Haunted St. Augustine
By Kara Franker, Visit Florida
Did you know that St. Augustine is one of America’s most haunted cities? It’s probably because the city has a colorful, nearly 450-year history. Step back in time into the nation’s oldest city and explore a few haunted landmarks.
St. Augustine Lighthouse
The 12-year-old daughter of the lighthouse builder drowned near the building. Reportedly, she can sometimes be heard and seen on the second floor of the museum. In fact, members of the popular “Ghost Hunters” TV show on the Syfy network say the lighthouse is home to some of the most unexplained paranormal activity they’ve ever encountered.
Casablanca Inn
The Casablanca Inn has what’s called a widow’s walk on the roof. During the Prohibition era, a saucy widow would warn rum runners that agents were staying there by standing on the widow’s walk and swinging a lantern visible from the sea. Recently, sailors in the harbor reported seeing the glow of a lantern swinging back and forth around midnight.
St. Francis Inn
Known as the most haunted place in St. Augustine, the St. Francis Inn’s guests and staff have reported sightings of Lilly, a servant girl who seems to be a bit of a prankster. There have been reports of doors slamming, lights flickering, and once a man woke up and found himself wedged under a bed. The fire department had to be called to free him.
The lighthouse staircase spirals for 219 steps.
Sailors have reported seeing a ghostly lantern signaling from the Casablanca Inn’s roof.
The Casablanca Inn also offers beautiful views of the bay.
The inn’s shady courtyard is just a short walk from the historic Plaza de la Constitucion.
Staff and guests say they’ve encountered the ghost of a mischievous young girl.
The jail’s bleak living conditions gave it an eerie reputation.
Visitors can get a glimpse of what life was like for inmates.
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