Place: St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Location: 100 Red Cox Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Phone: (904) 829-0745
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Admission: General admission is $14.95 for adults, with discounts available for seniors, children, and military personnel. Special “Dark of the Moon” ghost tours are offered for an additional fee.
Website: staugustinelighthouse.org
History:
The St. Augustine Lighthouse stands on Anastasia Island and marks the site of Florida’s first lighthouse, originally a Spanish watchtower constructed in the late 1500s. The current 165-foot-tall tower was built between 1871 and 1874 to replace the original structure, which was threatened by shoreline erosion. The lighthouse was first lit in October 1874 and has since served as a crucial navigational aid. During World War II, it functioned as a lookout post for enemy submarines. The site now operates as a museum, preserving maritime history and offering educational programs.
Hauntings:
The St. Augustine Lighthouse is renowned for its paranormal activity, with numerous reports of unexplained phenomena:
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The Pittee Girls: In 1873, during the construction of the lighthouse, two daughters of Superintendent Hezekiah Pittee and a friend drowned when a supply cart they were playing in broke loose and plunged into the bay. Visitors have reported hearing children’s laughter and footsteps, and seeing apparitions of young girls.
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Shadow Figures: Guests and staff have observed shadowy figures moving within the lighthouse tower, particularly during nighttime tours.
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Disembodied Voices and Whistling: Many have reported hearing unexplained voices, whispers, and whistling sounds throughout the lighthouse and its grounds.
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Cold Spots and Sensations: Sudden drops in temperature and feelings of being touched or watched have been experienced by visitors, especially in the basement and on the staircase.
Personal Experiences:
A visitor recounted an eerie experience during a ghost tour:
“My wife and I followed whistling around the property for about 15 minutes… It was super creepy. Either someone played an EXTREMELY elaborate prank, with literally no one else around, or it was a ghost straight up.”
Paranormal Activity Rating: Very High (Constant paranormal activity)
The St. Augustine Lighthouse remains a beacon not only for maritime navigation but also for paranormal enthusiasts. Its rich history intertwined with tragic events contributes to its reputation as one of America’s most haunted locations. Visitors can explore the site through daytime tours or delve into its spectral stories during the “Dark of the Moon” ghost tours.