From haunted hotels in quaint Cedar Key and rock-and-roll boutiques with haunted by one-legged Ginger, Florida offers up some truly haunted places – and whether or not you believe they exist, here are five of its infamous haunted sites that you should definitely see for yourself!
Visit Jackson County’s Bellamy Bridge heritage trail in Marianna to try to spot Elizabeth Jane Bellamy – said to haunt this area!
1. St. Augustine Lighthouse
Florida’s coastline features numerous lighthouses, but one is especially well known as being haunted. St. Augustine Lighthouse has become so well known that people travel here just to witness it; some even take ghost tours available here!
Visitors have reported hearing footsteps, seeing shadow figures, and sensing an uncomfortable presence at this location. It is thought that one member of the Pittee family who took his or her life may still linger here; other spirits may reside in Lighthouse Keeper’s House and Old Jail as well.
The Old Jail has been featured on multiple paranormal TV shows, such as Kindred Spirits and Ghost Hunters on Travel Channel. Many visitors and staff members have experienced paranormal activity here.
2. The Devil’s Chair
Lake Helen-Cassadaga Cemetery boasts a chair that has become legendary. According to legend, anyone daring to sit in it will see Satan appear, while another interesting rumor says that leaving an unopened beer can overnight on it will result in its being empty upon awakening!
The Chair is said to have an eerie past, including being the site of a murder nearby and becoming known for satanic activities – even attempts at cutting down its tree have failed and exorcisms have taken place on its grounds.
Cassadaga, an 1800s spiritualist community established around this chair, has earned itself the moniker “Psychic Center of the World.” There are many haunted spots in Cassadaga – but none more unnerving than The Devil’s Chair.
3. Tate’s Hell
Tate’s Hell State Forest covers more than 200,000 acres of cypress swamp and timberlands that is rich with history. According to local oral traditions, Cebe Tate married a fiery mail order bride in 1875 who forced him into this seemingly impenetrable swamp in order to find any cow necessary to placate his new bride’s demands.
On his mission, he ventured to an oak where he imprisoned, tortured, and executed two teenage hitchhikers. Today, this tree is still known as “The Devil Tree”, with strange noises such as footsteps or screaming emanating from within its bark.
Other terrifying places include Key West’s Fort East Martello Museum, where visitors who sit on graves or treat them poorly are haunted by an angry Bahamian woman; and Orlando’s Blue Anchor Pub where Bertha Starkey can often be heard clanking pots together or knocking things over.
4. Jack’s Tavern
Cedar Key Hotel boasts numerous spooky tales in its long and storied history; according to some, 13 ghosts vie for rooms at this historic landmark.
Jack’s Tavern first opened for business in 1934. Since its first year of operations, its reputation has grown, particularly after murdering Ethel Allen a frequent patron who frequented Jack’s Tavern.
Staff and guests of Ashley’s have reported lights flickering on and off, burglar alarms going off randomly, dishes breaking, and the shadowy figure of an elderly woman (possibly Ethel?) wearing 1930s clothing in the bathroom.
5. The Capitol
The Capitol is more than an historic building; it’s also haunted by its past inhabitants’ ghosts. You can learn about some of these tales in “The Capitol Inside & Out.”
One of the more intriguing tales involves a demon cat that prowls around Halls of Statuary and appears prior to tragic or historical national events, such as Civil War, Pearl Harbor or President Kennedy’s assassination. Paw prints have even been seen outside old Supreme Court chamber.
No matter your opinion on curses and ghosts, Florida offers plenty of exciting tales and sights that may spark imaginations. So take some time out the next time you visit Florida to enjoy these haunted places!
