The Haunting Legend of Alice Flagg: A Murrells Inlet Tale
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, is known for its scenic beauty, rich history, and vibrant wildlife. But beyond the marshes and waterways lies a tale shrouded in mystery and heartache—the legend of Alice Flagg. Her story is one of forbidden love, tragic loss, and a restless spirit that still lingers along the South Carolina coast.
Who Was Alice Flagg?
Alice Flagg was a young woman from a prominent, wealthy family in the Murrells Inlet area during the mid-19th century. The Flagg family resided at The Hermitage, a grand plantation home that still stands today as a testament to the area’s antebellum past. Alice’s life seemed destined to follow the expectations of Southern high society, but fate had other plans.
A Love Forbidden
As the story goes, Alice fell deeply in love with a young man of lower social status—a humble lumberman. Their romance blossomed in secret, as Alice’s family, particularly her controlling brother, Dr. Allard Flagg, disapproved of the match. Despite their objections, Alice accepted a simple engagement ring from her beloved, wearing it on a ribbon around her neck to keep it hidden.
When her brother discovered the secret, he was furious. Determined to sever the relationship, he sent Alice away to a boarding school in Charleston. Heartbroken and isolated, Alice soon fell gravely ill, likely from malaria or another fever common in the region at the time. Desperate to return home, she made the arduous journey back to Murrells Inlet, but she was too weak to recover.
The Ring and the Restless Spirit
Before Alice died, her brother discovered the ring and, in a final act of cruelty, ripped it from her neck and discarded it. Alice passed away shortly after, never reuniting with her true love. She was buried in the All Saints Episcopal Church cemetery in Pawleys Island, her grave marked only by a plain, unadorned stone engraved with the name “Alice.”
Legend has it that Alice’s spirit still roams the area, searching for her lost ring. Visitors to her grave often leave tokens, particularly rings, as a sign of respect and remembrance. Some claim to have seen her ghost—a figure in a white dress, sometimes clutching her chest where the ring once lay. Others report feeling sudden chills or a mysterious tugging sensation when standing near her resting place.
Visiting Alice’s Grave
If you find yourself in the Murrells Inlet area, a visit to Alice’s grave at All Saints Episcopal Church is both a historical and haunting experience. The churchyard is serene, shaded by ancient oaks draped with Spanish moss, adding to the otherworldly atmosphere. People often walk around her grave three times backward and leave small gifts, hoping to connect with her spirit or simply pay tribute to her enduring tale.
A Legend That Lives On
The story of Alice Flagg continues to captivate locals and visitors alike, blending history with the supernatural. It’s a poignant reminder of love’s power, societal expectations, and the echoes of the past that still resonate today. Whether you’re a believer in ghosts or just a lover of Southern folklore, Alice’s tale is a must-hear story when exploring the enchanting Lowcountry of South Carolina. If you’d like to hear more about the tale of Alice and other spooky stories of the Inlet – check out our Ghost Story Cruise out of Crazy Sister Marina!
Murrells Inlet Ghost Cruise | Sunset & Sealife Cruises in Murrels Inlet, SC