Disclaimer: This article was written for informational purposes only. No affiliate links are contained in the content.
Either you’re a fan of spooky, supernatural, or ghost-riddled creepiness, or you’re not. Maybe you’re mildly curious and that works. I fall solidly in the die-hard lovers of all things unsettling and unexplainable.
For me, Halloween Horror Night in Orlando, Florida, doesn’t qualify as spooky. Pre-orchestrated and scripted screaming sabotage is jolting – and I may yell in reaction, but it is not eerie.
I prefer the real-life historical ghost infestations backed by believable stories of yesteryear’s happenings of “anywhere,” Florida, USA. The Sunshine State is home to many ghost towns and haunted locations lingering in the shadows.
I offer you two that intrigue me.
1. St. Augustine Lighthouse
Country Living magazine listed the St. Augustine Lighthouse among “25 of the Most Haunted Places in America That Horror Fans Need to Visit.”
St. Augustine, founded in 1565, is considered the oldest city in the United States. It also has a reputation as the most haunted city in Florida.
One of the most legendary haunted sites in St. Augustine happens to be the 165-foot-tall St. Augustine Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1874 and features 219 spiral steps to the top. Visitors relay sightings of long-dead lighthouse keepers and other unfortunate souls who met a watery end nearby.
There’s the ghost of Joseph Andreu, the original lighthouse keeper who fell to his death while painting the 165-foot tower. Then, there are Hezekiah Pity’s two daughters, who were playing with a building cart.
The cart broke loose and slid into the bay. Both girls drowned. Touring guests say the girls giggle and run up and down the lighthouse steps. They act playful, fun, and mischievous, as spirits that do not wish any harm.
St Augustine LighthousePhoto byauthor screenshot
Joseph Andreu has been reported smoking cigars at the top of the lighthouse, keeping watch over his forever home.
Others report hearing mysterious voices, smelling cigar smoke, and viewing a shadowy figure at the top of the lighthouse. The so-called “Man in Blue” in the basement of the former lighthouse keeper’s house has also made appearances.
There is little doubt that, when it comes to hauntings, there are few places that will leave a mark on its visitors like the St. Augustine Lighthouse. With its rich history, infamous legends, and well-documented sightings, it is clear that what happens on Anastasia Island, stays on Anastasia Island.
Additional haunted sites in St. Augustine include Castillo de San Marcos, Old Jail, Spanish Military Hospital, Casa Monica Hotel, Flagler College, Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, Huguenot Cemetery, Casablanca Inn, and Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille, among others.
Ghost City ToursPhoto byauthor screenshot
Ghost City Tours
The Ghosts of St. Augustine Tour will take you, your family, and your friends to the most haunted places in St. Augustine.
- The Ghosts of St. Augustine is St. Augustine’s #1 Haunted History Tour.
- This Ghost Tour is perfect for guests of all ages, including families and children.
- Learn about St. Augustine’s Haunted History and Paranormal Activity.
Buy Tickets Online: Ghost City Tours
2. Fort East Martello Museum, Key West
Fort East Martello in Key West is also home to Robert the Haunted Doll, one of the creepiest dolls in existence.
Robert the Doll has a permanent home at the Fort East Martello Museum in Key West. In the early 20th century, a boy named Eugene Robert Otto (1900 -1974) was reportedly given the allegedly haunted doll by a Bahamian servant girl, a member of the house’s staff.
“When Gene got into trouble, he would say “Robert did it.” This seemed innocent enough until one day Gene’s parents heard their son screaming from inside his room. When they got to the door, it was locked and they could hear a commotion going on inside. Gene was crying and screaming for help and when they finally got the door open, they found their son cowering in a corner – his room a total mess, items were thrown all over, and furniture was overturned.”
Robert was rumored to move from window to window on his own. He was overheard having full conversations with Gene when nobody else was in the room.
Robert the DollPhoto byauthor screenshot
The family often heard laughter coming from wherever Robert was in the house. This laughter could not be attributed to any of the family members or staff.
Guests touring the museum have reported not only seeing Robert the Doll move and change facial expressions but also making giggling noises. Legend has it that you will experience bad luck if you take a picture of Robert without asking his permission first.
Gene grew to become known as an eccentric Key West artist and spent his adult years painting with his doll companion. Robert the Doll remained in the house’s attic until Gene died.
The house has since been converted into a bed and breakfast called the Artist House. Not only can you visit Robert the Doll, but you can stay in his old bedroom!
Ghosts and Gravestones – Key West Tours
Ghosts and GravestonesPhoto byauthor screenshot
Voted Top Ten Best Ghost Tour by USA Today Readers’ Choice
Your voyage begins with your Ghost Host, an unusual individual even by Key West standards, who will be your guide as you wander the streets of historic Old Town aboard the Trolley of the Doomed in search of the forgotten souls.
Their tales of murder, disease, and misfortune will take us out of the present and into the past in search of lost tombs, strange dolls, and the Lady in Blue.
Buy Tickets Online: Ghosts and Gravestones
