline was accused of practicing witchcraft, a suspicion that was not uncommon in the rural communities of the 19th century. It is said that her death was shrouded in odd occurrences, leading some to believe that she had cursed the town of St. Omer.

The tombstone itself is a unique and eerie marker, inscribed with a cryptic epitaph that has fueled the supernatural rumors. It reads:

"Out of the ashes, I shall rise, the Phoenix."

This peculiar inscription, combined with the date of her death "February 31st" and the overall aura of the grave, has led many to speculate that Caroline Barnes was not just a victim of superstition, but perhaps a powerful witch who promised to return.

The Eerie Phenomena

Visitors to the cemetery have reported various strange occurrences around the Witches' Grave. Some claim to have seen ghostly apparitions or felt an unexplained chill in the air. Others have reported malfunctioning electronic devices or a feeling of being watched. The grave's epitaph, with its promise of resurrection, only adds to the sense of unease.

One of the most enduring legends is that of the "moving tombstone." According to this tale, the tombstone of Caroline Barnes has been found in different locations within the cemetery, as if it moves on its own. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, these stories continue to draw paranormal enthusiasts and curious visitors to St. Omer Cemetery.

Separating Fact from Fiction

While the legend of the Witches' Grave is certainly compelling, it's essential to approach it with a healthy dose of skepticism. The practice of labeling women as witches was a tragic part of history, often resulting from fear and misunderstanding. Caroline Barnes may have been a victim of such fears, her story embellished over time into the legend we know today.

The inscription on her tombstone, though unusual, might have had a personal or symbolic meaning for her or her family. The Phoenix, a mythical bird that rises from its ashes, is often associated with themes of rebirth and immortality, which could have been chosen to represent a hopeful sentiment rather than a sinister one.

Visiting St. Omer Cemetery

For those interested in visiting St. Omer Cemetery and the Witches' Grave, it's important to do so with respect. The cemetery is a historical site and a place of rest for many individuals. While the legend adds a fascinating layer to its history, it's crucial to remember the human stories behind the gravestones.

In conclusion, the legend of the Witches' Grave at St. Omer Cemetery is a captivating blend of history, folklore, and mystery. Whether you believe in the supernatural or are simply intrigued by the stories of the past, this cemetery offers a glimpse into the fascinating and sometimes eerie tales that shape our cultural heritage.

I filmed this area with Yi action camera and the full video can be found here:

The photos on this post were taken with Sony A6300 and Minolta 24mm lens. If you are interested in the camera you can find it here: https://amzn.to/3xXFAlo

If you would like to visit the cemetery it is located in Ashmore IL and I provided a small snapshot of the map below: