Pratt Hall, located on the campus of Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, is renowned for its architectural beauty and its association with local ghost lore. The building is reported to be haunted by a spectral figure known as the “Red Lady,” a ghostly presence tied to the college’s history and the broader lore of the region.

Pratt Hall is one of the historic buildings on the campus of Huntingdon College, a private liberal arts college founded in 1854. Originally established as a Methodist female institution, the college has a long history of education and service in Montgomery. Pratt Hall, named after a significant benefactor, stands as a testament to the college's architectural and educational heritage.

The building, constructed in the late 19th to early 20th century, features classic architecture with a rich blend of Southern charm and Gothic revival elements. Over the years, Pratt Hall has served various functions, including administrative offices, classrooms, and residence halls.

According to local legend, Pratt Hall is haunted by a ghost known as the “Red Lady.” The ghost is said to be the spirit of a lonely young woman who took her own life on the college grounds. This tragic figure is often described as wearing a red dress, which is where she gets her name.

The legend suggests that the Red Lady's spirit roams the halls of Pratt Hall, mourning her untimely death. Witnesses and students have reported various supernatural occurrences, including:

• Apparitions: Sightings of a ghostly woman in a red dress, often described as floating or gliding through the hallways.
• Strange Noises: Unexplained sounds such as footsteps, crying, and murmured conversations.
• Cold Spots: Sudden drops in temperature in specific areas of the building, often attributed to the presence of the ghost.

The exact origins of the Red Lady legend are somewhat murky, blending elements of folklore, historical events, and local myths. It is believed that the story of the Red Lady may have evolved over time, influenced by actual events and embellished with supernatural elements.

While there is no historical documentation confirming the suicide of a young woman associated with Pratt Hall, the legend persists as a part of the campus’s cultural narrative. The ghost story has become a popular topic among students and visitors, contributing to the building's haunted reputation.

The legend of the Red Lady has become a significant part of Huntingdon College's folklore and local ghost lore. The story is often recounted during campus tours, particularly around Halloween or during other events that celebrate the college's history and traditions.

The haunting of Pratt Hall also reflects broader themes in Southern ghost stories, where tales of restless spirits and tragic figures are common. These stories often serve as a means of connecting with the past and exploring themes of loss and memory.

The tale of the Red Lady has been featured in various local ghost story compilations and campus lore collections. It is often included in discussions of haunted college campuses and Southern ghost legends. The story contributes to the mystique of Pratt Hall and serves as a focal point for those interested in paranormal phenomena.

• “Haunted Colleges and Universities: Southern Ghosts”. Local Folklore Compilation, 2020.
• Montgomery Advertiser Archives. Various issues detailing local ghost stories and campus folklore.
• *Huntingdon College History and Traditions*. Published by the College Archives.

• [Huntingdon College Official Website](http://www.huntingdon.edu)
• [Local Ghost Lore of Montgomery](http://www.montgomeryghosts.com)
• [Southern Ghost Stories and Folklore](http://www.southernghoststories.com)