ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Halloween is fast approaching, and many people are in search of a good scare.
If you’re adventurous and love a good ghost story, there are haunted places nearby that you can visit 365 days a year.
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St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied city in the United States, is known for its history. The city has faced war, diseases and hurricanes, and is known for spirits, spooky tales and hauntings.
Here are some of the most haunted places in St. Augustine.
1. The Old Jail - Recognized as one of the most haunted buildings in the country, the Old Jail is shrouded in mystery and lore. The historic building housed prisoners from 1891 to 1953 when it was closed due to its deplorable conditions and the cruelty that it inflicted on its residents. Eight documented hangings were carried out on this site in addition to many other deaths that can only be described as unnatural. Perhaps these are the reasons why many believe the Old Jail to be an epicenter for paranormal activity and why it has become a popular destination for ghost hunters everywhere. It is said that “painful moaning and chains rattling within the gallows where many prisoners were executed” can be heard by those who visit. Late-night visitors also have reported hearing heavy footsteps throughout the jail. Address: 167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
2. Castillo de San Marcos - The Castillo de San Marcos was built between 1672 and 1695, making it the oldest and largest masonry fort in the continental United States. The fort was built to protect the city against foreign invasion. The fortress went through many battles. Spirits are said to roam around the fort on the inside and outside. Next time you take a photo at night, check for orbs or anything suspicious. The fort has been featured on many television shows including “Monumental Mysteries” and “Ghost Adventures.” Address: 11 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084
3. Spanish Military Hospital - Thousands of human bones were discovered during construction under the Spanish Military Hospital in 1821. Some say you can still hear voices. “Even before the remains were unearthed, workers and patients inside the hospital reported an evil spirit roaming the wards,” Ghosts & Gravestones said. Address: 3 Aviles St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
4. Huguenot Cemetery - All cemeteries are creepy, right? Visitors report capturing orbs and ghostly silhouettes on camera here frequently. The Huguenot Cemetery dates back to 1821 when the city needed a burial ground for those who were not Catholic. This place of rest is considered a hotbed of paranormal activity. Address: A1A Orange St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
5. St. Augustine Lighthouse - The 1874 St. Augustine Lighthouse tower has been featured on “Ghost Hunters” and is known for paranormal activity and spooky tales. Some say they still see lighthouse keeper Mr. Andreu, who fell to his death while painting the tower in 1859. Address: 100 Red Cox Drive St. Augustine, FL 32080
6. Potter’s Wax Museum - Located near the Tolomato Cemetary, rumor has it that Potter’s Wax Museum—America’s first and oldest wax museum—is haunted. During local ghost tours, one can expect to hear about the famed pirate Andrew Ranson and his execution. The 160 wax sculptures and statues inside are enough to give us the heebie-jeebies. More info Address: 31 Orange Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
7. Haunted Airbnb in St. Augustine - Masters Manor A Gothic Themed Cottage, a 1900 gothic-style cottage, is a unique place to call home when visiting St. Augustine. From the dark aesthetic, custom woodwork, and warm lighting, guests will find that this home has a very cozy feel to it. The eclectic decor with a few strange oddities offers a whimsical, inviting atmosphere, according to a release. Click here to see photos.
8. Flagler College - Some of the students who attend Flagler College and stay on campus have noted spine-chilling experiences. “From mysterious hooded figures to strange noises echoing through the halls, there have been numerous reports of ghosts hovering around the campus throughout its storied past. With that in mind, here is a haunted guide to Flagler College. The most famous haunt on campus is known as “The Gray Lady.” Legend has it that she was the wife of Flagler and can be seen wandering near the college’s towers late at night. She is said to linger in a stupor, her gaze distant and her body hidden under a long flowing gray cloak. It is said that she is searching for her lost husband. The ghostly sightings don’t end there — students have reported hearing strange noises emanating from the dormitories, particularly in the towers. Some have also claimed to feel an eerie presence while walking through the grounds,” Ghosts and Gravestones said.
The Ghosts & Gravestones tour, whose stories helped create this haunted list, knows St. Augustine’s spooky past like the back of their hands. You can hit most of the places mentioned above in one night with the help of the Ghosts & Gravestones tour. You can also do a walking tour with other tour guides. For more information, click here.
Click here for a full list of fall events around Northeast Florida.