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Haunting

St. Augustine

America's oldest city is also one of its most haunted. 450 years of history—Spanish conquest, pirate attacks, Civil War, and yellow fever epidemics. The ghosts of St. Augustine span centuries.

1565 - Present
Florida, United States
20000+ witnesses

St. Augustine is America’s oldest and most haunted city.

The History

According to historical records:

Founded 1565:

  • Spanish colonial city
  • Oldest in US
  • Pirates, wars, plagues
  • Centuries of death
  • Rich history

Castillo de San Marcos

The fort:

  • Built 1672
  • Prisoners starved
  • Enemies sealed in walls
  • Executions
  • Extremely haunted

The Lighthouse

St. Augustine Lighthouse:

  • Two girls died (1873)
  • Fell from oil cart
  • Their spirits climb stairs
  • Laughing heard
  • Well documented

The Yellow Fever

Epidemic deaths:

  • Multiple outbreaks
  • Thousands died
  • Mass graves
  • Hotels built on cemeteries
  • Spirits everywhere

The Old Jail

Haunted prison:

  • Public hangings
  • Executions
  • Prisoner ghosts
  • Sheriff’s family too
  • Very active tours

Flagler College

Former Ponce de León Hotel:

  • Henry Flagler’s wife
  • Committed to asylum
  • Returned as ghost
  • Staff report sightings
  • Beautiful and haunted

Sources